The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a bird walk on the Rolling Ridge Foundation Lands on the Blue Ridge in Jefferson County, West Virginia on Wednesday, May 20.

The walk will be lead by local birding expert Joette Borzik and will begin at 7:30 a.m. It is free and open to anyone with an interest, regardless of their birding skills. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged but not required. Easy registration is available on the Society’s website at www.potomacaudubon.org.

Participants should plan to meet at the Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community, located at the end of Mission Road. Directions are on the Society’s website.

The walk will last about 3 hours, and will cover rolling terrain. Birds likely to be present will be migrating warblers, Wood Thrushes, Scarlet Tanagers, vireos, and possibly Red-headed Woodpeckers.

Participants should wear sturdy footwear, dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions, and bring along water, a snack, sunblock and insect repellent. PVAS will provide binoculars for those who do not have their own.

The walk may be cancelled in the event of heavy or steady rain, as access requires travel on a gravel road. Those who register on the PVAS website will be notified by email by 9:00 p.m. the previous evening if cancellation is anticipated.

The Rolling Ridge Foundation Lands are one of the largest privately held wilderness preserves in the Eastern Panhandle. Its 1,400 acres of secluded, forested land include miles of hiking trails, the Appalachian Trail, the Shenandoah River, five mountain streams, ponds, waterfalls and scenic overlooks.

To reserve binoculars or for additional trip information, contact Ms. Borzik at 240-440-4221 or pep4223@comcast.net. For property access questions, contact Scot DeGraf at 301-275-2009.