STARRY GLANCE: The National Audubon Society’s Starr...

STARRY GLANCE: The National Audubon Society’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary is usually off limits to the public so that wildlife scientists can conduct uninterrupted research. But Audubon officials soon will offer a rare public glimpse of these scenic wild lands--near Saddleback Mountain--during a working field trip to examine baby hawks and owls. . . . Says sanctuary manager Pete DeSimone: “We like to show people the beauty, importance and wonder of Southern California wild land.” Public excursions: April 22-23 and May 13-14. Call (714) 786-3160.

KITTY LITTER: Bunnies may come to mind in April, but for the county Animal Shelter, it’s actually kitten season. Offspring are due this month from the mating season earlier in the year. How many will be up for adoption? “Trillions,” says one worker there. . . . It’s also puppy season. But Animal Control spokeswoman Marie Hulett notes one behavioral difference: “Cats run wild and think they have to stray from home to have their kittens. Dogs just stay home, so we get a lot fewer calls to come get them.”

PAULA’S STORY: Chilean Isabel Allende is listed by Hispanic magazine this month as one of the most influential Latino writers worldwide. Wednesday, she appears in Santa Ana, both at a book signing at Martinez Books & Art and a reading at the city’s Main Library. . . . The library will hold events all day in her honor, including Chilean ballet numbers and a showing of “The House of Spirits,” based on one of her books. Allende’s newest book: “Paula,” about the death of her daughter.

RUNWAY DREAMS? Modeling for a fall fashion show used to be members-only for the Guilds of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. But after the show shut down last year for lack of sponsors, the rules have loosened a little. The Guilds, with new sponsors in tow, will hold public modeling auditions Tuesday and Wednesday at the Center. . . . Says spokeswoman Marcia Finley: “We’re looking for people with a little flair.”