Snow geese fans can learn about the birds’ Russian summer home at Stanwood festival

STANWOOD — A highlight of this year’s Port Susan Snow Goose and Birding Festival is a lecture by Vasily Baranyuk, a senior scientist with Russia’s Wrangel Island Nature Preserve. That’s where the local snow geese spend their summers.

Baranyuk has spent more than 20 years observing the snow geese that migrate between the preserve and the Skagit and Stillaguamish river basins. He plans to speak at 3 p.m. Saturday at the festival headquarters in the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27108 102nd Ave. NW in Stanwood.

;http://www.thegreatnwglassquest.com/

Also in Stanwood and on Camano are the final two days of this year’s Great Northwest Glass Quest. More information on the free treasure hunt is at “>“From Russia to the Stilly” is the title of Baranyuk’s presentation, which focuses on information about the current snow goose population, the birds’ local wintering grounds and their nesting habits on Wrangel Island.

Don Kraege, waterfowl section manager for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, has designated the festival in Stanwood as the main venue for Baranyuk’s presentation, a lecture he’ll be giving throughout the region.

Kraege says the presentation includes stunning slides and video of Wrangel Island and its rich nesting grounds.

The festival includes art shows and demonstrations, musical entertainment, activities for kids, guided tours, speakers, vendors and food, including breakfasts and lunches to benefit the Stanwood Area Historical Society and the Safe Harbor Free Clinic.

Sno-Isle Libraries presents a “Puppet Play: Lessons From The Geese” with the Stanwood children’s librarian at 1 p.m. Sunday at the other festival center, the Four Springs House &Lake Preserve, 585 Lewis Lane, Camano Island.

The play features Snow Goose, Canada Goose and a surprise visitor or two. Stick around to fold an origami flapping bird.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427www.thegreatnwglassquest.com.;http://www.thegreatnwglassquest.com/[URL][/URL]

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

x
Paraeducator at 2 Edmonds schools arrested on suspicion of child sex abuse

On Monday, Edmonds police arrested the 46-year-old after a student’s parents found inappropriate messages on their daughter’s phone.

South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman answers question from the Edmonds City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
South County Fire chief announces retirement

The Board of Commissioners has named Assistant Chief Shaughn Maxwell to replace Chief Bob Eastman in February.

One dead, four displaced in Lynnwood duplex fire Monday

More than three dozen firefighters responded to the fire. Crews continued to put out hot spots until early Tuesday.

With the warm atmosphere, freshly made food and a big sign, customers should find their way to Kindred Kitchen, part of HopeWorks Station on Broadway in Everett. (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Housing Hope to close cafe, furniture store

Kindred Cafe will close on Jan. 30, and Renew Home and Decor will close on March 31, according to the nonprofit.

Everett
Everett Fire Department announces new assistant chief

Following the retirement of Assistant Chief Mike Calvert in the summer, Seth Albright took over the role on an interim basis before being promoted to the position.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Health officials: Three confirmed measles cases in SnoCo over holidays

The visitors, all in the same family from South Carolina, went to multiple locations in Everett, Marysville and Mukilteo from Dec. 27-30.

Dog abandoned in Everett dumpster has new home and new name

Binny, now named Maisey, has a social media account where people can follow along with her adventures.

People try to navigate their cars along a flooded road near US 2 on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Sultan, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Temporary flood assistance center to open in Sultan

Residents affected by December’s historic flooding can access multiple agencies and resources.

Logo for news use featuring the Tulalip Indian Reservation in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Teens accused of brutal attack on Tulalip man Monday

The man’s family says they are in disbelief after two teenagers allegedly assaulted the 63-year-old while he was starting work.

A sign notifying people of the new buffer zone around 41st Street in Everett on Wednesday, Jan. 7. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett adds fifth ‘no sit, no lie’ buffer zone at 41st Street

The city implemented the zone in mid-December, soon after the city council extended a law allowing it to create the zones.

A view of the Eastview development looking south along 79th Avenue where mud and water runoff flowed due to rain on Oct. 16, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Eastview Village critics seek appeal to overturn county’s decision

Petitioners, including two former county employees, are concerned the 144-acre project will cause unexamined consequences for unincorporated Snohomish County.

Snohomish County commuters: Get ready for more I-5 construction

Lanes will be reduced along northbound I-5 in Seattle throughout most of 2026 as WSDOT continues work on needed repairs to an aging bridge.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.