Skagit Valley
Washington · Pacific Northwest
Easy
November-February
Free
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
Yellow-breasted Chat
Icteria virens
Red Knot
Calidris canutus
Western Meadowlark
Sturnella neglecta
Wilson's Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolor
Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Sandhill Crane
Antigone canadensis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Common Nighthawk
Killdeer
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
American Crow
Barn Swallow
House Finch
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Mourning Dove
Hairy Woodpecker
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
American Robin
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Western Tanager
Birding Tips
- 1
Drive Fir Island Road for Snow Geese and raptors
- 2
Check agricultural fields for Snowy Owls in winter
- 3
Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches
- 4
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
- 5
Check the tide schedule — shorebirds are most active during falling and low tides
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Padilla Bay NERR
- San Juan Islands
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Washington Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Washington →