On Monday, March 11, the Northern Neck Audubon Society (NNAS) will conduct a bird walk at 9:00 a.m. at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve in Mathews County. Bethel Beach is a sandy, southward pointing spit that separates the eastern side of Winter Harbor from the Chesapeake Bay. From the beach, one can see offshore bay waters, tidal lagoons, salt marsh, shrubby swamp and deeper channels. Over 185 species of birds have been observed at Bethel Beach, including 25 species of shore birds. Migration is starting, so possible sightings include scoters, buffleheads, red-breasted mergansers, horned grebes, clapper rails, oystercatchers, osprey, ruddy turnstones, and black-bellied plovers.

GPS coordinates are 37.4106814 / 76.2503958.

From the Whitestone/Greys Point Bridge, it is approximately 27 miles / 40 minutes to Bethel Beach. Directions from the Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula: From Harmony Grove (at the intersection of Routes 3 & 33 in Middlesex County), turn left. Go 3.3 miles to Hartfield and turn right onto Route 3 E. Go 4.6 miles (crossing the Twigs Ferry Bridge into Gloucester County) and turn left at the T intersection onto Route 198. Go 8.9 miles and turn right onto Route 14 E. Go 0.6 miles and turn left onto Route 611 (Tabernacle Road). Go 4.3 miles and turn left onto Route 609 (Bethel Beach Road). Go 1.9 miles to the beach.

For cancellations and information about the Northern Neck Audubon Society, programs and activities,www.northernneckaudubon.org. Any cancellations will be announced on the website.