The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 7: Seven Swans-A-Swimming

Illustration courtesy of Thinkstock

More birds. Oy. As we have been exploring where to go to obtain or achieve everything from the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” here is day seven.

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Seven Swans-a-Swimming

Tundra Swans are one of the most popular types of migrating swans that can be seen in the winter months in North America.  They typically winter in the Central Californian Valley and the Pacific Coast, so that is where we are off to.

How to See them

Lake Mendocino is one of the best places to see birds in the winter months, including the Tundra Swan. Located about three hours northwest of Sacramento, the lake is a great spot year round for wildlife observation. There is a small welcome center at the lake staffed by local Native Americans. For more information on visiting and viewing wildlife, head to the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of places to camp in the summer months, but the cabins and sites number much fewer in the winter.  You can head south to Williams or north to Willows for chain hotel lodging, but for the sake of this trip, we are going to make a quick day of it watching swans and then head on in to Sacramento.  There is a wonderful boutique hotel in downtown called The Citizen Hotel offering room uniqueness, city views, and a private, balconied penthouse. For someone a little more budget minded and maybe with a touch of nostalgia, head to the Delta Queen, a converted riverboat that houses modern accommodations, two restaurants, entertainment, two professional theaters, a wine school and more.

Where to Eat a Swan

Ok, so we are not going to talk about how to eat a swan, even though it is perfectly legal to hunt them in four states and because they are basically a long necked goose, the meat is comparable. While you are out and about swan seeing, you might as well take in a great meal, especially if you are going to forgo the swan. 

At the Citizen Hotel they have the Grange Restaurant & Bar.  They are as organic and free range as they can be, and serve an abundance of local Pacific Ocean fish and seafood as well as farm raised duck, chicken and pork.  The Delta Queen’s offerings are The Pilothouse, their fine dining restaurant, as well as the Delta Bar and Grill which is more on the casual and fun side. The food looks good in either restaurant, with your selections a little more diverse on the Pilot house side.

Alright, seven days down and we are finally done with the birds.  Let’s get to the women!!  Here is your 12 Days of Christmas video as promised: