The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is now accepting registrations for its 2nd annual “Ruth Ann Dean Memorial Birdathon” the weekend of May 14 and 15.

The event is named in honor of Ruth Ann Dean, a founding member and supporter of PVAS, a board member in the early years and an avid birder.

The Birdathon is open to all members of the public.

Teams will compete to identify the highest numbers of bird species they find anywhere within Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan or Washington counties within any 24-consecutive-hour-period during the weekend.

Participants can choose to form their own teams, decide their team names and select their own leaders. If you don’t have a team, and want to participate, PVAS will help you find one.

Another option is to participate individually or as a group in a “Big Sit.” For the Big Sit, individuals or teams identify all birds they can see from within a 50-foot diameter circle of your choosing within the 24-consecutive-hour-period. They could choose their back porch, a circle within their backyard or a 50-foot circle within a place they like to bird. They can invite friends and family to join them within the circle and make it a special event.

Winners of the Birdathon and Big Sit will be announced in the PVAS newsletter and website.

There is no entry fee, and registration is easy. Teams may consist of two to five participants (unless an individual registers for the Big Sit). Just go onto the PVAS website, www.potomacaudubon.org and click on “2011 Ruth Ann Dean Memorial Birdathon.” You can fill out the registration form on line.

If you don’t have internet access, contact Sandy Sagalkin, Birdathon coordinator, at 240-291-6465 to register.

Registration must be completed by May 12. For further information, call Sandy or contact him at monsansaglakin@myactv.net.

The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is a United Way of the Eastern Panhandle partner agency and a member of the Combined Federal Campaign.