Skagit Audubon Society

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Skagit Audubon Society

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Skagit Audubon Society (SAS) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization. Hikes and birding field trips are being organized for vaccinated individuals.

Our mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and biological diversity. Notice: In response to the COVID-19 virus, our member meetings continue to be held via Zoom. Participants need to comply with the activity leader's guidelines. Please visit our webpage at www.skagitaudubon.org for more information.

30/10/2026

Fun Fact Friday! Snow Geese come in two colors, white and blue. The color is controlled by a single gene, with the darker color being slightly more dominant. Perhaps nothing says fall is well underway and winter is not far ahead with the annual arrival of the Snow Geese. Tens of thousands return annually to the Skagit Valley. Visitors from far and wide come in search of the large flocks foraging in agricultural fields throughout the valley. Be sure to scan the flocks carefully for the "Blue Goose". Learn more here: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snow_Goose. Photo credits: Snow Goose (white) by Brad Imhoff/Macaulay Library and Snow Goose (blue) by Charles Hundertmark/Macaulay Library

28/10/2026

Fall is the time for planting and adding native shrubs, trees and plants to your garden is a great way to help birds find food, shelter and a place to raise their young. Cooler temperatures and rainy weather give roots time to become established before the spring flush of growth starts. Find out which native plants are recommended for your area here: https://www.audubon.org/plantsforbirds. Photo credit: Cedar Waxwing by Joe Halton

26/10/2026

Local birding spot Northern State Recreation Area in Sedro-Woolley offers a variety of habitats and birds to go with them. Although spring and summer months can be peak months with the summer migrants, plenty of species can be found year-round here. Paved pathways provide accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs plus there are additional dirt or gravel trails to explore along Hansen Creek. View eBird checklists here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L726695/recent-checklists. Photo credit: American Kestrel by Joe Halton

23/10/2026

Fun Fact Friday! Fox Sparrows are common during the winter months throughout Skagit County. They favor dense thickets with underbrush and can be attracted to bird feeders in backyards with leaf litter. These handsome sparrows are one of several bird species who forage extensively in fallen leaves - another great reason to leave the leaves whenever and wherever possible in your yard and garden! Learn more here: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Fox_Sparrow. Photo credit: Fox Sparrow by Joe Halton

21/10/2026

Did you know that by leaving the fallen leaves in your yard and garden spaces valuable habitat is provided for birds and pollinators? Check out tips and info here on how to manage both small and large quantities of leaves: https://xerces.org/leave-the-leaves.

20/10/2026

Did you know the unique shape of the Red Crossbill's bill helps it to get into tightly closed cones to access the seeds inside? These birds are so dependent upon cones not only do they feed them to their young, but they will breed during the cold winter months when seeds from cones are plentiful. Found year-round in Skagit County, they can show up almost anywhere there are conifers and will wander widely in search of this food source. Locally, Washington Park in Anacortes and Rosario at Deception Pass State Park are two places they can often be seen. Learn more about these interesting finches here: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red_Crossbill. Photo credits: Red Crossbill (male) by Michael Stubblefield/Macaulay Library; Red Crossbill taking a bath by Joe Halton.

16/10/2026

Fun Fact Friday! Did you know the Rough-legged Hawk is one of only three North American raptors to have feathers on their legs all the way down to their toes? The other two species are the Ferruginous Hawk and the Golden Eagle. The Samish Flats are one of the best spots in Skagit Valley to see Rough-legged Hawks during the non-breeding fall and winter months when they return from the Arctic tundra. Watch for a large raptor hovering in place (like the much smaller American Kestrel) over an open field. They also like to perch in the open on utility poles and fence posts. Learn more: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rough-legged_Hawk. Photo credit: Rough-legged Hawk by Joe Halton

15/10/2026

From National Audubon in recognition of National Wildlife Refuge Week and you can explore these remarkable public lands with their new story map here: bit.ly/4ykuHmC

Did you know Washington State is home to 24 National Wildlife Refuges? Find one near you here: https://www.fws.gov/locations?type=%5B%22National%20Wildlife%20Refuge%22%5D

Photo: Sandhill Crane by Joe Halton

14/10/2026

What starts as a few leaves falling to the ground turns into many leaves on the ground within a few short weeks. Now that October is here, trees are earnestly showing off their finest colors and then dropping large quantities of leaves onto driveways, garden beds and lawns. Leaves don't have to stay where they land though and can be raked onto garden beds or out-of-the way spaces to provide valuable habitat for a wide variety of pollinators, invertebrates and birds. Species like wrens, sparrows and thrushes (to name a few) forage through the leaves in search of food. Learn more here about ways you can use the leaves in your yard or garden spaces: https://blog.nwf.org/2026/09/leave-the-leaves-to-attract-birds/. Photo: Bewick's Wren by Joe Halton

13/10/2026

The Skagit Wildlife Area, Hayton Reserve, is always worth visiting for bird watching! A couple of days ago Snow Geese were coming in from the north landing across the road. Two Bald Eagles claimed their spot at the front entrance. Greater Yellowlegs were searching for food along the water and a single Killdeer joined them. Green-winged Teals and Mallard ducks were in between with lots of gulls flying around. Two Northern Harriers came by looking for their afternoon meal. All together it was a fun afternoon despite the cold strong wind during this time of the year! Text and photos by Rosi Jansen

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