Nature

Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest

It will be held May 18, 2023 – May 21, 2023. You can see birds and wildflowers of Leavenworth, Washington and the Wenatchee River valley like these:

American Goldfinch

 

 

Bald Eagle

 

 

Black-capped Chickadee

 

Washington state birds list infographic

List of birds you can see and hear in Washington:

  1. American Goldfinch – State bird of Washington
  2. American Robin
  3. Bald Eagle
  4. Barred Owl
  5. Belted Kingfisher
  6. Black-capped Chickadee
  7. Brewer’s Blackbird
  8. Brown-headed Cowbird
  9. Bufflehead
  10. Canada Goose
  11. Cedar Waxwing
  12. Chestnut-backed Chickadee
  13. Common Loon
  14. Common Merganser
  15. Common Raven
  16. Dark-eyed Junco
  17. Double-crested Cormorant
  18. Downy Woodpecker
  19. Eurasian Collared-Dove
  20. European Starling
  21. Golden-crowned Kinglet
  22. Great Blue Heron
  23. Great Horned Owl
  24. Hairy Woodpecker
  25. House Finch
  26. House Sparrow
  27. Killdeer
  28. Mallard
  29. Mourning Dove
  30. Northern Flicker
  31. Northern Harrier
  32. Northern Pygmy-Owl
  33. Osprey
  34. Pileated Woodpecker
  35. Pine Siskin
  36. Red-breasted Nuthatch
  37. Red-tailed Hawk
  38. Red-winged Blackbird
  39. Ring-necked Duck
  40. Rock Pigeon
  41. Ruby-crowned Kinglet
  42. Ruffed Grouse
  43. Song Sparrow
  44. Spotted Towhee
  45. Steller’s Jay
  46. Swainson’s Thrush
  47. Tree Swallow
  48. Varied Thrush
  49. Western Meadowlark
  50. Western Tanager

 

 

American Robin

American Robins are migratory birds, but their migration patterns can be quite variable. Some Robins in Washington may migrate south for the winter, while others may stay year-round, particularly in the western part of the state where the climate is milder. During the winter months, Robins often form large flocks and may switch their diet to primarily fruit.

 

Brewer’s Blackbird

 

Mountain Bluebird

 

Leavenworth activities and attractions

 

  1. Festivals: The town is renowned for hosting numerous festivals throughout the year, including the famous Oktoberfest, Christmas Lighting Festival, Maifest, and Autumn Leaf Festival. These events showcase the town’s Bavarian heritage with live music, traditional food, and various entertainment options.
  2. Outdoor Recreation: Leavenworth is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and river rafting in the warmer months. In the winter, the area is popular for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding.
  3. Wine Tasting and Breweries: The surrounding region is home to several wineries and tasting rooms, where visitors can sample locally produced wines. Additionally, Leavenworth has a few local breweries and a distillery, offering craft beer and spirits.
  4. Nutcracker Museum: This unique museum houses a collection of over 6,000 nutcrackers from around the world, some dating back to the Roman Empire. It is an interesting and quirky attraction for visitors of all ages.
  5. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: A family-friendly attraction, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm offers visitors the chance to get up close and interact with reindeer, as well as learn about their care and the important role they play in the ecosystem.
  6. Scenic Drives: The drive to Leavenworth offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and surrounding countryside, particularly along Highway 2, which is part of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway.
  7. Icicle Creek: This picturesque creek is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and hiking, with several trails leading to beautiful waterfalls and stunning mountain vistas.

 

 

 

Killdeer

 

 

 

European Starling

 

Northern Mockingbird

 

 

Red-tailed Hawk

 

 

Ring-necked Pheasant

 

Rock Pigeon

 

Say’s Phoebe

 

 

There are plenty of flora to see like:

Balsamroot

 

Bluebells

 

Buttercup

 

 

faq

Q: What kinds of birds can I expect to see? A: Prepare to be dazzled by a variety of species including warblers, tanagers, flycatchers, and more. And let’s not forget the stars of the show – the Western Tanagers and Lazuli Buntings. Their vibrant colors give the most outrageous rock stars a run for their money.

Q: What activities are available during the festival? A: Besides bird watching, there are guided tours, nature walks, workshops, and even concerts. Yes, you read that right, humans playing music at a bird festival. It’s only fair since the birds provide us with their delightful tunes all year round.

Q: Do I need any special gear for the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest? A: Binoculars and a field guide are a must for spotting and identifying birds. A hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and sturdy shoes are also a good idea. And bring a reusable water bottle – we want to keep the environment as clean as possible for our feathered friends.

Q: Can children attend the festival? A: Absolutely! There are many kid-friendly activities, like birdhouse building and nature-themed arts and crafts. It’s a great way to pass on your love of birding to the next generation, or to keep them busy while you’re trying to spot that elusive warbler.

Q: How can I get the most out of the festival? A: Go on guided tours, participate in workshops, and network with other bird enthusiasts. And most importantly, keep your eyes and ears open. You never know when a rare bird might decide to make an appearance!

Q: Is there a fee to attend the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest? A: Some events and activities are free, while others require tickets or registration fees. Check the official festival website for detailed information. Trust me, it’s worth every penny for this “flappening” good time!

Q: What should I do if I see a rare bird? A: If you spot a rare bird, stay calm, and try not to disturb it. Share your finding with festival staff or fellow birders, but remember to be respectful. It’s like spotting a celebrity – no paparazzi behavior, please!

Q: Can I volunteer at the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest? A: Absolutely! Volunteers are always welcome. It’s a great way to be part of the team, plus you might get closer to the action.

Q: Are there accommodation facilities nearby? A: Yes, Leavenworth offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels and inns to campsites. It’s like a mini vacation with birding as the cherry on top.

Q: Can I buy bird-related merchandise at the festival? A: Absolutely! There are usually vendors selling bird-themed goods. T-shirts, books, binoculars, you name it. It’s a bird lover’s shopping paradise.

Q: Are there food and drink facilities at the festival? A: Yes, there are usually food vendors present at the festival. You might not find any worms on the menu, but there should be plenty of human-friendly snacks and refreshments.

 

Washington state wildflower list infographic