Las Vegas Birding (2 Viewers)

[pburgers]

I am going to be in Las Vegas on business late in April. I fly in midafternoon on Sunday 4/25. I will have a few hours free that afternoon/evening and I am wondering if there is anywhere within a reasonable cab ride where I might be able to do a little birding for some southwestern specialties or migrants. Late April is a bit ahead of peak neotropical migration here in SD, but I would think about right or maybe even a little late down there. I will be staying on the strip and won't have a lot of spare money for cab fare, but am clueless as to what opportunities might be available. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Paul Burgers
Sioux Falls, SD

 

[LzyPhotographer]

I lived in Vegas for a while, but I wasn't into birds then. But a desert is a desert... find any place that has water and you'll see something. Golf courses, landscaping, etc. If you manage to get some cab or rental car money, or hook up with someone who does - try exploring Red Rock Canyon (20 minutes NE of Vegas) or go over towards the Hoover Dam. Either place, if you don't see birds, you do have a good chance to see wild burros or sheep.

 

[Beverlybaynes]

I have an on-line birding friend who lives right in Las Vegas. I'll email her for some suggestions and get back to you.

 

[pburgers]

Thanks! If you want to pass it along, my email address is [email protected]
Have anyone feel free to email me that could be of any help. If any of you ever get to SD for some birding I will be happy to reciprocate!!!!!

 

[Beverlybaynes]

Check your email! I've heard from my friend, and have forwarded the information.

 

[randyy]

Fair number of birds there

Sunset park, which is right in the city, is pretty good. In July a few years ago I saw:

Great-tailed Grackle, Abert's Towhee, Greater Roadrunner, Lesser Nighthawk, Bullock's Oriole

Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area is good for Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black-throated Sparrow, and Grey Vireo.

Good luck, and don't lose too much at the casinos!

 

[pburgers]

Hi and thanks to all who responded. I did get to Sunset Park for about 90 minutes last Sunday, and had excellent birding there. Life birds were:
Phainopepla
Hooded Oriole (beatiful male, awesome)
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Black-chinned & Anna's Humminbirds
Green-tailed and Abert's Towhees
Gambel's Quail
Verdin
Other birds of note (at least for someone from Eastern SD) were
Bullocks Oriole
Great-tailed Grackle
Brewer's Blackbird
Mockingbird
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Black-headed Grosbeak
I almost didn't go because it got so late by the time I arrived and got checked in, but I was sure glad I did once I got there. The cab fare was probably less than I would have lost if I had stayed at the casino anyway. Best $40 I ever spent in Vegas!
Paul
SFSD

 

[helenol]

Remind me never to gamble again in Las Vegas.....dirty habit.