Purple Martin Habitat

In partnership with the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (RNWR), the Port of Ridgefield has put up a purple martin gourd array where our property meets the refuge on the waterfront. Purple martins are a native migratory bird and a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Due to habitat loss, the population is largely dependent on humans to provide nest structures.

Establishing habitat: Do not disturb!
The Port's array was installed in April 2026, before the birds returned for nesting season. It's very important that the array is not disturbed, so the birds can establish a colony and raise their young safely. Bring your binoculars, keep a little space, and watch these amazing North American swallows on the Ridgefield Waterfront!

Regional colonies

Our array joins a growing network of habitat in Southwest Washington. The RNWR already has seven purple martin gourd arrays on refuge property, and there are arrays at the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Washougal and Port of Vancouver USA property west of downtown Vancouver, too.