With the arrival of spring comes a familiar tradition at West Virginia Universityearly morning birdwalks at the Core Arboretum.

Early risers can hear natures spring display of birdsongs while strolling through the Universitys nature park located next door to the WVU Coliseum beginning at 7:15 a.m. each Tuesday and Friday from April 3 through May 18.

More than 100 species of birds were tallied during last springs walks, according to Sally Stebbins, a local bird enthusiast who will lead the walks for her 13th and final season before moving to Michigan.

Birding starts in the parking lot and adjacent lawn and continues at a leisurely pace into the wooded areas, along the rail-trail, beside the pond and to the banks of the Monongahela River, Stebbins says . The walk usually lasts about two hours, but participants can depart at any time.

Stebbins advises birders to bring binoculars and to dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes that can get muddy. Participatns will receive a copy of the Core Arboretum Checklist of Birds, a field card tally of 180 species of birds spotted at the arboretum over the past 15 years.

The walks, sponsored by WVU and the Mountaineer Audubon Society, are open to all levels of experience; no reservations are required. For more information call Sebbins, 292-2128.