There was a snowy owl hanging out along the banks of the Stillaquamish
River all day yesterday (Happy New Year 2012!). At least this majestic
beauty was there for as long as we were visiting the Skagit Wildlife
area at the end of Eide Road in Stanwood, WA. We were there from about
noon, lingering toward dusk. The owl was there when we arrived, and yet
remained as we were leaving. Also sighted many other raptors (mix of
hawks), two short-eared owls, 4-5 greater yellow-legs, snow-geese
(flocks flying in formation overhead). There were quite a number of
swans (tundra?) in the open farmlands of the vicinity, as well.