Please note: Port staff are aware that the camera's view is currently obstructed. For the safety of the ospreys, we are unable to approach the camera until they have vacated the nest as per guidelines from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Port of Ridgefield proudly presents a live camera view of the Osprey Nest at the Ridgefield Waterfront. This project comes to life through a dynamic partnership with Ridgefield School District's Innovation Ridge CAPS, Clark Public Utilities, and the Ridgefield Raptors, reflecting our collective commitment to environmental stewardship and educational enrichment. Through this live feed, we aim to offer a window into the fascinating world of ospreys, highlighting the beauty and complexity of natural ecosystems right at our waterfront. This initiative underscores our dedication to preserving and celebrating the natural environment, providing an unparalleled opportunity for learning and connection with nature.
Please note, this camera streams live footage from the natural habitat of ospreys, and as such, viewers may witness the raw and unpredictable aspects of nature. Nature can be compelling yet challenging to watch, and we advise viewer discretion.
For decades, the Ridgefield Waterfront has been home to multiple osprey nests, and in the early 2000s, Clark Public Utilities built several nest platforms on dedicated poles. The goal was to safely relocate ospreys from nesting atop power transmission poles, where they would often drop sticks across power lines, causing power outages and starting fires. The new nest platforms offer a safe and attractive spot for ospreys to build their nests.
The Port of Ridgefield owns and manages the pole, nest platform, and camera equipment.
Osprey typically arrive at the Ridgefield Waterfront in early April and depart by early October. The female lays two to four eggs within a month of arriving, which are then incubated for about 35–43 days until they hatch. The chicks typically take their first flight, or “fledge,” when they are about 10 weeks old.
Yes! Year-round, smaller birds can be seen perching in the bottom part of the nest, and during the osprey “off-season,” eagles will occasionally perch there while hunting in the area. However, no other birds have been observed nesting there.
The Port of Ridgefield hopes to establish a new, permanent osprey nest platform and pole as part of the upcoming Waterfront Park project. Once the new nest platform and pole structure are established, the old one will be removed during the time of year when the osprey are not present.
Yes! After the 2024 nesting season, the Port will assess potential changes to the camera position and will also be looking into adding a microphone to capture sounds from the nest.
The Port is investigating additional safety measures, including the implementation of protective screens around the osprey nest, to prevent bald eagles from preying on the young ospreys. These enhancements would be implemented at the end of the 2024 nesting season. Beyond these considerations, the Port intends to be unobtrusive and as close to nature as possible.
There are numerous resources online to discover more about osprey. Visit the Cascade Raptor Center's website for a deep dive into ospreys: https://cascadesraptorcenter.org/birds/osprey/
Additionally, as one of the most notable attractions in the area, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore the local wildlife in Southwest Washington. Visit their website to learn more about this refuge and to plan your visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield
Ospreys are technically a type of “raptor”, defined as a bird of prey. But did you know that Ridgefield is also home to another type of raptor, the Ridgefield Raptors baseball team? They’re a collegiate summer baseball team, playing in the West Coast League from June to August. They’re based here in Ridgefield and play at our community’s very own Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, aka the “RORC”.
We’ve named our osprey camera the “RaptorCam” in honor of those Ridgefield Raptors, as well as all the other “real” raptors like hawks, eagles, and ospreys that grace the skies of our community. So much of Ridgefield’s charm is the tie to our natural areas, and to the majestic creatures soaring in the skies above us.
To learn more about Ridgefield Raptors Baseball, please visit: https://ridgefieldraptors.com
Port of Ridgefield
101 Mill Street, suite 100
Ridgefield, WA 98642
(360) 887-3873
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