Audobon sponsoring ‘Pledge to Fledge’ event
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a “Pledge to Fledge” event at its Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve in Berkeley County on Saturday, Aug. 25.
“Pledge to Fledge” is a new international initiative designed to promote greater interest in birds and birding and, by extension, the natural world. Although it is global in scope, the initiative is focused on the grassroots level. It asks veteran birders to dedicate two weekends a year to “fledging” new birders in their local communities by encouraging friends, neighbors and others to participate in birding activities.
The hope is that, cumulatively, these local efforts will help build greater support for bird conservation at all levels, including nationally and worldwide.
The kickoff “Pledge to Fledge” weekend is the last weekend of August. In observance of it, local birding experts will be on hand to share their knowledge and enthusiasm at the Stauffer’s Marsh Preserve from 7 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 25.
The event will be free and everyone with an interest is invited to attend, especially those who would like to learn more about birding and new birders. This will also be a good educational opportunity for children, and families are encouraged to attend.
Refreshments will be served and binoculars will be available for those who do not have any of their own.
The fall shorebird migration will be in full swing at the marsh at that time and the event should provide opportunities to see a good variety of shorebirds, including Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer, and many different kinds of Sandpipers. Warblers, orioles, Gray Catbirds and others species should also be present.
The event will not be held if there is steady rain that morning.
The Stauffer’s Marsh Preserve is located in Back Creek Valley, one-half mile south of Shanghai, on the east side of Back Creek Valley Road (County Route 7). Meet in the parking area at the north end of the preserve.
For more information about the Pledge to Fledge initiative, go to its website at www.pledgetofledge.org. For more information about the local August 25 event, contact Sandy Sagalkin at monsansagalkin@myactv.net or 240-291-6465.