The Tundra Swan Festival is filled with presentations, workshops, a bus ride to a nearby lake to view the swans, and a hot buffet-lunch.
The event takes place at the Kalispel Tribe's Camas Center for Community Wellness, 1821 N LeClerc Road, Cusick, Washington.
The event takes place at the Kalispel Tribe's Camas Center for Community Wellness, 1821 N LeClerc Road, Cusick, Washington.
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 Kalispel Casino, just north of Cusick town limits on Highway 20 in northeastern Washington.
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 Kalispel Casino, just north of Cusick town limits on Highway 20 in northeastern Washington.
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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.
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!
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 hosted by THE PEND OREILLE REGION TOURISM ALLIANCE (PORTA) and SPONSORED BY the Natural Resources Department of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians.
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