Join Audubon for Feb. 18 bird walk at Claymont
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a bird walk on the historic Claymont property outside Charles Town, on Saturday, Feb. 18.
The walk will begin at 9 a.m. and be led by local birding expert Joette Borzik. 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.
Field trip participants should plan to meet the trip leader at the gate to the Claymont entrance road. The entrance is located at 667 Huyett Road; it is marked by a street sign that says “Claymont Mansion.”
The trip will last about three hours and involve about three miles of moderate hiking, but participants may opt out at any time along the way. It should offer opportunities to see year-round resident birds, winter visitors, and possibly waterfowl.
Participants should dress appropriately for the prevailing weather and bring drinking water and trail snacks if they want. Binoculars will be available for those who need them.
The Claymont property, which totals about 300 acres, includes the Claymont Mansion. The Mansion was built in 1820 by George Washington’s grand-nephew Bushrod Washington. It is the largest of the Washington family homes and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property has recently been entered into a conservation easement that will protect it from development in perpetuity.
For more information, go to the PVAS website or contact Ms. Borzik at 240-440-4221 or pep4223@com cast.net.