Notes about your surroundings

Star Night--Celebrate the winter solstice, which brings the shortest day and longest night of the year, at the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy on Dec. 21. If the night is clear, there will be stargazing through telescopes. If it is cloudy, a slide presentation on the solstice will be given. Hot chocolate, marshmallows and cookies will be provided. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for children. The event is not recommended for those younger than 8. Reservations: (714) 489-9778. The conservancy is five miles east of San Juan Capistrano.

Adopt a Monkey--Can’t face the crowds at the mall? Need something for the person who has everything? The Santa Ana Zoo suggests giving “Something Wild.” Through the zoo’s animal adoption program, participants provide financial support for animals living at the zoo, such as a golden lion tamarin, polish top hat chicken or spider monkey. Cost ranges from $25 to $1,000. Those who adopt an animal receive invitations to zoo functions, a subscription to the zoo’s bimonthly newsletter, a certificate of adoption and animal fact sheet. For more information or to purchase an animal adoption, call the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo at (714) 953-8555.

Counting Down--Bird watchers of all skill levels are needed for the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count on Saturday. The event is designed to monitor changes and track the health of bird populations. The South Coast Audubon Society will be covering areas including Camp Pendleton, San Juan Creek, Doheny State Beach and the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy. For information, call Stephen Stanton at (714) 661-7525. On Dec. 27, a list of unusual birds and where they were found will be distributed at 8 a.m. at the Park and Ride in the Ortega Business Center, San Juan Capistrano. Those who want to visit the sites should bring binoculars, scope, field guide, a snack and water.