Rufous Hummingbirds—Photo: Dow Lambert

Purple Martin Class & Field Trip (a 2-part program)
Presenters: Ken Wiersema and Dow Lambert 
Thursday, July 16, 2026
(Part I) 9:45 AM at Dungeness River Nature Center
(Part II) 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on tide flats near 3 Crabs Road
Limited to 12 participants
Registration required 
Suggested donation: $5.00

(Note: Currently the field trip portion is full, but there is a waitlist.)

Curious about Purple Martins? Join Ken Wiersema and Dow Lambert on Thursday, July 16 at the Dungeness River Nature Center for a special two-part Backyard Birding program exploring the biology, migration, and local conservation of these remarkable swallows. Purple Martins are Washington’s largest swallows and are increasingly vulnerable due to habitat loss and nesting competition, making this an especially timely program.

The morning includes an indoor orientation at the River Center followed by an optional guided visit to the 3 Crabs tide‑flat colony, where participants can observe active nest boxes and learn about OPAS’s long-running conservation work. The field trip depends on weather; if rain or high winds are present or forecasted, we’ll postpone for safety, as ladder work isn’t possible in winds above 10–12 mph. Please dress for the weather and wear waterproof shoes or boots that rise above the ankle, ideally to mid‑calf.

Admission to Backyard Birding programs is free. However, we suggest you consider a donation of $5.00 per person to support our ongoing education and bird conservation programs. We’ll also ask you to join the over 340 Audubon members in our local chapter, or to renew an expired membership.