January 29, 2019

          A flock of trumpeter swans were bedded down for a few days on a field near the Bear River, taking a rest in their travels. Some days they appeared as a dozen or so big white lumps in the snowy flatness of the pasture. But when their elegance stretched out there was no mistaking the identity of these beautiful birds. When another storm blew in and then snowmobiles invaded the field the birds decided it was time to move out. Some have returned and all is well. We are pleased they like this area.

          Even the turkeys moved out for a few days with the biggest storm. Perhaps the depth of the snow makes it harder to get around and find food. As things have settled the black gobblers are returning and spend lots of time scratching and pecking at the sides of the roads. A few have met their demise in that location, particularly if they find themselves between guard rails when a truck zooms by.

         Brint and Brittnee Phillips are building a home on our Mink Creek slopes. They come to us from Washington and Brint is employed by Stotz, the local John Deere dealership. Their three children, Clayton, Henry and Abigail are a most welcome addition to our shrinking “small children” population. Brittnee's parents, Jonia and Ken Carlson from Oregon are also becoming part of our community.

          Sandy Wylie has taken a few days off to stay with her daughter, Mona, and her family in Rock Springs, WY. Mona had been visiting in Mink Creek prior to this.

           Brandi and Jake Allred and their three children of West Bountiful, UT, were up for a family gathering at the home of Bret and Jody Rasmussen. Another daughter, Cheyenne and Kaden Lloyd, formerly of Fairview. ID, were there too. At the present time Cheyenne is staying with her parents full-time. Kaden has been called elsewhere by the U.S. Air Force and Cheyenne will be in Mink Creek until his return.

           Sunny, bright, beautiful and cold.That is how it is, but not nearly as cold as the reports of the Midwest. Should I report that Mink Creek is balmy, comparatively speaking?

            I made a check on those swans today and they were not in the field, but might have been just moseying around nearby in the trees bordering the field. My bird knowledge is limited and I have no idea how long they might stay before moving on.