Snow geese are majestic white birds that migrate through the Skagit Valley in Washington state each winter and early spring. Their arrival in the valley is a magical event that draws birdwatchers and nature lovers from across the region. In this article, we’ll look at when snow geese typically arrive in the Skagit Valley, where they can be spotted, and the best times to see them.
When do snow geese arrive in Skagit Valley?
Snow geese are Arctic nesting geese that breed during the summer north of the Arctic Circle in places like northern Canada, Alaska, and Russia. They spend their winters in more southerly locations across North America.
The timing of the snow goose migration through the Skagit Valley depends on many factors including weather conditions up north and along their migratory routes. However, here is an approximate timeline for when the geese arrive in the valley each winter:
– Early November: The first scouting flocks of snow geese start arriving. These are usually smaller groups of a few hundred birds.
– Mid November: Larger flocks begin to appear, numbering in the low thousands.
– Late November/Early December: Peak migration gets underway with multiple flocks of up to tens of thousands of snow geese congregating in the Skagit Valley. This is the best time to see huge rafts of snow geese.
– December through February: Snow goose numbers remain high with thousands congregating in the valley fields and wetlands.
– March: The spring migration starts up as the geese begin heading back north. Numbers decline through March but some geese remain into April.
So in summary, snow geese typically start arriving in early November with peak numbers reached in late November and early December. They remain common from December through February before departing in March.
Where can snow geese be seen in Skagit Valley?
The Skagit Valley provides ideal habitat for wintering snow geese with its extensive farmlands and wetlands. Here are some of the best places to spot snow geese in the valley:
– Fir Island: This farming community near Mount Vernon hosts thousands of snow geese each winter. They congregate in agricultural fields to feed on leftover potatoes, grains and other crops. The Fir Island Snow Goose Reserve managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife provides excellent public viewing areas.
– Wylie Slough: This wetland rest area off Interstate 5 near Mount Vernon is a major roosting site for snow geese at night. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to see them streaming in huge flocks overhead.
– Skagit Wildlife Area: Waterfowl congregate at the wetland ponds and fields of this wildlife area near Conway. An excellent viewing platform allows you to watch thousands of snow geese and other waterfowl.
– Samish Flats: Extensive farmlands that often get flooded provide ideal snow goose habitat. Try places like Samish Island, Columbia Bottom Road, and Lake Samish for snow goose sightings.
– Port Susan Bay: Snow geese feed in agricultural fields near Stanwood and roost on the bay waters. View from places like George Hopper Road and Marine Drive.
So in general, follow the agricultural fields, wetlands, and shallow bay waters around the Mount Vernon and Conway areas for the best snow goose sighting opportunities.
When is the best time to see snow geese in Skagit Valley?
To maximize your chances of seeing large numbers of snow geese, visit the Skagit Valley during peak activity times:
Early Morning: Try to arrive about an hour before sunrise. Snow geese depart their overnight roosting spots on mass at first light to fly to feed in fields. You can witness huge flocks streaming overhead or across the sky. Popular fly-out spots include Wylie Slough, Port Susan Bay, and Samish Flats.
Late Afternoon: In the hour before sunset, snow geese make their evening return flight from feeding grounds back to wetland roosting sites. Excellent fly-in viewing spots include Wylie Slough, Skagit Wildlife Area, and Samish Flats.
Mid-day: You can watch snow geese feed in agricultural fields during daylight hours. The best action often occurs mid-morning and mid-afternoon when the geese are most actively foraging. Fir Island and Samish Flats have great snow goose feeding flock viewing opportunities.
High Tide: At high tide, many snow geese leave coastal marshes and bay marshes and congregate on open fields. Try viewing along Port Susan Bay or Samish Flats during high tide cycles.
Before Storms: Snow geese become extra active right before storms with increased flights and foraging. Some of the largest flocks can be seen just prior to storm system arrivals.
So in general, the magic hours around sunrise and sunset provide excellent snow goose viewing opportunities in Skagit Valley. But it’s worth checking out the areas mid-day as well, especially before an incoming storm.
Snow Goose Viewing Tips
To have the best experience viewing snow geese here are some tips:
– Use binoculars and spotting scopes – Snow geese can be far off in fields and wetlands so magnification aids viewing.
– Look for leg bands – Some snow geese have wildlife service leg bands for tracking. Seeing the bands allows you to report data.
– Dress warmly – Standing around for hours watching birds requires warm layers even in the valley.
– Be quiet – Noise and sudden movements will scare geese off so be stealthy.
– Bring a camera – Photographing the geese provides memorable images and helps with identification.
– Pack snacks/drinks – Viewing is most productive at first light and dusk when amenities are closed so bring provisions.
– Be patient – Geese numbers and activity varies so take your time watching and enjoying.
– Follow ethics – Don’t trespass on private property or disturb the geese while viewing.
With preparation and knowledge of the best places and times, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sights and sounds of thousands of snow geese in the Skagit Valley. Have a great time viewing these special birds amid the picturesque winter landscapes of the valley!
Conclusion
To summarize, snow geese typically begin arriving in Washington’s lovely Skagit Valley in early November, with peak numbers reached by late November and early December. The geese congregate in agricultural fields and wetlands around Mount Vernon and Conway to feed and rest. The magic hours around sunrise and sunset provide fantastic viewing opportunities to witness huge flocks flying overhead or foraging in fields. Places like Fir Island, Wylie Slough, Skagit Wildlife Area, Samish Flats, and Port Susan Bay host tens of thousands of snow geese each winter. With proper preparation and timing, visitors to Skagit Valley from November through February have an excellent chance to observe and photograph these gorgeous white geese in their peak wintering grounds. So bundle up, grab some binoculars, wake up early, and head out during the upcoming months to enjoy one of nature’s most impressive avian spectacles.