I wanted to walk out into the field and snatch the camera from Photographer X and drag him back to his car before he totally spooked the snow geese flock that continually edged away from his approach.
But that would only have caused the thousand or so snow geese to keep moving unnecessarily, maybe flying in a photographically beautiful but energy-sapping action.
All of us, including our feathered and furred friends in the wild, use more energy to move and function in winter’s cold and snow. Unnecessary disturbance of animals in those conditions depletes their energy reserves.
Snow geese, tundra swans and trumpeter swans are numerous in the Skagit Valley. They are eating machines, consuming calories that will build strength before returning north to their breeding grounds. In some areas, winter wheat is grown for the birds’ benefit.
Whether you’re snowshoeing or birdwatching, little things can make a difference, like approaching animals too closely and causing them to flush or flee. Avoid disturbing wildlife in that way by using your binoculars, scope or telephoto lens.
This is a learning opportunity with children, and a chance to be a good role model by teaching respect for wildlife and their need for space. And leave the dog behind while wildlife watching.
A good way to watch winter wildlife that is less apt to cause disturbance is to use specific sites that separate viewers from wildlife by roads, trails, boardwalks and blinds.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife suggest these locations:
Whatcom Wildlife Area’s Lake Terrell Unit, northwest of Bellingham. From a fishing pier, look for trumpeter and tundra swans and bald eagles.
Skagit Wildlife Area’s Johnson/Debay Swan Reserve, northeast of Mount Vernon. It provides a winter feeding and resting area for swans and other wildlife, with grass and corn planted for swans and ducks. The large numbers of wintering waterfowl also attract raptors. Public parking and access is provided as well as two parking/viewing areas for disabled users.
Skagit Land Trust’s Hurn Field, west of Sedro-Woolley. See wintering elk as well as waterfowl.
Skagit Wildlife Area Fir Island Farms Snow Goose Reserve is adjacent to the Skagit Bay estuary in Skagit County. Walk along the dike to scan for waterfowl and shorebirds.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, northeast of Olympia. Thousands of ducks and geese, raptors, black-tailed deer, mink and coyotes are here. One-mile trail provides access to many habitats and observation decks.
Olympic Peninsula areas. For wintering seabirds, try Ocean Shores’ North Jetty and Damon Point shoreline trails. Also try the Willapa Bay, Long Beach Peninsula and Leadbetter Point in Pacific County.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, north of Vancouver, Wash. Enjoy thousands of wintering waterfowl. A 4.2-mile auto tour route is open daylight hours.
Oak Creek Wildlife Area, northwest of Yakima. This is the place to view dozens of elk being fed by the state.
Columnist Sharon Wootton can be reached at 360-468-396 or www.songandword.com.
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