Birding in Ferry County

Northern Ferry County and northeastern Okanogan County are dominated by a relatively high mountain range on the east (the Kettle Range) and the Okanogan highlands on the west. Bisecting these mountains is Curlew Lake, drained to the south by the San Poil River and to the north by Curlew Creek and the Kettle River. These streams comprise an important north-south corridor for migrating birds, and the vast timbered hills and riparian habitats provide optimal nesting conditions for a wide variety of bird species. A look at the distribution maps for a number of neo-tropical migrants which are normally considered Eastern birds reveals that their range in Washington state is mainly limited to the area of the map below. Examples include the Veery, Redstart, Bobolink, and Red-eyed Vireo. This region’s high mountains provide an opportunity to view such species as the Spruce Grouse, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Grosbeak, Great Gray Owl, and Boreal Owl. Lower elevations with more sparse timber and grasslands support unparalleled numbers of Mountain and Western Bluebirds and bluebird box “trails” may be seen along many area roads. Observed, but as yet unverified, are migrating Tennessee Warblers and even a Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

• Birding Locations
• Washington State and County Bird Lists

Much of the information included in this article was originally published in 2003 in a brochure published by the Highlands Bird Group. The birding introduction and location information has been reprinted with the permission. Photo by Sarah Lawrence.