Whether you are a novice or a lifelong birder, a morning walk along the Skagit Wildlife Preserve renders itself to some stellar bird watching. From shorebirds to falcons, ducks to herons, the banks of this wetland area are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including flocks of migrating fowl, calling this valley home for the winter.
Walking along these sandy burms, the familiar “honk” of Trumpeter Swans echo across these fields while a few ribbons of Snow Geese fly across the early dawning sky, headed east for the day’s feeding ground in a field rich with wintering grains.
Bird watching is a popular pastime in Skagit Valley all year long. Nature enthusiasts flock to the marshy delta found along the slough of Skagit Bay to get a glimpse of these magnificent birds. The real draw from around November to March is the waterfowl.
Jeff Osmundson, with the Skagit Audubon Society, has been watching, counting, and admiring these flocks for years. “ Thousands of snow geese, swans, and ducks winter here in pretty amazing numbers,” he says. “ That also brings in a good number of raptors that we only find in the winter. One especially charismatic species is the short-eared owl. They winter here and are a huge draw for birders and especially photographers.”
Granted, a field covered in white snow geese is a mezmerizing sight. According to Elizabeth Lunney, the Interim Executive Director for Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, “It will stop you in your tracks. But if you are behind the wheel, please don’t stop. Keep driving until you can find a safe and legal place to pull over and park.” She also cautions, “Be aware of your surroundings, the working lands around you. Act as a visitor or guest, with respect and deference, let the birds do their bird thing and let the farmers farm.”
Here are a few ways you can help and be bird wise:
So, go ahead, grab those binoculars, button up a warm sweater, and lace up those boots—let’s go birding!
As autumn approaches, the season’s showstoppers—the snow geese—begin their migration south from the Artic tundra, landing here in the Skagit Valley. With their young offspring in tow, they will spend the next several months grazing on salt marsh plants and foraging on overwintering cover crops like winter wheat.
Snow geese, along with trumpeter swans, can be a bit transient, moving from field to field every day. This creates a certain level of unpredictability. However, there are a few general spots that are good and safe starting points.
A couple of great places to begin when searching for the birds are within the Skagit Wildlife Area, run by theWashington Trails Association. Two main areas offering parking lots, kiosks, and well-maintained trails are Wylie Slough and Fir Island Farm Reserve.
Both are perfect starting points for any birding adventure. At times, thousands of gregarious snow geese flock along these diked farmlands, attracting curious onlookers and other birds of prey such as bald eagles and northern harriers.
Still craving more bird watching? Then head north over Fir Island to the Samish Flats.
As the sun dips below the horizon, another fascinating bird takes center stage: the Short-eared Owl. These elusive creatures are often seen hunting in the twilight, their silent flight and ghostly appearance adding to their mystique.
Patience is a virtue when looking for the Short-eared Owl, for these cryptic birds are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into the grasslands and wetlands.
A stroll along the flats near sunset offers a rare opportunity to see these owls in daylight. With their distinctive white facial disks and buoyant flight, they are a joy to watch as they soar low over the fields, searching for small mammals like voles and mice.
Why not make a weekend adventure out of bird-watching? On day two, head east toward the North Cascades and the small towns of Concrete, Rockport, and Marblemount, where one of the highest concentrations of wintering Bald Eagles can be seen along the Skagit River.
These iconic birds of prey congregate along the shorelines, taking advantage of the abundant spawning salmon populations. The river creates an ideal wintering ground for these magnificent birds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds between December and January.
Stop at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center in Rockport for the most up-to-date viewing spots and information, or book a guided walk with a local naturalist.
To get up close with the eagles, consider spending the day on the river with Skagit River Eagle Tours or check out the month-long celebration of everything eagle with the Skagit Eagle Festival taking place in January.
Come prepared for the weather because the valley can quickly turn cold and blustery. Hats, gloves, warm jackets, and appropriate footwear for mucking about are highly encouraged. One will need a current WA State Discover Pass to access the wildlife areas.
And don’t forget your binoculars and camera! Many of the birds provide quite a show, delighting you over and over again.
After immersing yourself in the beauty and bounty of Skagit Valley, why not kick back and stay awhile? Small towns like La Conner, Anacortes, and Edison provide excellent shopping and exquisite dining, with everything on the menu, from pub fare to pizza, local seafood, and fine dining.
Feeling sated after a great meal? Why not retire to one of Skagit Valley’s quaint bed and breakfasts, hotels, or for a unique country stay, try one of the farmstays located throughout the county?
Winter birding is a phenomenal time in the valley, and it will undoubtedly leave you wanting to return throughout the seasons.
About the author: MaryRose Denton is a freelance travel writer who grew up in Seattle and now calls Skagit Valley her home. She enjoys writing about local culture, PNW history, and the state’s rich agriculture, along with sustainability and wellness adventures.
