Hey tweets, 12 Trumpeter Swans deigned to float in from behind Webster Point yesterday, settling in to preen at Water Lily Cove. They were remarkably tolerant of a bunch of birders on the nearby shore who were ga-ga over them. The group of dazzled humans was joined by some passers-by with dogs, and the swans even allowed that. Makes me think perhaps at least some of them were former juveniles who grew up here. The swans tootled to each other from time to time, as if they were wondering about whether they should leave for quieter climes, but in the end, they stayed. They sounded like the brass section of an orchestra tuning up. Trumpeters indeed.

Earlier in the week, we had a Merlin rocket through. I don't believe I have ever seen a faster-moving bird in my life. It tore through the air so fast I expected to hear a sonic boom, or at least a sonic pop, because, for all its power, a Merlin is pretty small, you have to admit.

So far this year, we've seen 55 species, including hard-to-see Redheads, Ruddy Ducks, and Varied Thrush. - Connie, Seattle

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