April 4-7 - National Audubon Society's 1998 Western Regional Conference, Asilomar, California (Monterey Bay). Theme - "Adventures in Bird Conservation: A Century of Audubon Accomplishments". Activities include:

Retrospective of Audubon's accomplishments during this century Thought-provoking sessions, excellent speakers, informative and fun workshops, great field trips Confirmed speakers include: · renowned birder, and author of The Kingbird Highway, Kenn Kaufman · distinguished photographer and naturalist Arnold Small · celebrated wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Bateman Youth programs offered for ages 3-12 and high school ($25)

Adult registration $60; field trips/workshops $30-$100. Housing info - Pat Kauffman, (408) 372-8016.

For general conference info and a full Conference Registration packet call Audubon Calif., (916) 481-5332

American Birding Assn./Leica Sport Optic's Young Birder of the Year competition: Contest runs 4/1/98 - 3/99 and has 3 age groups; requirements include keeping a field book of observations, notes and sketches. Participants will be judged on improvements they show in field birding skills, based on the records they keep. Winners will receive a pair of Leica binoculars and a scholarship to attend a Field Ornithology Camp in the Rocky Mountains. The $20 registration fee includes an ABA field notebook, the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, and the ABA youth newsletter. For more info, call (719)578-9703 or at see www.americanbirding.org.

February 14 - Valentine's Day Birding Tour at Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. If you are looking for a new place for a close-up look at waterfowl and other wildlife this refuge is located 10 miles from the State capital. Saturday Feb 14, 9 AM - Noon is the guided tour with refuge docents; Sunday Feb 15, 10 AM - 2 PM is Open Tour Day, explore at your own pace. For more info call Jeanne Clark at (916) 979-2085.