A Day in the Skagit Valley: Perching Eagles, Hunting Owls, and a Colorful Farewell
In winter, short eared owls can be found in the fields of Washington state’s Skagit Valley. While they can be seen throughout the day, these beauties are best spotted in the Skagit Flats and Samish Flats in late afternoon when they are hunting for their next meal. A few weeks ago, I was joined by a couple of friends on an afternoon exploring the area, looking for birds, and hoping for a good show from the owls.
Our first sighting of the morning unfolded as a beautiful juvenile Bald Eagle, its mottled brown and white plumage catching the soft glow of the golden morning light that illuminated its feathers with a delicate warmth.
Wiley Slough, Skagit Wildlife Area
We headed to Wiley Slough to meander through the trails and stretch our legs after the drive from Seattle. It was a bright and warm late winter day, the sun's gentle rays filtering through the bare branches of the marshes. I relished feeling the sunshine on my shoulders, a soothing balm after the cloudy days of winter. We watched ducks paddle serenely in the still water, their reflections shimmering, while elegant herons stood like statues along the muddy banks. Small songbirds, flitting and chirping with boundless energy, spread their wings in the warmth of the mid-morning sun, their melodies filling the air with a delicate song. As the trail finally opened up to the expansive edge of the Skagit Bay, we spotted a beautiful Bald Eagle posing among the stark, interlacing bare branches of a towering tree.
After a few moments soaking in the majestic creature, we continued our journey, our thoughts turning to the promise of a satisfying lunch at Slough Food along the banks of the Edison Slough.
Our leisurely lunch timed us just right for heading out in search of the “shorties.” Arriving at the well-known viewing area, we found cars already lining the roadside, and a cluster of photographers wielding lenses of all sizes focused intently on a showy Short-Eared Owl already in action. As I pulled my truck to the side of the road, a brave owl settled on the power line directly above me, offering me a not-so-welcoming glare. A quick chat with the regulars revealed that this particular female owl reigned over the area this year, boldly chasing off other owls and growing increasingly comfortable in the presence of her human admirers.
For the next few hours, we watched her perform. She dazzled us with her flight, a breathtaking performance of swooping glides and sweeping turns over the barren fields, her wings catching the light as she dipped and soared, her keen eyes scanning the ground with unwavering focus in her relentless pursuit of voles.
She would occasionally pause, a moment of stark contrast to her dynamic flight, and rest on a post, becoming an almost statue against the field, a transformation broken only by the living intensity of her facial expressions and the stern scowl that drew our attention.
When a northern harrier, its own hunting agenda evident in its low, sweeping flight, dared to enter her established hunting zone, the Short-Eared Owl responded with swift and decisive action, deftly chasing the intruder away in a display of territorial dominance and aerial agility.
As the sun dipped lower, casting shadows across the field, the Short-Eared Owl embarked on what would likely be the final hunt we watched that evening. The golden light, now painting the landscape in hues of amber, illuminated her beautifully as she silently patrolled the ground, her wings catching the last warm rays of sunlight.
Our day, already filled with photos of the Short-Eared Owl's hunt, concluded with a final, unexpected surprise. As we prepared to depart, a vibrant Ring-necked Pheasant emerged from the marshy edges, its colorful plumage a striking contrast to the muted tones of the landscape. It stood for a moment, a proud sentinel in the fading light, before disappearing back into the reeds, a fitting farewell to a day rich with the diverse beauty of Skagit Valley.
The most memorable moments of the day were watching the Short-eared Owl in Washington’s Skagit Valley often referred to as East 90. These owls are elusive, but winter months often bring them out in the open across the grasslands and fields of northwest Washington.
Best Birding Hotspots in the Skagit Valley
Skagit Wildlife Area: Particularly Wylie Slough and Fir Island Farm Reserve.
Samish Flats: Known for its diverse birdlife.
North Cascades: Including the areas around Concrete, Rockport, and Marblemount, especially along the Skagit River.
Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center: Located in Rockport, a great place to learn about and observe eagles.
Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: Another part of the Skagit Wildlife Area offering excellent birding opportunities.
A Guide to Bird-Wise Adventures
When we're out exploring and enjoying the wonders of places like the Skagit Valley, it's a gift to share space with its incredible birds. Here are a few gentle reminders to help us be the best possible neighbors:
Follow the path: Sticking to designated trails helps us explore without disturbing delicate habitats. It's a simple act of kindness that keeps both us and the birds safe.
Give them space: Especially during hunting, nesting and breeding seasons, our feathered friends need a peaceful environment. Let's admire their beauty from a respectful distance, allowing them to focus on raising their families. As a general rule, if your presence causes a bird to change its behavior (becoming agitated, flying away, vocalizing nervously), you're too close.
Respect the land: Being mindful of private property, hunting, and farming operations ensures that everyone can enjoy the wonders of the Skagit Valley. It's all part of a larger ecosystem we're privileged to witness.
Look, don't touch (or chase!): Our binoculars and spotting scopes are incredible tools that allow us to observe birds without intruding on their natural behaviors. Let's use them to appreciate their beauty without causing any stress.
Whisper and wander: Keeping our voices soft and our movements mindful helps birds feel secure in their homes. A little quiet goes a long way in letting them thrive.
By following these simple guidelines, we can ensure that places like the Skagit Valley remain vibrant and welcoming havens for birds, and for all of us who cherish them.
Thank you for joining me In Search of Wonder. Until next time.
💛 Jenny
