Notes on your surroundings

Bird walk--The Oak Canyon Nature Center will host Saturday morning walks for anyone interested in learning more about Orange County’s birds and their habits.

Serious birders will want to attend the 8 a.m. hike through the Oak Canyon wetlands. Guided by experienced naturalists, this tour will detail the wetlands habitat as well as point out identifying marks on a variety of terns and marsh birds.

Families and groups will want to attend the 10 a.m. expedition into the canyon. Basic birding tips will be covered. Naturalists will point out species, nesting sites and habits. Birds spotted in the area include woodpeckers, owls, red-tailed hawks and hummingbirds.

Birders should wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars and a bird book.

Both one-hour programs are free. The 10 a.m. family bird walk is excellent for Scouts and other groups. Reservations are required for groups. Call (714) 998-8380.

The Oak Canyon Nature Center is at 6700 Walnut Canyon Road, in Anaheim.

To get there, take the Riverside Freeway east to the Imperial Highway offramp. Exit and head south to Nohl Ranch Road. Turn left and travel about three miles to Walnut Canyon Road, then turn left again. Pass the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. The nature center is at the end of the road; parking is on the left.

Fireworks--Just a word of caution from the Orange County Fire Authority, which asks that people use extreme caution when shooting off fireworks. Not only does this seemingly harmless fun pose a potential danger to wood-shingle roofs, but current Santa Ana-like conditions promise to sweep a small brush fire into a blaze.

If at all possible, stick to watching the pyrotechnics put together by professionals.