Thanks to its location on the Pacific flyway, Washington contains some of the country’s best bird-watching and hosts annual celebrations to welcome flighty friends such as bald eagles, snow geese, sandpipers and handhill cranes. Spot our famed feathered residents at these Washington bird-watching festivals.
Grays Harbor’s Shorebird Festival
April 25–27, 2014
Observing tens of thousands of sandpipers and plovers is a sure thing at this April event in Hoquiam. Between bird-watching forays, dabble at a birding marketplace and nature fair.
Puget Sound Bird Fest
Sept. 5–7, 2014
In September, celebrate Puget Sound’s birds in Edmonds. Take a guided beach or marsh walk, sound cruise, photography workshop or native plant garden tour.
Birdfest
October 4–5, 2014
Welcome the arrival of sandhill cranes at Ridgefield in October with a guided hike or paddling tour along the Columba River’s snaking sloughs. Afterward, migrate to a salmon bake, live bird show or storytelling session.
Skagit Eagle Festival
January 2015 — TBA
During winter, the Skagit River hosts one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the continental U.S. Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount celebrate our national bird in January with a month of free tours, walks and educational programs.
Port Susan Snow Goose and Birding Festival
February 2015 — TBA
In February, a blizzard of up to 100,000 snow geese blankets the Stillaguamish and Skagit River deltas near Stanwood. Accompany naturalists by foot or shuttle to catch a gander of the geese. Discover more Washington birding trails.
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival
Spring 2015 — TBA
More than 400,000 lesser sandhill cranes cram the channeled scablands surrounding Othello each spring. After crane spotting, attend a seminar, art program or naturalist program.
Find more Washington festivals.
—Craig Romano
