Swans, herons flock to region

Birds appear to be cooperating with orgnaizers of bird festivals coinciding with spring migrations. More than 4,000 turndra swans were counted at Calispell Lake in Pend Oreille County on Friday, said John Stuart, an Audubon Society member from Newport. The lake is a traditional stopover for the big white birds as they head to northern breeding grounds. The lake also is a destination for tours on Tundra Swan Day in Usk, March 20, starting at 10 a.m. at Kalispel Camas Center. In addition, migrating varied thrushes are singing, he said, and at least 80 migrating great blue herons were counted on pilings near the bridge over the Pend Oreille River at Usk Information about the Tundra Swan Festival is online at www.porta-us.com; (509) 447-5286.