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
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans
Western Flycatcher
Empidonax difficilis
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Sandhill Crane
Antigone canadensis
Purple Martin
Progne subis
Franklin's Gull
Leucophaeus pipixcan
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Rufous Hummingbird
Killdeer
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Marsh Wren
Bewick's Wren
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
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 →