In the merry month of May each year, thousands of Snow Geese come to western Washington near the town of La Conner to fatten themselves before the long migration to northern Canada. The flocks are huge and cover large areas of the farmlands where they graze, only to take flight suddenly in response to a perceived threat (often Bald Eagles flying over or near the flock). The coordinated, ballet-like flight of the flock is a magnificent sight, as are the birds themselves.