Trumpeter Swans were lost in Minnesota as a breeding species since 1885; restoration efforts began with captive birds in 1969, some allowed to fly free. Free flying birds increased to 86 by 1985. They are now freely established over much of Minnesota, numbering several thousand, and their trumpet like calls can be heard on many lakes and marshes or from flocks flying overhead. The mounted birds suspended from the ceilings of the Mississippi River Gallery were some of the early propagations that were illegally shot.

The choice of this bird rests largely upon the remarkable success story of its recovery from extirpiration in Minnesota and near extinction everywhere else. This magnificent species is the largest of our waterfowl with a weight of over 30 lbs and wingspreads of 6½ feet.