Night and Day--Both early birds and night...

Night and Day--Both early birds and night owls will find a suitable activity Saturday at the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy. “Learn the Birds” takes watchers on a drive along a scenic country road, stopping to search for birds through binoculars and a spotting scope. Participants will take short walks into the reserve. Hours are 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Cost is $4. For reservations and location, call (714) 489-9778. Then it’s heads up for astronomy night, from 8 to 10 p.m. Gaze through a telescope to spot such sights in the night sky as star clusters, nebulae and the craters of the moon. Cost is $8 for adults; $6 for children 8 and up. Children ages 6 and 7 are free, but the event is not recommended for those younger. For reservations, call (714) 489-9778. The land conservancy is located in the coastal foothills five miles east of San Juan Capistrano.

Urban Wildlife--As part of the Oak Canyon Nature Center’s “Nature Nights” summer series, Lt. Marie Hulett from Orange County Animal Control will discuss wild animals of the area and how to handle problems that may arise. She will explain when to call animal control and what the response will be. The free program begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the outdoor amphitheater. A guided walk through the canyon begins at 7 p.m. The nature center is at 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road in Anaheim Hills, just off Nohl Ranch Road near the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. Information: (714) 998-8380.

Clean Getaway--Ever wondered what’s involved in treating waste water? Groups are invited to visit the treatment plant in Fountain Valley. The 90-minute tours are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Children must be at least 6 years old and accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance. For information, write the County Sanitation Districts of Orange County, Attention: Tour Guide Program Coordinator, P.O. Box 8127, Fountain Valley, CA 92728-8127. (714) 962-2411.