Snow Geese on Fir Island in Skagit Valley

This week’s Photohunt theme is Bird(s). I knew right off what photos I would be using.

Just north of Seattle is the fertile delta of the Skagit River. Every winter from November through March, the skies are filled with Snow Geese over wintering from the Arctic. We love to drive up to Conway and cruise the country roads of Fir Island. In the summer, many farmers grow corn. The stalks are cut and the stubble is left in the fields over winter. The geese love these fields.

I am always amazed to see the noisy flocks swirling and covering the dark fertile soil like snow. Over the years we have seen the flocks grow and grow. They used to be hard to see – always in the distance but recently they have become more brazen and we have found huge flocks along the main highways.

We drove up to Mt Vernon two weeks ago. On the way home, we drove though Fir Island. The birds have arrived for their winter retreat.

Here are some more pictures that I took in 2008. Here is the post of that day.

In the field

Flock on the move

Grabbing a bite

Attracting a crowd