[birding] mute swan at Finley

[Susan Hatlevig]

  The latest post reminds me that we saw the lone mute swan at Finley on 
Sunday morning, along with a snoozing, and then yawning white pelican.  
We were there quite early around 6-6:30 and tromped up around the Pigeon 
Butte trail as well.  On the way back we were struck by the amazing 
musical-like sound of the mute swan's wings as it flew over.  At first 
we thought the bird was calling and then realized it was just the sound 
of the wings through the air.  Considering how high it was, it must have 
been very loud up close.  We counted about 32 species that day and we 
also saw a beautiful snake.  Upon looking up Oregon snakes it appears to 
be a California Red-sided garter snake, a good-sized one too.  Other 
than the mute swan we did have fun watching a Western Kingbird along 
with a young meadowlark share a snag and make noises back and forth.  
Not really singing. Lazulis, Swainson's thrush calling but not singing, 
although we heard several.  Mature bald eagle looking over the marsh 
from one of the trees.  Nothing that unusual, probably what seemed 
unusual was how chilly and dark it was.  By the time we arrived home at 
noon is when the sun finally came out!  Susie in Corvallis