Do you like photography? nature? Join the California King Tides Initiative documenting the year’s highest tides — levels likely to become the “new normal” as sea level rises due to global warming. King Tides will occur about 8:50 AM Fri., Jan. 20; 9:40 AM Sat., Jan. 21, and 10:30 AM Sun., Jan. 22. The idea is to (a) identify areas vulnerable to tidal flooding, erosion, or other damage and (b) gather compelling images to promote awareness and support action to deal with climate change. The project seeks photos of areas likely to flood or erode, that have infrastructure that might be affected. For information, go to www.californiakingtides.org.

Friends of Five Creeks would like to document the “heads of tide” — the farthest inland reaches of tides in creeks and channels. For information and ideas on good sites in the East Bay, click here.

A burrowing owl seen in Berkeley; photo by Larry Wight

Our burrowing owls usually occupy the northeast corner of Cesar Chavez Park (north of the Berkeley Marina) from October through March. There are new fences and artistic adobe walls to protect the owl habitat from humans and dogs. Come on down and look for owls.

Docents

Docents are available seven days a week at various times.

Berkeley Path Wanderers: New Year’s waterfront walk , Saturday, January 3, 10 a.m. View wintering waterfowl and discover how Berkeley beaches are rebuilding themselves. Binoculars are recommended. Walk is leisurely and level but not wheelchair accessible. Optional coffee/tea stop at Sea Breeze Deli. Meet at Shorebird Nature Center, 160 University Ave. (South side, west of Adventure Playground). f5creeks@aol.com , 510 848 9358, www.berkeleypaths.org