Out and about in the desert and mountains around Las Vegas, a variety for flying machines may fly over your head and intrude upon your solitude. However, learning to identify aircraft in flight adds an odd twist to enjoying the outdoors while hiking and birding around Las Vegas -- how many species and varieties can you list?

Around Las Vegas, look for gliders at the Jean Airport.

Gliders lined up at the Jean Airport.

High-wing glider at Jean Airport.

I shot the following photos outside Portland, Oregon.