Migratory Birds in Okanogan Country

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Migratory birds in Okanogan country! 

                                                              
Photo curtesy Jason Hauge 

Migratory Birds in Spring

There is much to discover when bird watcing in Okanogan Country!



Photo Curtesy Tom Reichner

Okanogan Country is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of migratory birds that pass through the area in Spring. Some of the most common birds that can be seen in Okanogan Country in Spring include:

  • Warblers: Warblers are small songbirds that migrate to Okanogan Country in spring from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and gardens. Some of the most common warblers in Okanogan Country in spring include the yellow-rumped warbler, the black-capped warbler, and the common yellowthroat.

  • Ducks: Ducks are waterfowl that migrate to Okanogan Country in spring from their wintering grounds in the Pacific Ocean. They can be found in lakes, ponds, and rivers. Some of the most common ducks in Okanogan Country in spring include  dabbling ducks, the diving ducks, and Mallards. 

  • Geese: Geese are large waterfowl that migrate to Okanogan Country in spring from their wintering grounds in the Pacific Ocean. They can be found near lakes, ponds, and rivers. Some of the most common geese in Okanogan Country in spring include the Canada geese, snow geese, and the white-fronted geese.

  • Herons: Herons are large wading birds that migrate to Okanogan Country in spring from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. They can be found in wetlands and along rivers. Some of the most common herons in Okanogan Country in spring include the great blue heron, the green heron, and the black-crowned night heron.

  • Ospreys: Ospreys are large birds of prey that migrate to Okanogan Country in spring from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. They can be found near bodies of water, where they can be caught hunting and fishing. Some of the most common ospreys in Okanogan Country in Spring include the bald eagle, the osprey, and the sharp-shinned hawk.

Here are some specific local places where you can find these types of birds:

  • Forde and Conners Lakes: These lakes are located in the Okanogan Highlands, and they provide a perfect habitat for Trumpeter swans. Trumpeter swans can be seen swimming in the lakes, feeding in the wetlands, and flying overhead.

  • Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: This forest is home to a variety of birds, including warblers, ducks, geese, herons, and ospreys. Some of the best places to see birds in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest include the Methow River, the Twisp River, and the Okanogan River.

  • Douglas County Park: This park is home to a variety of birds, including warblers, ducks, geese, herons, and ospreys. Some of the best places to see birds in Douglas County Park include the Douglas County River, the Okanogan River, and the Methow River.

In addition to these common birds, there are many other species of birds that can be seen in Okanogan Country in Spring. Some of these species may be more difficult to spot, but they are all worth looking for. Some of the less common birds that can be seen in Okanogan Country include the red-tailed hawk, the northern goshawk, the great blue heron, the green heron, and the black-crowned night heron.

Trumpeter swans are also a common sight in Okanogan Country in spring. They are the largest waterfowl in North America and are native to the western United States and Canada. Trumpeter swans have been reintroduced to many other parts of the continent, and they can be seen in many parks and wildlife refuges.

If you are interested in seeing Trumpeter swans, Forde and Conners Lakes are two of the best places to visit. The lakes are located in a beautiful setting, and they provide a great opportunity to see these majestic birds.

Here are tips when viewing the Trumpeter swans:

  • Visit lakes early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the birds are most active.

  • Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to get a better look at the swans.

  • Be patient and quiet, as the swans are easily disturbed.

  • Respect the swans' habitat and do not feed them.



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