There is so much to do in Snohomish during the winter but only those who are paying attention and are on the lookout will notice the hidden delights. Winter birding is a special treat as species from the North migrate South to our area for milder weather. Snowy owl, gyrfalcon, golden-crown sparrow, Lapland longspur, red-throated loon, Pacific loon, trumpeter swan, and rough-legged hawk are some of those that make this journey. Winter birding also gives you a better opportunity to see Peregrine falcon, bald eagle, common loon and merlin because their numbers are higher in our area during the winter months. If this isn’t enough to entice you, we also attract birds that come down from the mountains to visit the valleys during the winter. Northern goshawk, fox sparrow, varied thrush, hermit thrush mountain chickadee and ruby-crowned kinglets are known to be spotted in our area.
This is also a great time of year for those new to bird watching to learn how to identify birds and actually spot them because there is less foliage on the trees and bushes. Snohomish Birds of Winter provides guided and self-guided tours, workshops and educational opportunities for both children and adults.
Come to Snohomish for events like photography meet-ups, nature seminars and outdoor birding basics taught by industry experts and enthusiasts. Even retailers get in the act with specialty displays, themed menus. Whether you are a seasoned bird watcher or just starting out, winter provides special opportunities. Come stay in Snohomish and enjoy a day of bird watching, go out to one of our many wonderful restaurants and then curl up with a good book at the Historic Snohomish Getaway.
SITES TO ENJOY:
Riverview Wildlife Refuge is located on the west end of 1st Street in the town of Snohomish. The address is 1805 First St. Park on the south side of the street as far west as possible. This refuge (established in 2013) combines a variety of habitats in a location that is convenient and central for county birders. It is easily covered in about 3 hours and views of the Snohomish River can be enjoyed while checking the trees and shrubs for birds. Terrain: At this time, you will have about one mile of flat dike to walk with an out and back trail. Wheelchair accessible areas are planned in the future. Birds: The current birding checklist for the refuge has 114 species. In winter there are hundreds of ducks and gulls on the treatment ponds. In summer there are five species of swallows over the field and five species of warblers in the trees and shrubs. Year round residents include Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier, Virginia Rail, Anna’s Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, Brown Creepers and the resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks. Sightings in the recent past include Lazuli Bunting, Red Crossbills, Peregrine Falcon, nesting Red-breasted Sapsuckers and Bullock’s Oriole. Pick up the checklist at the Snohomish Visitor Center at 1301 First St or on the trailhead sign. When to go: The Refuge is available and easily walked all year round. August and September are the least productive due to migration and molting.
Be sure to check out the marsh ponds on the northeast corner of the refuge which includes Pilchuck Audubon property. Drive west on Riverview Rd and take the first left after the entrance to Highway 9 south. There will be a large gravel area with a road leading to the sewage treatment plant. Park where you are not obstructing traffic and bird both sides of the gravel road. The Pilchuck property, including Janssen Pond, are to the north. Unlike the larger part of the refuge, this area can be birded within yards of your car. 5. NEARBY SITES: Field’s Riffle County Park – 8119 Lowell-Snohomish River Rd. Across the river from the refuge and a reliable summer nesting area for Lazuli Buntings. Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve – 14913 Connelly Rd. Amazing assortment of wintering ducks, swans and geese on Shadow Lake.
For other fun things to do in Snohomish, check out this post.