Skagit Valley Winter Birding 2

Birder’s World calls it “one of the nation’s best birding destinations.” The Seattle P-I says “You don’t have to be a bird expert to enjoy what should be considered one of this state’s premier winter tourist destinations: the Skagit Valley.” And Birds of Winter explains that "the farmlands and wetlands, estuaries and marine waters, prairies and forests of the Skagit Valley provide the wintertime habitat needs for hundreds of bird species, including trumpeter swans, snow geese, bald eagles and peregrine falcons, among countless others.”

Join Brendan McGarry, past North Cascade Institute resident and Masters in Environmental Education graduate, for a field excursion designed to celebrate one of the Northwest’s natural treasures. Brendan is born and raised in this region, and knows its avian life and patterns well.

Photo by Jeff Brennan

Traveling together, we’ll survey the area’s profound bird life, with a focus on raptors, wintering waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as the relationships that bring these various species together in this particular place. We'll go where the action is, which in the past has included the picturesque Edison-Bow, La Conner and Padilla Bay areas.

Photo by Miller Meyers

By the end of the day, you’ll have gained strategies for identifying local birds so you can continue to explore the Skagit’s wild bounty on your own and with family and friends. 

Photo by Kiley Kielland

Please note that we will drive two Institute vans and provide transportation for most participants, if desired. Participants driving themselves will need a Discovery Pass or $12 for parking. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts are be available for in-person programs. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info!

Photo by Jeff Brennan