Kite Classic at Capitola Beach | May 5 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)

A fun event for the family. Open kite flying and judging in several categories. Prizes. All ages may participate and kite styles vary from homemade to elaborate commercial designs. Only restriction, the kites must be a tethered heavier-than-air craft that only depends on natural wind for its lift.

Capitola Village
831-475-6522, www.capitolachamber.com

Bird Walk | May 5 (7:30 -11 a.m.)

Expert birder Rick Fournier will lead a group of 15 on a birding adventure through the wetlands at the Sea Mist property, located adjacent to Moro Cojo Slough. Priority given to Elkhorn Foundation members.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reerve
1700 Elhorn Rd.
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org

In Search of Herps | May 6 (1-4 p.m.)

Herpetologist, Paul Haskins leads the search for amphibians at the park's ponds and chaparral trail. Help with the search and spotting of various species of reptile and amphibian. Free. All ages.

Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Ben Lomond
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Birding Walk at Castle Rock State Park | May 6 (6:30 a.m.)

Group departs from 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz (6:30 a.m.) or meet at main parking area of Castle Rock State Park.

Santa Cruz Bird Club
www.santacruzbirdclub.org

SC Astronomy Club observation night at Bonny Doon Airfield | May 11

Required advance contact. See website for details. Bonny Doon is a private airfield. Visitors must contact a member in advance of attendance. See club website for member list and contact information. Bring own scopes.

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club
479-7789, www.astro.santa-cruz.us

Audubon guided tours of Fort Ord | May 12 (7 a.m.)

Participants tally bird species that are spotted on a path that begins in the Salinas River area and leads north and west across Fort Ord. Group leader: David Styer. Contact: 831-633-2590.

Meet: Creekside Parking Lot, Fort Ord
Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society
www.montereyaudubon.org

Art at the Beach | May 13 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

A select group of area artists display works at the Esplanade's outdoor gallery. Some will be demonstrating their craft with works in progress. This is a free event.

Esplanade Park, Capitola
www.ci.capitola.ca.us

Birding Walk at Rancho del Oso & Coast | May 13

Group departs 2341 Mission St., Santa Cruz (7 a.m.)
Meet at Waddell Beach, Hwy. 1 (8 a.m.)

Santa Cruz Bird Club
www.santacruzbirdclub.org

Tule Crafts | May 13 (1-3 p.m.)

Naturalists lead the way to tule gathering sites and demonstrates how to make household items using the local Native American traditions. Free. All ages.

Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Ben Lomond
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | May 19 (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Travel just a few miles off the coast to the Monterey Bay's 6,000 foot deep canyon where more than 70 bird species travel from both hemispheres to feed on these rich waters. Monterey Seabird Tours are available during peak migration seasons, limits the number of travelers on a tour, and are led by expert naturalists and birders.

Monterey Boat Charters, Monterey Wharf
831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com