Notes on your surroundings

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

Birds spotted at the wetlands include great blue herons, kingfishers, egrets, skimmers and brown pelicans. Fall is an excellent time to view a variety of migrating species that pass through the area. Tours are led by docents.

Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress in layers, because mornings can be cool along the beach. Those with avian interests should also bring binoculars and a bird identification book.

Parents are welcome to bring small children. The walks might be strenuous for toddlers and might not hold their interest throughout the tour, but older children will enjoy the different birds and plants of the area. They might also want to bring a notebook to record their sightings.

All who would like to take this free tour are asked to meet at the ecological reserve on Pacific Coast Highway about half a mile south of Warner Avenue, across from Bolsa Chica State Beach.

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

Be sure to have sturdy, comfortable shoes and drinking water. Dress in layers. Birders can 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. Information: (714) 640-6746.