From Opus

[edit] Overview

This is a National Wildlife Refuge in the state of Nevada, administered by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, comprising 5380 acres of lakes and marsh surrounded by sagebrush desert. It is a major migratory resting stop on the Pacific Flyway, and is thus an important stopping point for throusands of waterfowl and other migratory birds during fall and early spring. The birds are attracted by the water, the native grass meadows, and contiguous cultivated croplands. Water in the reservoirs and marshes is managed to create a variety of depths to support diverse populations of birds. The elevation of the major bodies of water is around 3300' (1000m.)

[edit] Location

Pahranagat is an oasis in southern Nevada. From Las Vegas one travels north through 90 miles of arid creosote bush desert before reaching Pahranagat. The situation is almost the same for travelers from the north, west, and east except for some juniper and Joshua trees higher in the arid Mojave Desert mountains. Headquarters is located at N37, 16', 06", W 115, 07', 14". Map source: Paharanagat web site

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

The diversity of the area, ranging from open desert to cultivated fields, marsh and open water, provides habitat for a variety of birds. Waterfowl and shorebirds are most numerous during the fall and spring migrations. Northern Pintails, teal, Mallards and Redheads are the most common ducks. Great Blue Herons, egrets and other shorebirds are found in the shallow areas of the marshes and lakes. Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, and other raptors are most abundant in summer.

Warblers, orioles, finches and sparrows are abundant in the cottonwood trees that border the shoreline of the North Marsh and Upper Lake. The cultivated and open field attract meadowlarks, blackbirds, and Mourning Doves. The upland desert is home for Gambel's Quail, Greater Roadrunners, and dry-country sparrows.

• Full Bird List by Season

[edit] Other Wildlife

The usual sage desert mammals, e.g., coyote, badger, mule deer, blacktail jackrabbit, etc.

[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

The Refuge was established in 1963.

Facilities for hunting and fishing.

[edit] Areas of Interest

North Marsh has many of the shorebirds. Upper Lake, Middle Pond, and Lower Lake provide large areas of open water for ducks, geese, and swans.

[edit] Access and Facilities

There are several well-signed access points along highway 93. The refuge headquarters is located about midway along this long (10mi.), narrow (0.5-1.0mi) refuge, and there is camping along the east shore of Upper Lake, at the north end (Developed site, no services, free in 2007). Fuel and minimal supplies are nearby to the south along the highway.

[edit] Contact Details

Refuge Manager, Pahranagat NWR, P.O. Box 510, Alamo, NV 89901. Phone: (702) 725-3417

OR:

Refuge Manage, Desert NWR, 1500 N. Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89810. Phone: (702) 646-3401

[edit] External Links

• Official Pahranagat NWR Web Site

Much of the information was taken from the information pamphlet published by the U.S. Dept. of Interior, and available at the site.