Trumpeter swans

One thing I love about this time of year is that a flock of trumpeter swans takes up temporary residence. They rest and feed in a fallow field here.

They’re huge birds, standing up to 5 feet with a wingspan up to 80 inches. Grey feathered juveniles hang out with the adults. The group makes quiet honking sounds as they go about pecking for food in the soil, plant materials and crop waste.

The trumpeting honks suddenly picked up as I watched and groups of swans came in for a landing. (Don’t adjust your glasses…this and the next shot aren’t in good focus.)

They didn’t need much of a runway.

The trumpeter swans that visit us come from populations that nest in Alaska.

Guilt free pampering

This is where our dog kicks back when his people have to leave him behind: Dungeness Ranch Pet Resort. He’s more than happy to come here. He heads out the door to the fenced play area without even looking over his shoulder to say goodbye.

Our dog is a social character. His favorite boarding spot in California called him their frat boy. Party, party, party. He always comes home tired and happy.