The Potomac Valley Audubon Society has scheduled two birding trips for early June. Both trips will be free and anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills. But pre-registration is required. Both trips will begin at 7 a.m.

The first trip will be a June 2 bird walk on the campus of the National Conservation Training Center outside Shepherdstown. The center’s 538-acre campus provides good habitat for a variety of birds. Species likely to be sighted include Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Eastern Bluebirds, Bald Eagles, Re-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, Great Blue Herons and several species of swallows, flycatchers, vireos and warblers.

This trip will involve walking about two miles over easy terrain. Children will be welcome. To pre-register, contact Sandy Sagalkin at 240-291-6465 or monsansagalkin@myactv.net no later than May 28.

The second trip will be a June 6 trip to Altona Marsh near Charles Town. The marsh is a rare, 70-acre marl wetland protected by a Nature Conservancy easement. It is a good site for birding, not only because it harbors a rich variety of species but also because the terrain offers easy viewing. Likely sightings include Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, warblers, Red-winged Blackbirds, Willow Flycatchers, Virginia Rail, Great Blue Herons and other species.

This trip will involve about two miles of relatively easy walking, some along a railroad track. Because of this, participants must sign a waiver. Children ages 12 and up will be welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. To pre-register, contact Mr. Sagalkin.

For both trips, participants should wear sturdy footwear, dress appropriately for prevailing weather conditions, and bring along water and bug spray. Binoculars will be available for anyone who needs them.

Trips may be canceled in the event bad weather. Various trip details could also change depending on weather or recent bird sightings. Fuller details can be found on the Society’s website at www.potomacaudubon.org.