Las Vegas Valley provides many opportunities for bird-watching

Southern Nevada's wide-ranging habitats create year-round opportunities for bird and wildlife observation unknown in many parts of the nation. There are places to enjoy nature from the lowest elevations along the Colorado River and its lakes to the highest forests atop the mountains surrounding our city. Because of the development of urban parks with attractive water features, plants and trees, Las Vegans need not even leave the city to enjoy seeing creatures of the wild.

September ushers in the fall migratory bird season, surprisingly active in the desert because of Southern Nevada's location along a major avian flyway. More than 350 species of birds either become residents of Clark County or wing their way through during migrations. Wildlife agencies and groups of folks interested in birds -- such as the Red Rock Audubon Society in Southern Nevada, the Lahontan Audubon Society in Reno and the provisional Bristlecone Audubon Society in Elko -- keep track of numbers.

Dedicated to the preservation of wild birds and animals through habitat protection and restoration, these organizations rely upon the observations of their backyards, on field trips and during the annual national Christmas bird count. Through education and outreach programs, they help acquaint people with the world around them and the nonhuman species that share it.

Find out abut the Red Rock Audubon Society's activities on the group's website at www.redrockaudubon.org. The group meets the second Monday of the month, except summer months and December, at 6:30 p.m. in the Wengert Room of the Nevada Power Building, 6226 W. Sahara Ave. Meetings open to all include programs on birds and environmental issues. Upcoming events include local and out-of-state field trips and habitat improvement projects. Join knowledgeable birders on excursions this month to Tule Springs and Mount Charleston and explore the Springs Preserve on the first Saturday of each month at 8 a.m.

Wildlife observation requires little initial investment. Get started in your own yard by putting out bird feeders and watching what shows up. If you can't stand not knowing the names of the birds you see, you'll want a field guide appropriate for our area to identify them. Local bookstores stock good selections, as do bookstores in visitor centers at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Lake Mead National Recreational Area. Look for color illustrations and handy size.

As you notice more birds, you'll wish you had a pair of decent binoculars. Photos require a camera with adjustable lens. If you go out on field trips, you'll need a backpack for your equipment and incidentals. Wear sturdy footwear and a hat. Bring water and trail snacks. Slather on the sunscreen. A spotting scope might be helpful. How about another bird book for comparison?

Urban parks attract a surprising number of birds. Those with desert landscaping become favorites with certain birds, while those with large shade trees attract other species. If there are ponds, look for water birds such as ducks and geese. If there are marshy wetlands, expect other kinds. Places like Sunset Park, Lorenzi Park and the Springs Preserve attract a wide variety of avian visitors. The Nature Discovery Park in the Aliante area of North Las Vegas with various water features attracts birds and birders.

Parks and preserves at the edges of town such as the Henderson Bird Preserve, the Wetlands Park and Tule Springs (Floyd Lamb) Park provide varied habitats. Go to the Henderson Bird Preserve early in the day for there is little shade, but the nine ponds fed by treated waste water always have plenty of water birds, shore birds, desert residents and raptors overhead. The Wetlands Park exploits the valley's run-off and natural drainage creeks in an environment beloved by many birds and desert animals. Tule Springs, a former ranch, boasts open grassy areas, grove of shade trees and ponds, all invitations to winged visitors.

Within easy access of the metropolitan area, Lake Mead, Red Rock and the Spring Mountains expand the possibilities for birding outings to all seasons. Drive a little longer to reach areas along the Colorado River or wildlife refuges in Moapa Valley, at Ash Meadows and around the Pahranagat Lakes.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.