The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring two birding trips for late June. Both trips will be free and anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills. No pre-registration will be required. Children will be welcome. Both trips will begin at 7 a.m.

The first trip will be a June 23 bird walk in the southern part of the Antietam National Battlefield. Participants will meet at the Burnside Bridge parking area. The trip route will include Snavely’s Ford, parts of the Final Attack Trail, and other stops. In all, it will involve about two miles of easy walking.

Likely species include Cliff Swallows, Eastern Meadowlarks, Grass Sparrows, Warbling and other vireos, orioles; some warbler species, Eastern Bluebirds, and others.This trip is co-sponsored by the Washington County Bird Club.

The second trip will be a June 27 trip to the Shannondale Springs Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson County. Participants will meet in the parking area by the WMA’s boat launch site. Directions to the meeting place can be found on the Birding Trail Map on the PVAS website, at www.potomacaudubon.org.

The 1,361-acre Shannondale Springs property is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. It provides access to a mixture of habitats, including the Shenandoah River shore.

This trip will follow a river trail and involve about two miles of level walking. Possible species include Bald Eagles; Great Blue and Green Herons; Great Egrets; Spotted Sandpipers; Baltimore and Orchard Orioles; and several species of warblers, vireos, swallows and sparrows.

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.

Additional details can be found on the Society’s website or contact Sandy Sagalkin at 240-291-6465 or monsansagalkin@myactv.net.