The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a birding trip to the Altona Marsh in Jefferson County on Saturday, Sept. 5. The trip will begin at 7:30 a.m. and last a couple of hours. It will focus on migrating waterfowl and winter resident species.

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.

The trip will be free and anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills. However, because this is a protected site and there are access issues, participants must pre-register and sign a waiver. To pre-register go to the PVAS website at www.potomacaudubon.org.

Children ages 12 and up will be welcome but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants should wear sturdy footwear, dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions, and bring along water. Binoculars will be available for anyone who needs them.

The trip may be canceled in the event of bad weather.

For more information, contact trip leader Jim Farley at jamesfarley@frontiernet.net or 540-686-2056.