The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring a birding trip to the National Conservation Training Center outside Shepherdstown on Saturday, Mar. 1. The trip will begin at 8 a.m. It will be free and anyone with an interest is welcome to come along. Children will be welcome.

However, because of security considerations at NCTC pre-registration is essential. Easy, on-line registration is available on the PVAS website at www.potomacaudubon.org. Please register before Feb. 26.

For more information, contact trip leader Sandy Sagalkin at monsansagalkin@myactv.net or 240-291-6465.

The Center’s 538-acre campus is not normally open to the public, so this is a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus and enjoy their trails while birding.

The campus contains a mix of fields and forest, providing good habitat for a rich variety of bird species such as sparrows, juncos, raptors, bluebirds, woodpeckers, waterfowl and other birds of winter. It also should provide a good opportunity to see NCTC’s resident Bald Eagles.

The trip will last about three hours and involve walking about two miles over moderate terrain.

Participants should dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions and wear comfortable walking or hiking boots that can protect against possible cold, and muddy or snowy tails.

PVAS will provide binoculars for those who need them.

The trip may be cancelled if there is bad weather. To check on possible weather cancellation, watch the PVAS website or contact Mr. Sagalkin.