Break some new travel ground in the new year -- by counting birds

Counting birds isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Just ask Steve Alter, who offers this scenario by way of explanation: “If you’re walking through a park and you see woodpeckers, you’re likely to see them one at a time,” he said. “But as you’re doing that walk, you may also see 20 or so other species -- two titmice here, a nuthatch over there, more woodpeckers.”

OK, that does sound tricky. Counting is vital to the 111th Christmas Bird Count, organized by the Audubon Society, which relies on volunteers to carry out a winter bird census. This year the nationwide count (which, despite its name, lasts longer than Christmas Day) started Dec. 14 and ends Jan. 5.

Field trips like these teach birding skills but also provide a cool getaway to explore wild areas and urban parklands with locals who know the turf. Here are some upcoming events -- by skill level -- that can help you get started.

Skilled birders and counters

Sunday, Christmas Bird Count, coastal Orange County. Bird-rich areas such as Upper Newport Bay and Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve are part of the 15-mile circle that will be canvassed by Alter and more than 100 other volunteers. $5 per person defrays the cost of compiling the data. Contact: Sea & Sage Audubon CBC page

Sunday, Christmas Bird Count, north end of the Salton Sea. Volunteers are needed, especially to help count common birds such as ruddy ducks, American coots and gulls among the 140 species likely to be sighted. $5 per person. Contact: San Bernardino Valley Audubon CBC page

Amateurs and newcomers

Jan. 8, 7 a.m., Salton Sea Goose and Crane Trip, Salton Sea. Roseate spoonbills, thousands of snow geese and sandhill cranes are some of the stars of this field trip on the east side of the Salton Sea. Free. Contact: San Bernardino Valley Audubon field trips

Jan. 9, 8 a.m., San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Walk, Irvine. See pelicans, shorebirds as well as swallows and flycatchers while learning about this little known marsh area. Free. Contact: Sea & Sage Audubon field trips