Things to do:

Bird Watching

Okanogan Country is part of the North American Pacific Flyway for migrating birds making bird watching opportunities for song birds, game birds, water birds and raptors legion. Birders of all levels from novices to the professional can find a truly delightful experience in Okanogan Country. We have a wide diversity in landscape and climate that attracts birds to our area. Our numerous lakes and rivers attract waterfowl and shorebirds. The high deserts and alpine meadows attract a variety of songbirds and upland birds. So whatever type of birding you like, Okanogan Country has it for you. With hundreds of species of indigenous and migratory birds, bird watching can be very rewarding.

Methow Region

The upper Methow is the winter home of a large population of bald eagles that can be seen in the trees and soaring overhead. Visit the wetlands in Elbow Coulee for a variety of waterfowl, take part in the annual Methow Valley Christmas Bird Count (509-996-3872 for information and dates) or Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration Project (509-996-4000 for details).

• Chelan Ridge - Raptors, migratory birds. Copper Mountain

(take Black Canyon Rd off Hwy 153 north of Pateros.)

• MVSTA Suspension Bridge From Hwy 20 at milepost 184.9, turn north onto Goat Creek Dr. 3.7 miles l www.MVSTA.com

• Sun Mountain Lodge

Winthrop l 996-2211 l (800) 572-0493 www.sunmountainlodge.com

Heart of the Okanogan

Quail, water fowl, osprey, turkey buzzards, wild turkey, and bald eagles in winter can all be found in the Heart of the Okanogan.

Many Lakes Region

Wild turkey and quail are often seen. Usually there are eagles and hawks overhead. The Scotch Creek and Sinlahekin Wildlife Refuges offer bountiful bird watching opportunities. Some rare species of migratory birds have been seen passing through.

Columbia River Region

You can see many eagles fishing along the Methow and Columbia Waterways. This area is also part of the North American Flyway for migrating birds. Bird watching opportunities here for song birds, game birds, water birds and raptors are legion!

Highlands

Osprey nests are found at Curlew Lake State Park and Driscoll Island Bird sanctuary near Oroville is popular birding site. Many area outfitters offer bird watching tours.

Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife has a great online Wildlife Viewing Guide to look at before heading out.