Notes about your surroundings.

Christmas Bird Count--Today is the northeastern, or inland, Christmas Bird Count, which is part of an annual inventory of the bird population in the United States. The Sea & Sage chapter of the National Audubon Society is assisting with the local effort.

The count has been divided up into specific areas where birders will be out today tallying the various species and individuals they spot.

The areas are: Irvine Park; Irvine Lake; Silverado Canyon; Black Star Canyon; mountain areas; Modjeska and Harding canyons; O’Neill Park and Plano Trabuco; around the old Lion Country Safari, south of the San Diego Freeway; Mission Viejo, El Toro and the surrounding foothills; the El Toro Marine base and foothills; Rattlesnake and Siphon reservoirs and foothills; Peters Canyon and Lemon Heights.

The coastal count will be held Dec. 29. The results of the local counts and all the others across the country will be published in American Birds magazine.

High Tides--On Friday through Dec. 24, tides will be higher than normal, resulting in prime bird-spotting opportunities at Upper Newport Bay.

Birds most likely to be seen during this time include the American bittern and clapper, and Virginia and sora rails. The rare black rail may also put in an appearance.

Birders should arrive about a half-hour before the high tide and plan to stay at least an hour after that time.

The following are the times for the high tides on those dates:

* 7:29 a.m. Friday

* 8:14 a.m. Saturday

* 9 a.m. Dec. 22

* 9:48 a.m. Dec. 23

* 10:40 a.m. Dec. 24

Tides will also be higher in mid-January and mid-February.