The Skagit Flats Wildlife Area
December 2, 2020
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
|
There are two major draws to the Skagit Valley in the Pacific Northwest. One draw for thousands of people is the fields of daffodils and tulips. Photos with abandon are taken of the many-colored flowers grown for bulbs or sold fresh - with Mt. Baker in the background.
But this diary is of the other major draw - birds by the flock. Thousands of Trumpeter swans and Snow geese gather in avian rafts. When they take to the air, the sky is filled with, to me, a harmonious gabbling and sky full of movement.
I will take you with me to discover what my wife and I saw at two sites in the Skagit Flats on a trip December 2.
Area of the Skagit where I did my birding in red circles
Before my wife (sidekick and spotter) and I even got to our first location, we stopped at a field with dozens of Trumpeter swans. Some were resting while others stood tall. Taking in the whole scene, we also saw three juvenile Bald eagles in one tree and two in another. A smaller hawk was in a distant tree.
Trumpeter swans gather in the fields
Eagles in nearby trees
As I was taking photos, waiting for just the right postures, another four swans flew low, circled and then landed with the others.
Trumpeter swans finding a place to land
Landing gear down, ready for landing to join others
They soon settled in, and we heard a continuing murmur of contented feasting on the grass or just resting.
Just a block away was the entrance to Skagit Wildlife Area. The parking lot was nearly full, but we found a spot and hung our Discover Pass on the mirror.
I loaded up my gear (camera, spotting scope, tripod), locked the car, and my wife and I started down the dike path.
Only a short time later, we spotted a hawk in a tree. It looked like a Red-tailed hawk to us.
Red-tailed hawk
We wore face masks and were pleased to find most others wearing them. Although this a hunting area, the path was posted with “Safe Area” signs for about the first mile, and the dike was very visible. We never saw a hunter, although heard shots from another, distant area
“Northern harrier,” my spotter stage-whispered. Not only one, but two, harriers glided just above the ground over the marsh. Then there came a third! They were easy to identify, with a white flash of rump just above their tails.
Harrier flying over mountains to the east
Harrier closeup zoom
Harrier with wings up zoom
With acres of marsh, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the background, we watched transfixed for a time. Here, only an hour from Seattle, was this pristine wildlife area that was open to the public.
We continued to see harriers as we walked along the dike. It was about 2 miles to the point we stopped. A narrower trail headed south but we didn’t want to meet anyone on so narrow a trail.
The type of marsh area where we spotted the Harriers
We were surprised by the lack of waterfowl and shorebirds on our way out. Returning was a different story. The tide had turned and was going out. On our return, we saw Northern pintail and Mallards. Our biggest thrill was first spotting one, and then over a half dozen, yellowlegs and what we think were Dunlin or dowitchers. Winter plumage can be hard to identify. We would appreciate anyone who knows shorebirds to help us with identification. The birds were busily working the shallow water of the mud flats. It was hard to keep a scope on them as they moved quickly from one area to another, striding purposefully and continuously dipping their bills into the water.
We think this a Greater yellowlegs.
Shorebirds feeding in a tidal flat zoom
As we were watching the Dunlin or dowitchers and yellowlegs, harriers and eagles flew by as close as 100 feet. It was a birding nirvana.
More was to come as we left to find our other viewing spot.
A short drive took us to the Jensen Access to a short stretch of dike. The parking lot could hold about 20 cars. The access to the water, however, was very limited. Up on a dike above the parking area was only 100 feet of diketop allowed to the public. As we started to get geared up, we could see thousands of birds rising in the air over the water. It was disappointing to have them all settled again when we got into position. In front of us were thousands of Snow geese on the water. The sun was directly behind them, making taking photos very difficult. In the far distance, we could see even larger flocks of Trumpeter swans spanning an area of about two football fields, tightly packed together. We were near the time we had to leave to get back to Seattle. Just as I was about to pack it in, the far flocks of Trumpeter swans took to the air and circled.
It was magical for me, and I tried to capture some of the wonder knowing that photos would never convey the numbers of birds in the air at the same time. My attention was only diverted by the Snow geese in front of me coming and going a few at a time. Then, my luck turned. A whole section of the flock in front of me took flight. The sky was filled with birds circling and flying higher in the sky. Even though closer, the sun made it difficult to get good photos, but the ones I did take will remind me of the movement and sounds of that time.
Snow geese on the wing with Mount Rainier in the background zoom
Snow geese on the wing closer up zoom
On the drive home my wife and I talked about the rewarding time that we had experienced only to fall into a quietness, allowing the day to be felt individually.
We will be back this winter.
I have been enjoying reading diaries from others. New birds, common birds in unusual poses, first birds to be photographed, birds at home, birds longed for and finally found. Feel free to comment and add what’s on your mind.
"SPOTLIGHT ON GREEN NEWS & VIEWS" IS POSTED EVERY SATURDAY AT 3:00 PM PACIFIC TIME ON THE DAILY KOS FRONT PAGE. IT'S A GREAT WAY TO CATCH UP ON DIARIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED. BE SURE TO RECOMMEND AND COMMENT IN THE DIARY |
Now It's Your Turn
What have you noted happening in your area or travels recently? As usual post your observations as well as their general location in the comments.