BIRDING

Audubon Christmas bird count

WHEN: Saturday

WHERE: Five count areas in the Anchorage Bowl

DETAILS: The Christmas Bird Count is an organized, continent-wide survey that documents every bird seen on a given day from sunrise to sunset. Participants will be assigned to a team based on their skill level and endurance. After the count, there's a potluck at the Campbell Creek Science Center at 4 p.m. We provide the chili, corn bread, hot drinks and cider, but feel free to bring a dessert.

COST: $5

CONTACT: www.anchorageaudubon.org, 1-907-929-8051.

Learn what to feed birds

WHEN: 2 p.m. today

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Learn what to feed birds in winter. Naturalists on hand will help identify our winter birds.

COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers

CONTACT: 694-2108

FILM

Seward winter film series

WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: AVTEC Auditorium, 519 Fourth Ave.

DETAILS: Join Seward adventurers George Peck, Harold Faust, Tom Gillespie and Dano Michaud as they share their journey into the Snow River drainage to access a new route to the summit of Hearth Mountain.

COST: Free

CONTACT: Dano Michaud, 362-1132

FISHING

Liberal bag limits set for Sand Lake

WHEN: Through year end

WHERE: Sand Lake

DETAILS: Daily bag and possession limits liberalized to 10 fish for rainbows, Arctic char and lake trout, and landlocked salmon. No limits for pike. This is an effort to provide anglers fish before pike, illegally introduced in Sand Lake, eat them. No stocking will take place next year and efforts are under way to eradicate pike using rotenone next fall, as Fish and Game biologists recently attempted in Cheney Lake.

COST: Free

CONTACT: Area management biologist Chuch Brazil at 267-2186

Hiking/BACKPACKING

Weekly Anchorage hikes

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Thursday

WHERE: Goose Lake on Monday, Hilltop ski area on Thursday.

DETAILS: Alaska Outdoors weekly hikes. Monday hike an easier trail, suitable for kids. Thursday is a mountain trail.

COST: $1

CONTACT: 770-0440, www.alaska-outdoors.org

KIDS

Ice fishing for students

WHEN: 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Monday through Friday

WHERE: Jewel Lake

DETAILS: Students are taught proper harvest and catch-and-release techniques, while learning a fun winter outdoor activity. Holes are pre-drilled, and ice fishing rods and tackle are supplied. Open to all Anchorage School District classes, which must pre-register through the ASD Community Resources Center. Not open to the general public.

CONTACT: Jay Baumer, 267-2265

Stroller strides for moms

WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays until Dec. 25.

WHERE: O'Malley Gardens, 11051 O'Malley Centre Drive

DETAILS: Have fun with your baby, get a great workout and meet other moms. Toddler turf time will follow class.

CONTACT: (888) 605-7860; www.strollerstrides.net/anchorage

Outdoor play for tots

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Lidia Selkregg chalet, Russian Jack Springs Park

DETAILS: Enjoy story-times, crafts, and outdoor play every Wednesday! Class rotates each week. Call for schedule. For ages 3-5.

COST: $4 a day / $15 session

CONTACT: 343-4258 www.muni.org/parks

MEETINGS & classes

Bering Sea fireside chat

WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: BLM Campbell Creek Science Center

DETAILS: North Pacific Research Board and the National Science Foundation have launched a new five-year ecosystem study of the Bering Sea. Thomas van Pelt, the NPRB biologist overseeing the project, will describe the scope of the study and what scientists hope to learn.

CONTACT: 267-1247

Mountaineering Club potluck, slideshow

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: First United Methodist Church, Ninth Avenue and G Street

DETAILS: Annual Christmas potluck and member slide show. The club will provide the main course and drinks. Bring a dish to share and 5-10 slides or digital images of your adventures. Visitors welcome.

CONTACT: Wayne Todd, 522-6354

MUSHING

Racers get going at Big Lake

WHEN: Saturday and Dec. 21

WHERE: Aurora Mushers Clubhouse, Big Lake

DETAILS: Junior and adult mushers head race behind eight- or 10-dog teams in this two-day, 25-mile race with a $500 purse. Sign up 9 a.m. Saturday. Meeting and draw 9:30 a.m. Race starts 10 a.m.

COST: Adult members $50, junior members $25, nonmembers entry plus membership.

RECREATION

Denali reservations available

WHERE: By phone, online, mail, fax

DETAILS: Reservations for shuttle buses and sites at Denali National Park's four largest campgrounds are available by phone, online, mail and fax. Phone reservations can be made by calling 1-800-622-7275 or 1-907-272-7275. Go online at www.reservedenali.com.

COST: Varied

CONTACT: www.nps.gov/dena; 1-907-683-2294.

SKIING

Adult and masters nordic program

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday

WHERE: Beach Lake Ski Chalet, Birchwood Loop

DETAILS: Skiers of all abilities are invited. Classical and skate techniques covered. Second session starts Jan. 6. Web site has information and registration forms. Learn how to ski, improve your technique, become a faster racer or get in better condition. Waxing, nutrition, training methods, equipment and gear are covered.

COST: $100-$200; Anchorage trail pin and Eagle River Nordic Ski Club membership purchases required, too.

CONTACT: 1-907-376-2169; www.alaskanordicracing.org; www.ernsc.org

Alyeska race series gets started

WHEN: 11 a.m. today

WHERE: Alyeska Resort in Girdwood

DETAILS: FIS series giant slalom

COST: Free

DETAILS: 783-2166; www.alyeskaskiclub.org

Lantern walk

WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Celebrate winter solstice with a lantern walk. Lantern-making begins at 3 p.m. Bring a half-gallon cardboard milk or juice container for lantern-making. The walk starts at 5 p.m. Bring finger food or dessert to share at the walk. Hotdogs and marshmallows will be provided at the bonfire. Astronomer Scott Girard will share some solstice science.

COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers.

CONTACT: 694-2108