Snow Geese in flight over Skagit Valley farmlands

Skagit Valley

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-February

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

The Skagit Valley in northwestern Washington hosts one of the largest wintering concentrations of raptors in the Pacific Northwest. Agricultural fields and tidal flats attract thousands of Snow Geese, Trumpeter Swans, and hunting raptors including Snowy Owls in irruption years.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/17/2026Anacortes Ferry Terminal2 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

4/17/2026Boe Rd., Stanwood1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

4/16/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

4/16/2026Deception Pass SP--Trail Cornet Bay around Goose Rock to bridge1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/16/2026Olsen Road1 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

4/15/2026Norman Rd, Stanwood1 observed

Yellow-billed Loon

Gavia adamsii

4/12/2026Washington Park--Green Point1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

4/12/2026Fredonia12 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/6/2026

Mallard

24/6/2026

Mourning Dove

24/6/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

14/6/2026

Killdeer

14/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/6/2026

Bald Eagle

14/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/6/2026

Northern Flicker

14/6/2026

American Crow

14/6/2026

Common Raven

14/6/2026

Tree Swallow

54/6/2026

Marsh Wren

14/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/6/2026

European Starling

64/6/2026

American Robin

14/6/2026

House Sparrow

24/6/2026

Purple Finch

14/6/2026

American Goldfinch

14/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Drive Fir Island Road for Snow Geese and raptors

  2. 2

    Check agricultural fields for Snowy Owls in winter

  3. 3

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Check the tide schedule — shorebirds are most active during falling and low tides

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Skagit Valley for birding?
The best months to visit Skagit Valley for birding are November-February. The best seasons are Winter.
What birds can I see at Skagit Valley?
Notable species at Skagit Valley include Snowy Owl, Gyrfalcon, Trumpeter Swan, Snow Goose, Short-eared Owl, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports grassland, wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Skagit Valley?
Birding at Skagit Valley is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Skagit Valley?
There is no entrance fee at Skagit Valley. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Skagit Valley?
Skagit Valley offers the following amenities: Parking.