This Ride's for the Birds

Ride Description: This is a steady paced ride crisscrossing Fir Island in hopes of encountering large flocks of snow geese and trumpeter swans.  The route is through farm land that is flat as a pancake.  Fir Island is near Conway, WA (I5 exit 221).  Public parking is available near a boat launch site. 

Every year tens of thousands of snow geese and several thousand trumpeter swans along with many other waterfowl and raptor species spend the winter on Fir Island.  If we spot a flock of birds at a good viewing distance, we will stop to observe them.  If we’re lucky, we may also spot one or more species of raptors.  It is possible that 2 or 3 miles will be added to the route should an opportunity to view a large flock arises.  It is suggested that you bring binoculars and possibly a camera with a zoom lens.  Attached is a recent photo of snow geese at Fir Island.

Neither water nor restrooms are available at the start.  However, as you enter Conway both are available at the Union 76 station provided you purchase something. A honey bucket is publicly available in the Union 76 parking lot.  Restrooms are available at the half way point at the entrance to the Skagit State Wildlife Refuge.  An I5 rest stop is available just north of exit 206 coming and going.

Please arrive at least15 minutes before the start of the ride to sign the liability waiver if you didn’t register online and to hear the safety (SMART) briefing. Please register for this ride using the Register Tab.  If you cannot make the ride, you do not need to unregister.  Be sure to bring a spare tube as well as the tools and knowledge to fix a flat.  If the roads are wet please have fenders or plan on riding at the end of the line.

Ride Cancellation: Should conditions require ride cancellation, a notice will be posted on this site by 8:00. If cancelled, the ride leader will not be at the start.

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