At this time of year, many of our favorite places are snowed in, trails and roads alike.  So we turn to Flatland Trips - exploring some of the beautiful valleys in our area.  On Saturday we paid a return visit to the Skagit Bay Estuary in Skagit Valley.

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Not long after we drove onto Fir Island, we were rewarded with this view of glorious Mount Baker.


At the Skagit Bay Estuary, a Kingfisher was the first to greet us.


Many wintering Trumpeter Swans were flying overhead today. 
'They fly down in November from arctic nesting grounds and stay until March,
feasting on leftovers from corn, potato, wheat and barley harvests.'  [link]


Across the estuary we could see the Olympic Mountains.


It is Hunting Season so now and then we heard shots.


'Now where the heck is Mr Lazybones today.  Have you seen him?'


'Shhhh - don't tell her where I am!  She's probably got chores for me to do.'


'There you are!'  I've been looking for you all morning!'


'It's like she has radar!  She always finds me.'


The skies were constantly filled with Snow Geese and Trumpeter Swans.
Some were so high in the sky I could barely see them.


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