Birding Rogers Spring
Birding Around Las Vegas,
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Rogers Spring. |
Description
Rogers Spring emerges into a deep, clear, 30-foot-diameter
spring pool that is surrounded by mesquite, saltcedar, and ash trees,
plus lots of shrubs, sedges, and forbs. Out from the edge of the
spring, the vegetation quickly changes to mesquite thickets, and then
dry desert saltbush. There is a strong outflow that runs west along a
cattail-filled ditch, the noise of which makes it hard to hear the
birds. Rogers spring is located in a broad ravine near the base of some
low hills.
Location
Rogers Spring is located on the Ash Meadows National Wildlife,
about 2 hours northwest of Las Vegas and about 4.1 air-miles north of
the Refuge Office.
From Las Vegas, drive out to Ash
Meadows National Wildlife. From the Refuge Office (Table 1, Site 691),
drive out to the main refuge road. Drive straight across the main road
and continue driving north (actually northwest here) on the well-graded
dirt road for about 4.8 miles to Rogers Spring, which is about 1.4
miles north of Longstreet Spring. The Rogers Spring parking area is a
wide spot on the west (left) side of the road (Site 591). Watch for a
wide spot in the road with trees just before a hard turn to the left.
There is a sign here, but you won't notice it before you stop. The
spring is a few yards west of the parking area. |
The outflow from Rogers Spring (view to the west).
|
Hours
The refuge is day-use only: open sunrise to sunset.
Fees
None.
Specialties
Rogers Spring is a good place to see desert species when they
come in for water. Check the trees and shrubs for finches, sparrows,
warblers, quail, Mourning Doves, and similar species. Check the outflow
marsh for Marsh Wrens, blackbirds, and swallows.
Rogers Spring is also good for finding migrant species, but
the species mix depends on the season, and during migration it depends
on just who is moving through at the time. Review the refuge bird
list for some ideas on what to expect during the time of year when you will
be visiting. |
Table 1. GPS Coordinates for Highway Locations (NAD27; UTM Zone 11S).
| Site # |
Location |
Latitude (°N) |
Longitude (°W) |
UTM Easting |
UTM Northing |
Elevation (feet) |
Verified |
| 691 |
Ash Meadows Refuge Headquarters |
36.4220 |
116.3280 |
560243 |
4030764 |
2,188 |
yes |
| 591 |
Rogers Spring |
36.4792 |
116.3253 |
560444 |
4037112 |
2,301 |
yes |
|