Description

Note: construction around the sewage treatment ponds currently (November 2010) prevents access to this birding area, and fate of the area is not clear.

The Indian Springs sewage treatment ponds consist of two (sometimes three) medium-sized settling ponds separated by dikes with cattails, bulrushes, and shrubs provide cover for birds. The ponds are surrounded by Mojave Desert Scrub, so the green and water stands in stark contrast to the surrounding area. This is not a birding destination, but rather it is a place to stop, relax for a few minutes, and spot a few birds on your way to somewhere else.

Be sure to pull completely off the highway to prevent being hit by a drunk driver. Remember: we drive in excess of 75 mph on two-lane roads in Nevada. You can drive down to the fence on a dirt road that leads to the southwest corner of the ponds, and there is a good dirt road along the south and east sides of the ponds.

These are sewage treatment ponds, so please stay outside the fence, don't play in the dirt, and wash you hands before eating.

Location

The Indian Springs Sewage Treatment Ponds are located along Highway 95, about 1 hour north of Las Vegas.

From Las Vegas, drive north on Highway 95 towards Indian Springs. The sewage treatment ponds are located about 7 miles past the turnoff to the state prison, and about 1 mile before getting to Indian Springs. The ponds (Table 1, Site 339) are located adjacent to the highway on the right (east) side of the road, and they are clearly visible from the road.

Hours

Always open (but don't go inside the fence); free admission.

Specialties

Ducks, coots, and wading birds often are present during winter, and this is a good place to see Yellow-headed Blackbirds during summer. During migration, just about anything can show up, but expect to see waterbirds, warblers, and swallows. Bats frequent the ponds at dawn and dusk. The Indian Springs Airbase also is a good place to watch military jets, stealth aircraft, and unmanned drones. They do bombing and artillery practice just southeast of town, which can add interest to the visit. If you stop along the highway to watch war games or UFOs, be sure pull completely off the road to prevent being hit by a drunk driver.