仙台 えいごの教室

  On November 7, when I was riding a bike along the Hirose River, I did a double take¹ at 2 big white lumps² in the river. I thought no way — they can’t be swans, but yes! They were.  Swans already arrived! Amazing! It’s quite early.
 

  After I got home, I quickly reported that to Will. You know whom I talk to — a birder (a bird watcher)!  He said "Ah, I knew." He said he saw them just recently, and also he heard about them from prople who walk around this area. So I was behind³.

  As of⁴ November, 14, when I’m writing this blog, there are 15 swans, including 6 juveniles⁵. You can see those gray swans in the photos. That’s them. I wonder where they were born and how long they had to fly to come over here. You guys made it⁶!

  There is one sad piece of news. Last Saturday, we heard that one swan was found dead and tested positive⁷ for bird flu. That’s really sad. I hope the other swans and ducks are OK. It seems so far so good⁸. ( I’ll keep my fingers crossed for them to be strong and healthy! )
(They are doing OK after this!)

  I wonder how many are coming here this year. Thanks to the swans, we always have something to talk about with neighbors and walkers along the Hirose River. I enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere⁹ in this neighborhood.

  A couple days ago, I heard a few  swans honking¹⁰ around 2 o’clock in the morning in the river right in front of our house. Having swans around, it makes me feel that the winter is not bad!