Birding Around Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, is a U.S. Bureau of Land Management area located on the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley (map). In addition to other lands, the conservation area includes the spectacular red and white sandstone cliffs that can be seen from town. The cliffs lie up against the Spring Mountains, and as the name implies, there are many springs. The better birding is associated with springs, but there are no especially hot birding spots. Most of the springs are surrounded by dry Mojave Desert Scrub vegetation, so they bring in desert species seeking water and insects associated with the riparian vegetation. While the birding at Red Rocks rarely is spectacular, the scenery certainly is, and the place is worth a visit even with low expectations for birds. Except for weekends when it is too crowded, the Willow Springs Picnic Area usually has good birding.
For More Information and details of getting to Red Rocks, fees, hours, and other information, see the Red Rock Canyon Overview Page.
Note that while the Red Rocks National Conservation Area is a very large place, locals refer to the Scenic Loop area as "Red Rocks." When locals say they are going to Red Rocks, they are usually going to the Scenic Loop Drive area.
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Willow Springs Picnic Area. Located in a deep canyon surrounded by red and white sandstone cliffs, surface water at the spring supports cottonwood trees and vegetation that attract a variety of birds. A nearby trail leads to another spring with willow thickets and a creek. Walk the trails and bird the canyon, keeping an eye out for bighorn sheep and petroglyphs. Calico Basin. Red Spring and several smaller springs emerge from the base of red and white sandstone cliffs, supporting ash trees, shrub live oak, and a meadow. The Red Spring Boardwalk provides easy access to the cliffs and meadow. Cottonwood Valley Springs. Four small springs in desert flats provide water for vegetation, birds, and other wildlife. Requires driving on dirt roads and short hikes (or longer hikes from the pavement). Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This historic homestead has lawns, pastures, cottonwood trees, ash trees, springs, and a pond. The different habitats attract a wide variety of birds. Wheeler Camp Spring. This Audubon area preserves springs with cottonwood trees, willows, and mesquite thickets along a wash. Water usually flows during spring, and water always is present in the wash at the lower end of the preserve. |
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© 2013 Jim Boone; Last updated 120901
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