DFG offering swan tours

The state Department of Fish and Game is offering swan tours near Marysville from Nov. 3 through Feb. 2.

Co-hosted by local rice farmers, the tours will focus on tundra swans in one of the premier locations in California. Novice birdwatchers should enjoy the naturalist-led tours. Binoculars will be available.

Ducks, geese, shorebirds, herons, egrets and raptors, including bald eagles, are also commonly seen in this area, which contains 23,000 acres of rice fields and restored wetland habitat.

Tours will be held on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The driving tours involve walking a short distance.

Up to 30 people may register for each tour. The tours are free, but registrants may make a donation online to the California Wildlife Foundation to support this program.

Pre-registration is required at www.dfg.ca.gov/regions/2/SwanTours.

For more information, call 916-358-2852.