Washington state is the wintering ground of snow goose (smaller, orange beak, black wing tip) and trumpeter swan (larger with black beak). These are beautiful white birds scattered in Skagit Valley north of Seattle every winter.
I think we are already too late now, maybe only this year, it's too warm. Not many birds. Saw a few small clusters ranging from 2 to ~20 in grassy fields close to I-5. Maybe better at the dusk and dawn.
About a month ago, saw a trip report of large flocks in the same area.
Went to Skagit Wildlife Refuge (state park Discovery Pass required). Saw quite a few herons, a lot of Avocet, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Mallard, 1 bufflehead, no white birds.
Good timing for daffodils. Found 2 large fields in peak bloom. Just lovely.
Drove to Deception Pass. Walked to Goose Rock's summit first. Not a bad view.
A little muddy on the trail.
Walk under the highway to get to the other side, in order to walk both ways on the bridge.
Always great view here. The water is churning.
Saw a seal happily float and swim. He has spots on his skin.
Saw a large black bird diving into the churn of water. Cormarant? But it has a cream underside.
Only 3 of the 6 rest rooms at the parking lot were open. One is plugged. One has diarreah all over the garbage can - I don't know how it could be done.
Driving back to Seattle. Pouring around Everett. Clear sky in Seattle.
