Birding in Las Vegas (1 Viewer)

[kennygee]

Going on a family vacation to Vegas in 6 weeks time. Can anybody inform me of possible birding/wildlife sites in the area that I can visit while my family are 'doing' Vegas. Otherwise I think I'm going to be pretty bored!

Cheers

Ken

 

[Wrenman]

Ken,

I just got back from trip out west. In Vegas I was impressed with the Wetlands Park Nature Reserve. Just drive east on Tropicana and you should find it easily. Relatively quick drive from casinos.

I also liked Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. It is in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. I only wish I had had more time to work this area.

Also, if you "Search Forums" for Las Vegas you will find more info.

Best,

Tom

 

[kennygee]

Tom

Thanks for your reply. I have done various searches and come up with some possibilities. I was hoping that somebody like you would reply with 'hands-on' experience that would point me in the right areas and save time. With only two weeks I don't want to waste time in non-productive locations.

If its not too much trouble can you give me an idea what species I might expect, particularly in the places you suggest? Being frpom the UK I'm looking forward to the trip as most of what I see will be 'firsts' for me.

Cheers

Ken

 

[Katy Penland]

Hi, Ken, sorry didn't see your post until just now. You might want to subscribe (free) to the below Nevada Birds listserve and post a query there about Las Vegas birding areas. I don't subscribe myself to it, but my own state's listserve is very responsive when someone posts a question like this. Subscribing info is found on the "home" link; only takes a few seconds to do so which will enable you to post a message to the board.

I've never birded Vegas, or southern Nevada for that matter, so afraid I can't be of much help myself.

http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NVBD.html

 

[Wrenman]

If its not too much trouble can you give me an idea what species I might expect, particularly in the places you suggest? Being frpom the UK I'm looking forward to the trip as most of what I see will be 'firsts' for me.

Ken:

Here are some birds listed as they were found at Wetlands Nature, Las Vegas on 20 June between 1831- 2000hrs.

Common Yellowthroat, Greater Roadrunner, Northern Mockingbird, Abert' Towhee, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Yellow-breasted Chat, Great-tailed Grackle, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Browned-headed Cowbird, Verdin, Lucy's Warbler, Song Sparrow, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Great Egret, Yellow Warbler, Cliff Swallow, Gambel's Quail, House Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Black Phoebe, Marsh Wren, Say's Phoebe, American Coot, Abert's Towhee, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Least Bittern (heard only), Black-tailed Gnatcatcher.

Additional birds seen on 9 June that were not seen on 20 June trip: Orchard Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, Killdeer

Here are some birds listed as they were found at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area on 20 June 1541- 1700hrs.

Bewick's Wren, Great-tailed Grackle, Say's Phoebe, Black-chinned H., Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Lucy's Warbler, Common Raven, Lesser Goldfinch, Black-throated Sparrow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Mockingbird. The park gate closes at five.

Hope you have a great trip,

Tom

 

[kennygee]

Katy & Tom

Thanks for your helpful replies. Help most appreciated.

Cheers

Ken