Notes about your surroundings.

Rare Birds--According to the Sea & Sage chapter of the National Audubon Society, the number of birds migrating through the county this fall was scarce because a large number of migrants were moving through the desert regions instead of taking a more coastal route.

Despite there being fewer migrants here, there were still several rare-bird sightings, notable for the time of year in which they were seen or for other reasons.

Many of the sightings took place in October at Huntington Central Park. The most notable was a sedge wren, which was seen Oct. 15 to 17. It was the first recorded sighting in the county; only four or five other sightings have been recorded in California.

Also seen at the park was a least flycatcher and a red-eyed vireo. The former was spotted on Oct. 6 and the latter on Oct. 20.

Several types of warblers were spotted at the park throughout the month, including a palm warbler, three or four blackpolls, a chestnut-sided warbler and a black-and-white warbler.

A thick-billed kingbird was spotted in Seal Beach on Oct. 29 and for a few days after. It was only the second county recording of such a bird.

Touring by Kayak--A kayak tour of Upper Newport Bay will be held today at noon. Those who would like to participate are asked to meet at Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

The tour lasts two hours, and the cost is $10 per person.

The event is sponsored by the Upper Newport Bay Volunteer Naturalists group.