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Update - Speakers/Lectures/Special Events

Vasily Baranyuk - From Russia to the Stilly     Saturday Lecture/Speaker

Senior scientist with Russia’s Wrangel Island Nature Preserve, has spent more than 20 years observing the snow geese that migrate between Wrangel Island and North Puget Sound.    More Info

Jim Watson - Biology of Eagles     Saturday Lecture/Speaker

As a Wildlife Research Scientist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Jim specializes in statewide raptor studies.    More Info

Live Birds with Kestrel Skyhawk    Sunday Lecture/Speaker

Kestrel Skyhawk, from the Sarvey Wildlife Center, returns to the Festival with some of her avian friends - birds that have been rescued by Sarvey, but are unable to be released back to the wild.    More Info

Martha Jordan - Trumpeter Swan Society     Sunday Lecture/Speaker

The Trumpeter Swan is North America's largest waterfowl and one of its rarest native birds.    More Info

Daniel Froehlich - Puget Sound Bird Observatory     Saturday Lecture/Speaker

The PSBO studies birds and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest to better understand changes in bird populations, to inform decision-makers, and to engage the public with birds and their needs.    More Info

Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction         Special Event

Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction to benefit Safe Harbor Free Clinic. Auction items will include jewelry, gift certificates for services.

More Info

Morning Snacks and Lunch            Saturday & Sunday Special Event
The Stanwood Area Historical Society once again will be offering a light breakfast and lunch both days. Both mornings early rising birders can choose from a wide selection of muffins that are easy to eat on the go or while walking thru the exhibits. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available too. Lunch will be a large bowl of home made soup!! Choose from Salmon Chowder, Taco or Chicken Noodle Soup. Plan your birding adventures carefully so you don’t miss out on these breakfast items and wonderful home made soups for lunch at reasonable prices.

The 7th Annual Poster contest resulted in another beautiful work of art being chosen for our commemorative poster.  Artist Laurie Laun captured two geese in flight, including the “Blue Morph” goose that has returned to our area for the second year in a row.  Posters will be available for purchase beginning in January and past year’s posters are available at Snow Goose Bookstore in Stanwood.  The supply of posters from previous years are running low, so if you are thinking of getting one, act soon!

We are excited about the 7th Annual Festival and hope to see you the last weekend of February!

They’re Back!!
Returning from spending time in their Alaskan and Siberian mating grounds Snow Geese and Swans are arriving by the tens of thousands. While snow geese and swans can be found in several areas of northwest Washington, the Skagit Valley’s wetlands and farm fields continues to be their favorite winter home.

If you happen to driving I-5 keep an eye out for our visitors in the farm fields just north and south of the Mount Vernon/Burlington area. Remember - stopping on the shoulder of the interstate is prohibited and you could be cited. A great place for viewing is the Fir Island Farms/Hayton Snow Goose Reserve (about 3 mile west of Conway). Make sure that you have a valid Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass with you - one of these are required to park.

Festival Sponsors

Thanks to all of our sponsors who made it possible to offer all of the activities for free – if you get the opportunity, please support them!