Sanctuary For Snows

Sun., Jan. 18, 1998

Associated Press

Watchable wildlife

Wildlife viewers are catching on to the spectacle of massive flocks of snow geese alighting in Skagit County fields and just south of the Snohomish County line. State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials estimate about 40,000 of the bright white birds, distinguished by black wing tips, returned here to winter this season.

The total Fraser-Skagit population, as the group is called, measures between 45,000 (Canadian estimates) and 47,000 (U.S. figures). Sean Boyd, research scientist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, said management mix of limited hunting and protected areas in both countries make for a balanced, stable population. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife established the 232-acre Snow Goose Reserve on Fir Island two years ago.

The state agency leases the pan-flat land to farmers who cultivate it during the summer and plant winter wheat for waterfowl dining during the winter. Officials said this sort of food attracts the huge flocks and more viewers. He said his agency plans to build parking areas next year to accommodate the traffic.

British Columbia offers a similar haven. The Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and adjoining Alakeen National Wildlife Area in the Fraser River Valley offers about 1,900 acres to the roving goose.

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