The Amazing Birds Of Winter Experience

Skagit Valley and La Conner offer an authentic experience in many ways and nothing is perhaps more unique and beautiful than the annual migration of birds into this inviting part of Washington State. Providing an ideal wintertime habitat for hundreds of different types of bird species, the farmlands and wetlands as well as the prairies and forests along with the local marine environment provide for the ideal habitat for a host of different species of birds. Perhaps most impressive of all is the fact that many of these birds migrate into the area each year from faraway places.  In honor of these birds, we welcome you to the first La Conner Birding Showcase as part of the Birds of Winter Experience!

 

La Conner Birding Showcase

The La Conner Birding Showcase is slated for January 27, 2018 – January 28, 2018, 11am – 3pm on Saturday and 11am – 4pm on Sunday. Wild Birds Unlimited will be on hand to demonstrate a variety of binoculars and specialized sporting scopes that are intended to enhance the birdwatching experience. There will be a keynote speaker at the event that is also an award-winning author and photographer; Paul Bannick will presenting on Saturday at 3pm an intriguing program that offers video, sound and amazing images from the field based upon his latest book. Owl: A Year In The Lives Of North American Animals. In addition, a respected Whidbey Island photographer, Pamela Davis Headridge will also be on hand with delightful cards and prints, there will be a presentation by Martha Jordan with the Northwest Swan Conservation Association ” Swans of Winter”, Birding Q &  A with Bob Hamblin as well as other organizations will be on display. The La Conner Birding showcase takes place at Maple Hall in the eclectic and welcoming community of La Conner!

New Addition! Sue Hanneman a Falconer and bird abatement professional will be on hand with her birds. Falconry is a technique of using trained raptors to catch wild quarry. Sue has been a falconer for 5 years and has worked with Red Tailed Hawks, Harris Hawks and Lanner Falcons to name a few.

Tickets are $5.00 per person (Children 10 and under are FREE),  Don’t forget to get stamped and you can attend both days. Tickets available and at the door. Buy your tickets here and then book your room for the weekend!

Incredibly Fertile Valley

The diversity of birdlife is absolutely remarkable and is a big draw for people from across the country and from around the world that truly enjoy birding. As an added advantage, those birding in Skagit County can also enjoy an abundance of family farms that are situated throughout this incredibly fertile valley. Clearly without a doubt one of Washington State’s most anticipated annual events is the return of migrating birds to the fertile lands of Skagit County. As the ideal natural feeding ground for many different bird species, it is the perfect place for them to store up energy for their return flight home.

Learning About Migratory Birds

Best of all, there is a multitude of classes, discussions and talks about birds that can be found throughout the Valley during this wonderful time of year. Learning about migratory birds from experts in the field is a great way to become immersed in this naturally occurring annual event. There are even a number of workshops and tours that can guide visitors in experiencing the pleasure of viewing majestic Eagles while floating along the Skagit River. Local guides offer the advantage of knowing where the best spots to view or photograph migratory birds are found.

Opportunities Abound Everywhere in Skagit Valley

Areas that offer amazing bird watching opportunities include the Skagit Flats as well as Samish Flats and Fidalgo Island along with the upper Skagit River and many other unique locations or birding sites. From the Killdeer to the American Kestrel and the Northern Pintail as well as even the Red Tailed Hawk, opportunities abound everywhere in Skagit Valley to see some of nature’s most impressive birds.