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 9May 10.

Four local Audubon experts will take turns leading the walks: Norma Venable, Susan Schneider, Brent Bailey and Susan Olcott.

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. The walk usually lasts about two hours, but participants can depart at any time.

Birders are advised to bring binoculars and to dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes that can get muddy. Participants 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 Venable, (304) 328-5128, or Schneider, (304) 291-3005.