Escapes: Count Northern California birds, explore nature

Birding adventures

Join tens of thousands of volunteers and make a difference for bird conservation by participating in the annual Christmas Bird Count. The National Audubon Society, a Sacramento-based environmental nonprofit, organizes the effort, which has gone on from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5 for more than 100 years.

Armed with guides and checklists, citizen scientists leave their cozy homes and brave the cold to observe and tally species in nature. Anyone can participate so long as they make advance arrangements – and counting opportunities take place all over California. Last year, groups set out in Mount Shasta, Lassen National Forest, Mendocino County, Lake Tahoe, the Sacramento Valley and all around the San Francisco Bay Area. No fee nor experience required. Learn more at birds.audubon.org.

Historical Christmas

What: Experience Christmas as if it were the 1800s. The Patterson House at Ardenwood Historic Farm is offering docent-led tours while it’s decked out with Victorian-inspired holiday decorations.

When: Various times, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21

Where: 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

Cost: $3-$4 plus $2-$3 Ardenwood admission

Information: www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood; (510) 544-2797

Holiday farm faire

What: Shop for hand-carved ornaments, pottery, quilts, jams and more in two packed barns at Harley Farms Christmas Faire. Listen to live music, sip on hot mulled cider and nibble on homemade cookies while you contemplate the farm’s cheeses and goat-milk body treats. For an additional fee, join a wreath-making, block-printing or felting workshop.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Harley Farms, 205 North St., Pescadero

Cost: Free

Information: www.harleyfarms.com

Filipino parade

What: The 12th annual Parol Lantern Festival will feature more than 25 local organizations gathering for live music, art and games. The highlight? The parade of parols – traditional, brightly lit and star-shaped Christmas lanterns from the Philippines.

When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Jessie Square, 736 Mission St., San Francisco

Cost: Free

Information: bayanihancc.org/parol

Street shopping

What: Take your holiday shopping to the quirky, multicultural Telegraph business district for the 31st annual Holiday Street Fair. Artists will hawk jewelry, hats, leather work, tie-dyed clothing, wood crafts, henna art, sculptures and more amid festive décor, music and food.

When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Dec. 20, 21, 23, 24

Where: Telegraph Avenue between Dwight and Bancroft ways, Berkeley

Cost: Free

Information: www.telegraphfair.com

Winterfest

What: For one night only, charming downtown Santa Cruz will transform into a full-blown winter festival, with choirs, carolers, wagon rides, Santa Claus, open houses and a free outdoor movie.

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday

Where: Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz

Cost: Free

Information: www.downtownsantacruz.com

Bee Staff

This story was originally published December 6, 2014 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Escapes: Count Northern California birds, explore nature."