In Stanwood, a flock of mixed feelings over snow geese

STANWOOD — Bird watchers can’t wait to see the snow geese arrive.

Many farmers can’t wait to see them go.

The snow goose, a medium-size bird that breeds in the Arctic, is both celebrated and loathed in the farmlands near Stanwood and north Snohomish County.

This year’s Port Susan Snow Goose &Birding Festival, planned for Feb. 23 and 24 in Stanwood and Camano Island, is scheduled to feature a new panel discussion about the various issues surrounding the snow geese.

Hunters, farmers and environmental experts are planning to talk about preserving open space for the birds, as well as how to control the snow geese population in a way that protects local agriculture, festival organizer Laura Byers said.

“How do you keep it amenable to all the demands?” Byers said. “The birds and the wildlife need it, yet we’re using it for recreation and tourism.”

The birds are loud and beautiful, and they travel together in groups of thousands, Byers said. Bird watchers come from all over to glimpse the flocks.

Meanwhile, farmers have used cannons, dogs and even the potent aroma of dead calves to try to drive them away.

Like them or not, the white birds are a part of Stanwood, Byers said.

“They’re on our city logo, and they’re around every year,” she said.

Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.