Notes about your surroundings

Starr gazing--The South County chapter of the National Audubon Society will host an open house at the Starr Ranch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The 4,000-acre research reserve, near Coto de Caza, will be opened to the public for the first time since it was donated to the Audubon Society in 1973. For the past 21 years, only wildlife researchers and Audubon Society members have had access to the wilderness area.

Throughout the day, staff members will lead walks along trails winding through the Trabuco Canyon reserve. An array of plants, flowers and wildlife indigenous to Orange County but in decline due to construction and development can be found in abundance at the ranch. Plant life and trees found locally include coastal sage scrub, oaks and large sycamore groves. Wildlife in the area includes deer, hawks, falcons and cougars.

The event will also feature Orange County’s natural history. Of special note, bird handlers will be on site with hawks, falcons and owls. T-shirts, food and drinks will be for sale during the event.

The event is free, but space is limited to 500 people.

Tickets must be ordered in advance. To reserve space, call (714) 858-1013. Leave your name, phone number, full address and the number of people in your party. Reservations must be made before Tuesday.

Participants should dress for hiking and bring sunglasses, sunscreen and binoculars. In case of rain, the event will be canceled.

Like a bat--Why do bats, tarantulas and other animals get such a bad rap? Children can learn how these creatures help the world at a program at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Oak Canyon Nature Center, 6700 Walnut Canyon Road, in Anaheim. Information: (714) 998-8389.