birdfest logo
Thanks to the support of
Taverner Ridge
 First Independent Bank
We are able to have this special event!
Great-horned owl

The 2008 BirdFest bird is the Great-Horned Owl. These beautiful animals nest on the Refuge where you can see the fluffy owlets in the spring sitting quietly in the trees. Great-horned owls typically begin to hunt at dusk but you can often view them in early morning or late afternoon on the Refuge. These large owls eat a variety of prey including rabbits, mice, frogs, and even other birds! While owl pairs remain together for many years, often using the same territory for nesting, they separate after the nesting season.

Come visit in early spring when you will be sure to see great-horned owls on the Refuge.

Click HERE to hear the call of the Great Horned Owl.

RAFFLE FUNDRAISER!

Help support our Education Programs – Buy a Raffle Ticket!

Enter our Raffle for a chance to win a beautiful hand painted pastel of this year’s bird, the Great Horned Owl, and a wonderful handmade embroidered quilt . ALL proceeds from the raffle go to support Nature and Cultural Education Programs at the Refuge.

Click on each picture for larger size

Tickets: $3 each or 4 for $10

Tickets can be purchased at:
First Independent Bank Ridgefield
At Birdfest - October 11-12: Birders Market Place, Davis Park

Click here for more information:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to BirdFest & Bluegrass 2008

October 11-12, 2008
Saturday & Sunday

Join the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) as we celebrate the arrival of fall and the wildlife that make the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge their winter home. BirdFest & Bluegrass is a unique opportunity to enjoy not only the sights and sounds of fall migration but also a festive celebration of music, children's activities, food, and fun in the Ridgefield community. Click on the links to the right to see what is happening during the festival.

Birdfest Goes Green This Year - And You Can Help!


And by helping us - you can receive a free daily pass to the Refuge to use at any time. We would like to reduce traffic around Ridgefield and on the Auto Tour Route. And you can help us do this! On both Saturday and Sunday, we are offering Guided Tours around the Auto Tour. (See link on side for more information) Save your gas and ride along with us. In addition, on Saturday, we are offering a free shuttle service between the different BirdFest and Refuge Venues. Once you get to Ridgefield, park and hop on the Ecoshuttle!

EcoShuttle is a new transportation company that offers environmentally friendly transportation by utilizing 100% biodiesel, a non-toxic, biodegradeable, carbon-friendly fuel. To learn more about Ecoshuttle, go to www.ecoshuttle.net.

Everyone who rides either of these shuttles, receives a daily pass to the Refuge for their next visit!

Ecoshuttle - Runs Saturday Only
Parking for the Ecoshuttle: Nazarene Church 747 Pioneer St.
Shuttle Stops: Nazarene Church, Birders Market/Davis Park, Carty Unit (Plankhouse) & River S Unit (Auto Tour).

 

About the Refuge

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and provides habitat for more than 200 species of birds. Established in 1965 for the protection of wintering waterfowl and migratory birds, the Refuge offers excellent birding and heritage opportunities. In addition to our natural treasures, cultural treasures include the site of the Chinookan village of Cathlapotle visited by Lewis and Clark, two Lewis and Clark campsites, and the Cathlapotle Plankhouse.

About the Friends of Ridgefield NWR

The Friends of Ridgefield NWR is a non-profit community group dedicated to supporting the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. We sponsor programs and activities that connect people with nature, restore important wildlife habitat, and provide a living classroom for children. We need your support as a member!

Download a membership form here or contact us:
** phone (360.887.9495)
** email (rfriends@pacifier.com)
** mail - P.O. Box 1022, Ridgefield, WA 98642

 
Teen GeoAdventure NEW!

Owl Walk & Talk NEW!
*Download a reservation form here.

NOTE: Owl Walk & Owl Talk times have been changed. Please check schedule for new times.

* Both Friday and Saturday Owl Walks are Full

*Owl Talks are open to the public, no registration necessary - 4:00 on Friday and 2:30 on Saturday at View Ridge Middle School.
Guided Tours - Auto Route River S

Guided Nature & Bird Walks

Added this Year!
* Friday, October 10 - Night-time Nature Walk
* Sunday, October 12 - Birding Basics Class
Check the nature walk webpage for details.
Children's Activities
* Raptor Show
* Storytelling
RAFFLE - Buy a Ticket!
Refuge Photo Contest Award Ceremony!

Maps * Directions * Lodging

Sponsors' Page -
Please support our sponsors! Thanks to them we are able to offer this special event!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 1996-2007 by The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, All Rights Reserved
All photos and graphics are under copyright by photographers. All wildlife photos ©Roger Windemuth
©2007 Web site and website design donated to the Friends of the Ridgefield NWR by Sandy Seth
Please do not use photos, graphics, layout without written permission form the copyright holders.