Today, I explored the southern portion of the county with hopes of finding Tundra Swans. I was not disappointed at all with the cooperation of the swans today!

On Paradise Prairie, viewed from Smythe Road, I found my first Tundra Swans. There were 20 on a small pond with four Greater White-fronted Geese and some Canada Geese. Also, Northern Pintail were present with Mallards as well. From Stutler Road, I found a big flock of Canada Geese with 4 more Greater White-fronted Geese. I was also able to pick out four Cackling Geese. Also, on Stutler Road, there were four Western Bluebirds near the property with all the bird boxes.

My next encounter with Tundra Swans happened at Philleo Lake where there were approximately 75 Tundra Swans present. Lots of Canada Geese here too, plus a larger number of Northern Pintail.

I made a quick stop at Turnbull NWR and found one male Common Goldeneye and two Barrow's Goldeneye males on Pine Lake.

In the southwest corner of the county, on Wood Road, I found another pond with 37 Tundra Swans. On Scroggie Road, I spotted a lone Turkey Vulture headed north.

Finally, at the intersection of Columbia Basin Highway and Pine Spring Road, I found one lone male Western Bluebird.

Good birding!

Tim O'Brien
Cheney, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo dot com