Notes about your surroundings

Holiday Happenings--Oak Canyon Nature Center will offer a three-week session exploring science and nature for children 6 to 10 years old during the school break. Classes will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays beginning Dec. 18.

Each week, children will explore a different topic through guided trail walks, experiments, games and crafts. Participants should bring a sack lunch and a drink.

Fee for each session is $8 per child. To reserve a spot in the program, call (714) 998-8380.

Whereabouts: The center is at 6700 Walnut Canyon Road in Anaheim. To get there, take the Riverside Freeway east to the Imperial Highway turnoff. Exit and head south to Nohl Ranch Road, and turn left again. Pass the Anaheim Hills Golf Course; the nature center is at the end of the road, parking is on the left.

Good Tern--Ever wondered what the difference is between a gull and a tern? South Coast Audubon will answer this, and other avian questions, when the chapter hosts a beginning birders field trip to Crystal Cove State Park on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Crystal Cove is known for its broad sandy beaches and terraces overlooking the ocean.

Observed shorebirds will include willetts, pipers and a variety of gulls and terns. Experienced birders will be on hand to help with identification. Rare birds that may be spotted include the California gnatcatcher and western meadowlarks.

Bring binoculars, a scope (if you have one), bird book and drinking water.

Whereabouts: Take Coast Highway to Newport Coast Road and turn into the park. Turn left after paying a $5 parking fee at the blue machine next to the entrance station. Park in the last parking lot. Note: County stickers will not cover parking fees at state parks.

For more information, call South Coast Audubon at (714) 582-1776.