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

Terek Sandpiper

Xenus cinereus

7/21/2026Stanwood Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/21/2026Stanwood Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/21/2026Stanwood Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/21/2026

European Starling

17/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

House Sparrow

27/21/2026

Green Heron

17/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/21/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Steller's Jay

17/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/21/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

17/21/2026

House Finch

27/21/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/21/2026

Vaux's Swift

17/20/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/20/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

27/20/2026

Western Tanager

17/20/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

27/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/20/2026

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.