TUNDRA Swan Festival
Pend Oreille County, Washington
MARCH 20, 2021
The swans historically favor the Pend Oreille River Valley with a brief stop as they journey to ancestral breeding grounds on the Arctic tundra, hence their common name. A medium distance migrant, the Cygnus columbianus may travel from as far away as New Mexico, the California coast, and Colorado River, or as near as southern Idaho. Whatever the distance, they are a welcome sight and sound; a herald of spring.
The tundra swan is an elegant bird. In flocking with its larger cousin, the trumpeter, the tundra is distinguished by just a bit of yellow above the bill and an erect neck posture observed during takeoff and initial flight.
Mother Nature holds her weather secrets close and leaves the rest of us guessing when the most abundant numbers of the snow-white swans will be at Calispel Lake. Ranging in numbers from a small flock to hundreds, the spectacle of flapping wings and sparkling, all-white plumage is always memorable. The cacophony of bugling calls and water slapping can be heard from far away.
The event has presentations, workshop, information booths, artisan vendors, bus trip to Calispel Lake for wildlife viewing, and a hot buffet lunch at the Camas Center for Community Wellness, 1821 LeClerc Rd N, Cusick, WA.
The tundra swan is an elegant bird. In flocking with its larger cousin, the trumpeter, the tundra is distinguished by just a bit of yellow above the bill and an erect neck posture observed during takeoff and initial flight.
Mother Nature holds her weather secrets close and leaves the rest of us guessing when the most abundant numbers of the snow-white swans will be at Calispel Lake. Ranging in numbers from a small flock to hundreds, the spectacle of flapping wings and sparkling, all-white plumage is always memorable. The cacophony of bugling calls and water slapping can be heard from far away.
The event has presentations, workshop, information booths, artisan vendors, bus trip to Calispel Lake for wildlife viewing, and a hot buffet lunch at the Camas Center for Community Wellness, 1821 LeClerc Rd N, Cusick, WA.
WHAT TO BRING
“Chance favors the prepared mind.”
Please consider the following:
Binoculars
Camera
Weather appropriate clothes, include a hat
Water
Birding guide
Please consider the following:
Binoculars
Camera
Weather appropriate clothes, include a hat
Water
Birding guide
ON THE DAY
Please allow for at least an hour and a half drive from Spokane or Coeur d'Alene.
The tour will return to the Center for lunch.
Whether serious birders looking to add to your collection, or you just need a break from winter’s doldrums,
join us for the Tundra Swan Festival!
The tour will return to the Center for lunch.
Whether serious birders looking to add to your collection, or you just need a break from winter’s doldrums,
join us for the Tundra Swan Festival!
ThIS event is co-hosted by:
the Natural Resources Department of
the Kalispel Tribe of Indians
and the Pend Oreille REGION Tourism Alliance (PORTA)
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