Down By the Bay--Ducks, sandpipers, pelicans, egrets...

Down By the Bay--Ducks, sandpipers, pelicans, egrets and hawks may be viewed Saturday on a free walking tour of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Offered by the Friends of Newport Bay, the tours cover a little over a mile of the upper bay, with stops for exhibits and explanations. Small groups will start out from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at Eastbluff and Backbay drives. The pace is easy on a paved route and takes about two hours. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as well as a hat if it’s sunny, a bird book and binoculars. Information: Fran Robinson, (714) 646-8009 or Dick Kust, (714) 786-8878.

Bird’s-Eye View--A birding skills workshop presented by the Oak Canyon Nature Center will teach children 6 to 12 years old how to use binoculars and field guides to identify and recognize local birds. Each participant receives a birding kit, with a pocket telescope/microscope and a color guide of the birds of Oak Canyon. The workshop runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $6.50. The nature center is at 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, just off Nohl Ranch Road near the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. Information: (714) 998-8380.

Try, Try Again--Rain has twice postponed ReLeaf Costa Mesa’s plans this year to plant trees in the city, but the group is trying again Saturday. The planting of 90 trees at Santa Ana Avenue and 23rd Street is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Volunteers should wear working clothes and gloves. Just in case, the next rain date is Feb. 15. Information: (714) 437-5874.

Bird Calling--The Bolsa Chica Land Trust is sponsoring a contest to name its official mascot, described as a blue avian who catches rattlesnakes for breakfast. Grand prize is an edition of Audubon’s bird illustrations, a private tour of the wetlands with 10 friends led by a bird expert, and a mascot T-shirt. Second through 10th prizes will also be awarded. Deadline is March 1 and the winners will be announced March 20. Mail entries to: Name the Bird Contest, Bolsa Chica Land Trust, 207 21st St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Information: (714) 960-9939.