Notes about your surroundings

Wetlands tours--Public tours of the Bolsa Chica wetlands will be held Saturday morning. The tours, sponsored by Amigos de Bolsa Chica, will depart from the wetlands’ ecological reserve every 20 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. The last tour will depart at 10:30 a.m.

Birds that can be spotted at the wetlands include great blue herons, egrets, skimmers, pelicans and whimbrels. Some migrating birds may still be in the area. Tours are led by docents familiar with the wetlands’ flora and wildlife.

Hikers are advised to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress in layers, since mornings can be either cool or warm along the coastline. Those with avian interests should also bring binoculars and a bird identification book.

Cameras should have straps, and extra rolls of film should be confined to camera bags. Littering, accidental or otherwise, threatens this habitat.

Hikers will meet at the ecological reserve on Pacific Coast Highway about half a mile south of Warner Avenue, across from Bolsa Chica State Beach.

Bay tour--A tour of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve will be offered Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

Hikers are advised to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, take drinking water and dress in layers, since mornings can be either cool or warm at the bay. Those with avian interests should bring binoculars and a bird identification book.

The tour is free and lasts about 2 1/2 hours.

Those who would like to participate are asked to meet at Shellmaker Island off Backbay Drive in Newport Beach. For information, call (714) 640-6746.