Out & About

Biologist: Keep an eye out for trumpeter swans

OUTFIELD – Ice-up has ushered the trumpeter swans out of Turnbull National Wildlife refuge to whereever they go during winter.

Solo, the geriatric patriarch of a growing trumpeter family, departed the refuge with his mate and this year’s crop of five cygnets during Thanksgiving week, said Mike Rule, refuge biologist. Three yearling swans from last year’s crop – the first brood at Turnbull in 22 years – also have left.

Only a small 20-yard diameter opening remained in the ice Monday on Cheever Lake, one of the swans’ favorite hangouts, Rule said. The trumpeters require around 50 yards or more of open water for a “runway” in order to take off and get their heavy bodies airborne.

The refuge wetlands were frozen over before this week’s temporary thaw.

Rule said he plans to capture some of the younger swans next year and fix them with colored collars that would encourage birders to report swan sightings. This would help end the mystery of where Solo has been wintering undetected for the 33-46 years that he’s been on the refuge, Rule said.

• Report sightings: “I would love to get notification of any sightings of swans this winter,” Rule said.

Email Mike_Rule@fws.gov. Include your contact information, location description that includes the name of body of water and nearest road intersection, number of swans in the group and presence and number of any juveniles (gray with pink bills).

Step into winter on snowshoes, skis

OUTDO – Spokane Parks and Recreation is beginning an extensive slate of winter recreation clinics and outings starting this week, usually in the winter wonderland at Mount Spokane State Park.

Snowshoeing classes and nordic skiing classes are offered in different distinctions, such as “women’s only” and “family” groups.

The costs are minimal:  Usually $29 for gear rental and instruction; cheaper rates for families. 

Sign up:  625-6200 or online: spokaneparks.org/

Conservation Futures ‘Top 10’ ranked

 Following are names and acreage of an advisory committee’s priority ranking for the top 10 of 36 properties nominated for acquisition by the Spokane County Conservation Futures Program.

 Recommendations will be considered Tuesday by the Spokane County Commissioners.

1. Knights Lake, 590.

2. Dishman Hills, 160.

3. Antoine Peak, 240.

4. Mica Peak, 920.

5. Saltese, 555.

6. Williams Lake, 15.

7. Peone Prairie, 20.

8. Indian Bluff, 204.

9. Beacon Hill, 30.

10. Beacon Hill, 30.