Notes about your surroundings

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

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

If you bring a camera, make sure it has a strap, and that extra rolls of film are confined to a camera bag. Littering, accidental or otherwise, threatens this natural habitat.

Those 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 wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and take drinking water. Dress in layers, since mornings can be either cool or warm at the bay. Those with avian interests should also 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.