The mojave desert is beautiful in spring, and migrant birds start to arrive as early as March. Focus efforts on a few locations and get a respectable list of species in a few short days.
Laughlin Area - Nevada
Even amidst the chaos of the casinos along the Colorado River, a variety of birds can be found. Stop at Big Bend State Recreation Area and bird the arid grasslands for upland birds. Check out the adjacent Laughlin Lagoon for wetland species. Access the riverwalk from behind the Aquarius or Riverside Casino, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river, watching for riparian species. Watch the river near the Davis Dam for rafts of waterfowl, and scan them for the occasional merganser. There is a footpath adjacent to the Bullhead Parkway to cross the river, or take the free ferry that runs every several minutes.
Just beneath the Bullhead Parkway bridge is another small footpath that affords views of the river and gravel bars used by gulls and terns. On the return trip, forego the path paralleling the river and instead walk the scrubby hillside west of Casino Drive to see bushtits, migrant warblers and hummingbirds. Take a trip to the city of Bullhead City and visit the Colorado River Nature Center (take Bullhead Parkway south from Laughlin; in Bullhead City take Route 95 south about seven miles, then turn west on Richardo Avenue) - not at all a nature center but rather a preserve.
Finally, Grapevine Canyon is a must. From Casino Drive, take 163 west then make a right on Christmas Tree Pass. The turnoff to Grapevine Canyon is well-marked on the right. Not only are there spectacular petroglyphs in the canyon, but this is classic mojave desert habitat, thick with Black-throated Sparrows, Cactus Wren and Gambel's Quail.
Henderson Nevada
There is one must-stop spot in Henderson - the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. The preserve lies on 140 acres and contains nine ponds. Located off of Moser Drive, it boasts a bird list of over 260 species. Although open year round, hours vary seasonally, so check before making the trip. The sheer number of waterfowl is staggering, but scan the surrounding desert for quail, warblers and other passerines. On the way from Laughlin to Henderson, a good place to view Bighorn Sheep is Hemenway Park in Boulder City.
Las Vegas Area - Nevada
There is an abundance of birding opportunities around Las Vegas, only a short drive from the city. There is a system of national wildlife refuges, all encompassing desert habitat with a water source, which is a good attractant for birds. Desert National Wildlife Range (focus on the Corn Creek field station), Ash Meadows NWR, Moapa Valley NWR, and if you really want to head north, Pahranagat NWR are all worth a visit. Just outside the city is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. They have a nice visitor's center and gift shop, and offer guided hikes throughout the year.
There is a 13 mile scenic auto tour that is well worth the time (opens daily at 6 a.m. year-round), with a variety of trails leading off of the drive. Stop at various locations for fantastic views of the canyon's namesake red rocks, the Calico Hills, and hike some of the trails for opportunities to see various bird species. Lost Creek trail leads to a cool spring and a pretty waterfall, and is an easy walk. Nearby on the Willow Springs Loop look for the pictographs and historic agave roasting pit sites.
There are more strenuous trails for those willing to brave it, but be careful in the summer and carry plenty of water, as temperatures can reach extremes. Many people come here to climb the rocks. A good place to view bighorn sheep is the north side of White Rock Mountain, a moderate hike, linking up with La Madre Springs to form a 6 mile loop. Oak Creek and First Creek Canyon trails are two that can be accessed outside the Conservation Area, if you wish to avoid the entry fee but still hike and bird in the area.
Sara Wittenberg - My passion for wildlife and environmental ed led me to obtain my BS in zoology and MS in biology.
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