Look to Audubon online

Mass Audubon, a leader in bird conservation since 1896, offers nearly every way imaginable to get involved. A recent search online found 20 programs scheduled in December and January alone at Audubon’s 45 wildlife sanctuaries stretching from Cape Cod and the Islands to the Berkshires. For city dwellers, there’s the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan. Call 781-259-8805 to hear the Voice of Audubon’s three regional bird hot line recordings of recent sightings.

Share observations with other birders using a free online tool called eBird, www.massaudubon.org/ebird/index.php, developed by Mass Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Beginners can start with Bird Counting 101, a series of online articles on the basic concepts:

ebird.org/content/ebird/ If you see or hear an owl, go online to enter its location in Owl Finder at www.massaudubon.org/owls. The new mapping tool, launching on or before Jan. 1, has illustrations and sound recordings to help with identification and the data you enter will be used in conservation science research.

Wayne Peterson, Mass Audubon ornithologist and director of the Important Bird Program, on Jan. 17 will lead a half-day visit to Quabbin Reservoir, a 145,000-acre watershed wilderness that’s home to the highest number of nesting bald eagles in Massachusetts. With Peterson, you’ll carpool to different habitats to look for raptors, winter finches, and resident birds. Bring lunch.

$25 nonmembers. Call 413-584-3009 to register and for meeting location. Mass Audubon, www.massaudubon.org, 781-259-9500.