Pelicans over Bennington Lake

We watched eleven American white pelicans circling over Bennington Lake on our walk this morning.  They seem to be coming further east from the Columbia River all the time - first the Walla Walla River, and now Bennington Lake.  Forty-two canada geese also circled and landed on the lake.  We were surprised to find six western tanagers, mostly males.  All the birds were enjoying the serviceberries and the hawthorn berries - especially the tanagers, black-headed grosbeaks, robins and cedar waxwings.  Two red-crossbills flew over and landed in the trees on the north side of the lake.  The swallows are pretty much done nesting and will be leaving before long.  Last week there were over 200 bank swallows enjoying the insects over the water.  Many of the birds are feeding young - summer is going by too fast.  Better get out and enjoy them while they are still around!     Ginger