Notes about your surroundings

Birding for Bucks--April is Birdathon month for the National Audubon Society, a spring fund-raising program. Local chapters South Coast Audubon and the Sea & Sage chapter have various activities planned for this month.

South Coast Audubon plans to hold its birdathons during 24-hour periods between Saturday and April 17. Bird-watchers count as many species as possible while their sponsors pledge a donation for each species seen.

Specific-amount donations will also be accepted, as well as merchandise and service donations from merchants.

The Sea & Sage chapter’s events will include a back-yard birdathon throughout April, as well as a youth birdathon, traditional team event and leisure birding event on April 30.

The youth birdathon is open to those ages 8 to 17 and will take place at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The traditional team event will feature four-person teams competing in beginner, intermediate and open posts. Those participating in the leisure event can bird-watch at their own pace or join a skilled bird-watcher at one of the “hot spots” in the county.

For more information, call the chapter’s office at (714) 261-7963.

Owl Prowl--An evening trip into the interior of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve to look for owls will be held Saturday.

The cost is $11, or free for California Wildlife Campaign members. Reservations are required.

For more information about the owl prowl and other programs at Upper Newport Bay, call the California Department of Fish and Game office at (714) 640-6746.