Purple Martins at 3 Crabs - Photo: Dow Lambert
Backyard Birding: Purple Martins (2-part program)
Presenters: Ken Wiersema and Dow Lambert
Saturday, July 1, 2023
(Part I) 8:30 am Tide Flats adjacent to 3 Crabs Road, Sequim
***
(Part II) 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Rainshadow Hall at Dungeness River Nature Center
Suggested donation: $5.00
Our current Backyard Birding series ends with this special program focused on North America’s largest swallow, the Purple Martin. As a result of habitat loss and nesting competition with human-introduced species, this bird is nearing “threatened” status by Washington State. Since 1998 Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society has committed to a project that provides safe and species-specific nesting cavities in an effort to help the Purple Martins nest and reproduce successfully and to remain a part of our state’s vibrant array of birds.
The first part of the program will involve a short, quarter-mile walk along the tide flats adjacent to 3 Crabs Road (Google Maps-3 Crabs Road, Sequim). Please dress for the weather and wear waterproof shoes or boots that extend to mid-calf. Also, bring your binoculars for up-close views! The second part of the program will be indoor instruction (at the River Center), including background information on migration, nesting requirements, and diet as well as data on the birds’ progress in adapting to human-made nesting cavities.
Participants may choose to attend either the outdoor or indoor segment, or both. We encourage you to do both! Admission to the class is free. However, we suggest a donation of $5.00 per person to support our ongoing education and bird conservation programs. Please note that in the River Center, current COVID-19 health precautions as recommended by Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and Clallam County Public Health will be followed for the protection of our attendees and volunteer staff.
Purple Martins at 3 Crabs - Photo: Dow Lambert