DAVIS, West Virginia – Hearing the diminutive "toot" of a saw-whet owl or the sighting of a returning warbler are possible at a new birding weekend offered at Blackwater Falls State Park. Saw-whet Owls and Warblers Weekend is scheduled for May 29-31, 2015.

"It should be a perfect time in spring to observe and hear more than 100 species," said Joey Herron, the birding weekend leader.

The weekend includes on-site birding at Blackwater Falls State Park and field trips to Nursery Bottom in Parsons, The Fernow Research Forest, Freeland Boardwalk Trail in the Canaan Valley area, and Canaan Valley State Park. Owl Prowls in the evening are also part of the full day of birding activities planned.

"On a good day we can expect up to 80-plus species, including 20-25 warbler species," Herron said. "The field trips to Nursery Bottom /Fernow and Canaan area together could yield close to 100 species. The elevation and habitat of this area yields a wide variety of species possibilities. The Cerulean Warbler is a great find and likely, along with Golden-winged Warbler, Northern Parula Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler and the Chestnut-sided Warbler to mention a few."

The birding weekend at Blackwater Falls requires preregistration due to limited attendee number in order for each person to have a maximum birding experience. The weekend cost is $134 and includes the birding activities with Joey Herron, evening snacks, two breakfasts, boxed lunches and Saturday dinner. Overnight accommodations at Blackwater Falls Lodge or the classic cabins are available at a separate cost and at a discounted rate.

Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars and outdoor apparel suitable for walking and outdoor birdwatching activity during morning, day and evening hours. To register for the weekend or to make lodge or cabin arrangements, contact Lois Reed at Blackwater Falls Lodge, 304-259-5212 or email Lois.A.Reed@wv.gov