The 2023 Backyard Birding series comes to a close with a two-part focus on Purple martins set for Saturday, July 1.

Join presenters Ken Wiersema and Dow Lambert as they detail the lives of North America’s largest swallow.

As a result of habitat loss and nesting competition with human-introduced species, this bird is nearing “threatened” status by Washington state. Since 1998, the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society has committed to a project that provides safe and species-specific nesting cavities in an effort to help the 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, starting at 8:30 a.m. Attendees are asked to dress for the weather and wear waterproof shoes or boots that extend to mid-calf, and to bring binoculars for up-close views.

The second part of program will be indoor instruction from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Dungeness Nature River Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road, and will include background information about 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. Admission to the class is free. However, organizers suggest a donation of $5 per person to support ongoing education and bird conservation programs.

(Note: 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.)