BirdFest and Bluegrass is the main event every year that the Friends & the City of Ridgefield put on to bring awareness to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and all that it has to offer. We celebrate the Sandhill Crane returning to the Refuge, a huge stately bird that is endangered in Washington State, and we celebrate everything the Refuge is and what it brings to the community. With endangered species, hundreds of migratory species, an auto tour route, photo blind, walking trails, habitat restoration programs, and so much more – there is a lot to celebrate, and a lot to learn.
We are uniquely fortunate to have the Refuge as a resource right in our own backyard, and by learning not only how to appreciate the beauty, but the necessity of it, you come one step closer to being able to support it.
Whether you head downtown to jam with bluegrass bands, shop, or do crafts, take a drive around the Refuge’s Auto Tour, or head to the Carty Unit for family crafts, guided hikes, or a walk on the trail- there is something for everyone, and lots to learn!
Coming Summer 2025!
From events on the river, in downtown Ridgefield, or either unit of the Refuge- find details about everything you need (and even more, coming soon).
Please visit local businesses in Ridgefield: Sportsman’s Steakhouse & Saloon, Old Liberty Theater – Season’s Coffee Shop, Ridgefield Craft Brewing, Bunnies, El Rancho Viejo, Ridgefield Pioneers Market, Starliner Deli, Ridgefield Floral & Gifts, Ridgefield Hardware, and all of the Carts by the Park; Sushi Kato, La Catrina, Nest, and Poca Pasta.
BirdFest & Bluegrass is a joint event planned in a partnership between the City of Ridgefield, The US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge that includes in-person self-led activities, crafts, musical performances, shopping, tours, and a Pickers Festival.
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
The Ospreys are making their seasonal return to our partners and neighbors to the south, the Port of Ridgefield, and you can watch it live on their cameras: https://portridgefield.org/osprey-cam
The choice of the Osprey as this year’s Bird of the Year for BirdFest & Bluegrass was a no-brainer, thanks to several fun factors: the community’s love for the Ospreys at the Port of Ridgefield, its frequent close calls with victory that made this win feel like the ultimate underdog story, and the playful nudges from community members who jokingly hinted at it all over town (though not quite performing interpretive dances in the streets).
Ospreys are fascinating birds that belong to their own raptor family, distinct from eagles and hawks. They are specially adapted for life and hunting near water. With their stunning white underbellies and dark brown wings, they are not only visually striking but also exceptional hunters. Their primary diet consists of fish, which they catch with extraordinary precision, diving feet first into the water at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour!
Some adaptations that enhance their impressive hunting abilities are: a wide field of vision, reversible outer toes that function like thumbs, small spikes on the soles of their feet, nostrils that can be closed, and a third transparent eyelid that serves as goggles, allowing them to see clearly underwater.
The Osprey’s presence at the Port of Ridgefield has become a symbol of the area’s rich biodiversity and the community’s commitment to preserving natural habitats. Watching these magnificent birds build their nests high atop structures and raise their young has become a cherished activity for locals and visitors alike. Their resilience and adaptability is something to behold.
In addition to their remarkable hunting skills, Ospreys are renowned for their extraordinary migratory journeys, covering thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering habitats in Central and South America. Some individuals may travel over 5,000 miles. Unlike the flocks we often envision, these birds migrate solo. Females typically leave first in the fall after the young have fledged, followed by the males and the juveniles and non-breeding adults, which may depart up to a month later. Interestingly, mated pairs will not reunite until they return for the breeding season.
While all of that is fascinating, what is really cool is that Ospreys play a crucial role as indicators of ecosystem health; their presence supports a thriving and balanced aquatic habitat.
Celebrating the Osprey as Bird of the Year not only highlights the species’ importance to the local ecosystem but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of nature that surrounds us every day. As we gather at BirdFest & Bluegrass, let us appreciate these magnificent creatures and the vital role they play in our environment.
When Amazon removed AmazonSmile, we lost our Amazon Wishlist access. Now, we have finally started one back up! Shop for items that the Friends and the Refuge Complex need to help with everything from habitat restoration to events like BirdFest & Bluegrass, and help support wildlife in little and big ways.
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Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (PK822). For more information, please visit the link below.
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