Notes about your surroundings Wetlands Wandering--Guided public...

Notes about your surroundings Wetlands Wandering--Guided public tours of Bolsa Chica wetlands will be held Saturday morning. The tours, sponsored by Amigos de Bolsa Chica, will depart from the ecological reserve every 20 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. The last tour will depart at 10:40 a.m.

Tours are led by docents familiar with the wetland’s flora and wildlife. Increased activity of native and migratory birds makes fall an excellent time of year to visit the reserve. Birds regularly spotted at the wetlands include great blue herons, whimbrels, red-breasted mergansers and red-tailed hawks.

Binoculars and a bird identification book are recommended. Shutterbugs may also want to take advantage of the excellent opportunity to photograph wildlife. There is ample room on the path around the wetlands to set up tripods.

The walk is not strenuous.

To take this free tour, meet at the ecological reserve on Pacific Coast Highway about half a mile south of Warner Avenue, across from Bolsa Chica State Beach.

Tracking Nature--Toddlers ages 2 to 4 can learn how to identify animal prints on a hike held at Oak Canyon Nature Center.

Activities planned include a guided nature walk, crafts and take-home materials. A parent or caregiver must be present.

The program meets Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Cost is $3 per child per session. Preregistration is suggested since space is limited.

Oak Canyon Nature Center is at 6700 Walnut Canyon Road in Anaheim. Call (714) 998-8380 for more information.

To get to Oak Canyon Nature Center, take the Riverside Freeway (91) east to the Imperial Highway turnoff. Exit and head south to Nohl Ranch Road. Turn left and travel about three miles to Walnut Canyon Road and turn left again. Pass the Anaheim Hills Golf Course; the nature center is at the end of the road.