According to local residents, the first swans were spotted in early December. Initially, people thought that the birds had simply stopped for a short rest during migration. However, despite the onset of cold weather, the flock remained at the water body. Currently, a small group of 8–9 individuals resides at the pond. “We thought they would fly away, but they stayed for the winter. Now we come every day to see them. This has become a real attraction for our village,” local residents share their impressions.
The appearance of the swans has attracted the attention of not only adults but also children. Many of them come to the water body specifically to admire these rare birds for the region.
Tatyana Tarabrina, the chief specialist of the Chui-Bishkek Department of Chemicalization, Plant Protection, and Quarantine for the Jayil district, noted that the reasons for the swans' appearance are difficult to determine. “Swans are migratory birds, and their presence during the winter period is surprising. Perhaps they were flying to another location or were returning and made a stop. December was quite warm, and the severe frosts this season lasted only about ten days. These conditions could have contributed to their wintering,” she explained.
Tarabrina also does not rule out the possibility that this group may have separated from the main flock. Typically, swans migrate in large groups with a clear hierarchy and a leader.
The specialist suggests that changes in climatic conditions are increasingly affecting migration routes. In recent years, winters have become milder, and birds are more frequently choosing water bodies where there is a sufficient amount of food and warm water.
Tatyana Tarabrina emphasized that swans had not been observed in the village of Stepnoye before. In the summer, ponds in this area often dry up, as water is used for irrigating agricultural lands. Therefore, the conditions for the permanent habitat of large waterfowl are usually unsuitable. “We have seen cranes and herons, but never swans. Nevertheless, the village of Stepnoye is known for its abundance of greenery and trees, which creates a comfortable environment. It is likely that the combination of a mild winter and a calm water body is the reason the flock decided to stay. It is necessary to monitor their behavior to understand whether they will continue their migration with the arrival of warmth or remain. For a more accurate analysis of the situation, observations by ornithologists are needed. But it is already clear that the appearance of swans is a rare and beautiful natural phenomenon that has become a pleasant surprise for the entire Jayil district,” she added.
