Mount Vernon — As temperatures drop this month, migrating snow geese are making their winter landing.
About 80,000 snow geese congregate in Western Washington each year from mid-October through early May, most of them in Skagit Valley, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
During the birds’ stay, the Fir Island Farms Reserve Unit makes for a great birdwatching location. Fish and Wildlife purchased the 225-acre reserve area in 1995 specifically for snow geese as part of the larger Skagit Wildlife Area.
At designated hunting areas, snow goose season started in Skagit Oct. 12 and will run through Jan. 26.
