A friend told me where I could see Tundra Swans, which had dropped by local fields. I took a drive out to see them and, sure enough, there was a field full of them! The photo shows only a portion of them, which was very large. I hadn't been aware that these swans stop over here on their migration route. I am not sure about the identity of the smaller black birds among them.

Note what 'ducks.org' ( http://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id/tundra-swan) has to say about the Tundra Swan - "Tundra swans winter mainly along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, from southern British Columbia to California and from New Jersey to South Carolina."

Describing the Tundra Swan, the same source says, " Average length: 51.5 inches, Average weight: 13.9 lbs." So it is a pretty large bird.

Tundra Swan Description

"The plumage of adult tundra swans is completely white, though their heads and necks are often stained a rusty color from ferrous minerals encountered in marsh soils during feeding. The bill is black and often has a yellow spot at the base. The legs and feet are black and the iris is dark brown. Both sexes are identical in appearance, but males typically are larger. The tundra swan is smaller than the trumpeter swan, but it is difficult to separate them in the field. The tundra swan's call is high-pitched and reminiscent of snow geese, while the trumpeter swan's call is more vociferous and has been likened to the sound of a French horn."

While walking in Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, I noticed a Navy aircraft flying in circles from Eugene Airport. It passed overhead several times. Being a curious sort, I wondered what it was doing but was left to wonder. Whatever it was, I felt I got a pretty good shot with a lens not recommended for the camera. :)

This is a breeding adult pelican. A yellow plate forms on the upper bill of breeding adults. I have seen a few pelicans at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area recently. They must be passing through. I have also seen them here in the fall, perhaps going the other direction in their migration routes.

Some "Cool Facts" from: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_White_Pelican/overview

- Contrary to cartoon portrayals and common misconceptions, pelicans never carry food in their bill pouches. They use them to scoop up food but swallow their catch before flying off.

- They forage almost exclusively by day on their wintering grounds, but during breeding season, they commonly forage at night. Even though it’s hard to see, nighttime foraging tends to result in larger fish being caught than during the daytime.

- The oldest known American White Pelican at least 23 years, 6 months old and was banded in North Dakota in 1983.

I don't know whether Peabody is getting frustrated with the lack of attention from the chickens or not, but he sure keeps trying. I had to laugh the other day when my son-in-law said, "Poor Peabody, I guess we need to get a peahen to keep him company." We do find him entertaining, and the cries, calls and other noises he makes can be quite loud.

I love it when I can find a sunlit scene against a background of a dark sky. I liked this late afternoon view.

I checked my Birds of North America book to find this bird and thought it might be a Blackpoll Warbler, the colors are very similar. But I don't think we get them here. Any thoughts? Wait! I know now!

Thanks to my Audubon friend, Jim, and always helpful Laura I know the bird is a Blackcapped Chickadee. I should have known! The little Chickadee was seen at Delta Ponds.