Fir Island From Above

Fir Island From Above

Every fall, thousands of snow geese migrate over 3,000 miles from their summer breeding grounds on Russia’s Wrangel Island to the Skagit Valley in Washington state. This agricultural region along Puget Sound offers plentiful food and shelter during the winter, with its abundant wetlands and diverse crop-producing fields.

Upon arrival, the snow geese gather in massive flocks, often numbering in the tens of thousands. They feed on leftover crops such as corn, wheat, alfalfa, and potatoes. Although they will cause some crop damage, the geese benefit farmers by reducing harvest waste and providing natural fertilization to the fields. The relationship between snow geese and farmers in the valley is one of mutual benefit and occasional challenge.

While in the valley, snow geese face predation primarily from hunters and bald eagles. Their populations remain healthy due to high reproductive rates and their instinct to flock together. Witnessing a large flock of thousands of snow geese taking flight simultaneously is an amazing experience of sight and sound.

The Skagit Valley is also home to one of the largest concentrations of wintering Trumpeter Swans in North America, along with thousands of Tundra Swans.