The white Tundra swans have returned to the Mendocino Coast of Northern California, as they do every year. Right after New Year's Day the dazzling white flock arrives near the Garcia River on the large Stornetta Dairy Ranch which borders the Pacific Ocean. They have just flown 1800 miles from the Artic Circle and will make the same return trip in about two months. I walk out with my friend Donna Stornetta to take a closer look. The birds are big, about 15 or 16 pounds with a wing span of 85 inches. They float serenely on the marshy land and seem to be enjoying their California vacation. Late in February or early March the flock will all take flight for the long trip back to the Artic where they will remain hardly noticeable in the frozen landscape of snow and ice until their return the following January. They are one of nature's beautiful sights and an important sign of a promising New Year ahead.
From everyone at House in the Country, Happy New Year to All our friends and customers.
