Notes on your surroundings

Birds Calling--Volunteers are needed to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 16. The count, first organized by the National Audubon Society in 1900, surveys winter bird populations and is the longest continuing wildlife census in North America.

The count focuses on high bird population areas from the coast to inland parkland and wilderness areas. Key spots to be worked include Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Huntington Central Park and the Bolsa Chica wetlands. Many other locations will be surveyed, so if there’s a particular park or beach you’d like to cover, make your preferences known.

Birders of all experience levels are welcome to join in the count. Many volunteers are needed at the sites and each location will require bird spotters and people to record the number of types of birds identified.

If interested in participating, contact either the Sea & Sage Audubon at (714) 261-7963 or South Coast Audubon at (714) 661-7525.

Joining the Flock--Interested in joining the National Audubon Society? Birders of all abilities and ages are welcome in the two Orange County chapters.

National Audubon members receive monthly local newsletters and Audubon magazine. Members also have the option to attend birding events and workshops. Children 5 and older are welcome at Young Audubon meetings. Additionally, there are birding field trips to wildlife areas across Southern California.

Fees range from $20 to $35. To join, call or write either chapter and request a membership application.

Contact the two Audubon chapters at:

* South Coast Audubon

P.O. Box 4059, San Clemente, CA 92674-4059

(714) 498-4407

Chapter meets in Dana Point

* Sea & Sage Audubon

P.O. Box 25, Santa Ana, CA 92702

(714) 261-7963

Chapter meets at Audubon House in Irvine