“Skagit Valley’s Winter Swans and Snow Geese”

Presented by: Martha Jordan

Tuesday, Nov. 14th at 7:00 pm (Social gathering from 6:30 pm-7:00 pm)

Please join us at the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd., Mt. Vernon, for a program on the winter swans and snow geese that visit the Skagit Valley. 

Martha Jordan, director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association, will be speaking on Skagit’s winter swans and snow geese. This session is the second in our series highlighting local bird ecology this year and will help maximize your appreciation of these winter guests to the Samish and Skagit flats. Photo:  Snow Geese on Fir Island by Mary Sinker

Martha will present a program regarding the changing landscape that our swans and snow geese now face in migration and on their wintering grounds.  You will learn about their life history, biology, and what influences their distribution across our state and the flyway.  She will shed some light on the problems and controversies these birds face on their wintering grounds and what is needed to ensure their future.

Get updated on the swan lead poisoning problem, winter habitat issues, avian influenza, and more.  You will leave with resources to help you identify swans in the field, including a printed swan/goose identification pamphlet.  Learn how to help Get the Lead Out of both shooting and fishing sporting activities.

She will provide updates on eastern Washington swans and how Washington’s west and east sides are connected for swans, including in Whatcom and Skagit Counties.  This is vital to the welfare of swans and all waterbirds.

A poster display will be available to view:  Birding with Awareness:  Creating connections between waterfowl and their habitats.  Martha presented this at the International Swan Symposium in October this year.