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

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Police Cmdr. Scott King answers questions about the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace approves Flock camera system after public pushback

The council approved the $54,000 license plate camera system agreement by a vote of 5-2.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Lynnwood
Motorcycle rider dies in Lynnwood crash involving another vehicle

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office detectives say excessive speed may have been a factor in the crash.

Everett
Everett police arrest man in connection with fatal shooting

The 18-year-old male was booked into Snohomish County Jail on suspicion of murder, drive-by shooting and assault.

Washington State Ferries said it would deploy its new electric ferries first on the Mukilteo-Clinton run. Additional orders are expected to follow to replace more than a dozen other aging vessels in the fleet. (Photo by Tom Banse)
Washington state to buy new hybrid electric ferries from Florida shipyard

Gov. Bob Ferguson made the final call to turn down a higher bid from a local boat builder.

Community Transit saw a 17% jump in ridership from 2023 to 2024. Photo courtesy of Community Transit.
Snohomish County transit agencies seeking comments on planning docs

Community Transit and Everett Transit are preparing documents that lay out a path for future service and infrastructure improvments.

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.