Winged and Waiting -The How-to’s of Bird Watching

By Patricia Guth

Human beings have always been fascinated by birds and their ability to view the world from…well, a bird’s eye view. For ornithologists, the allure of these awesome, winged creatures is so strong they dedicate their lives to studying them in depth. Hobbyists prefer simply watching and spotting new species. They travel far and wide to experience different species, and the true reward comes when that elusive bird they’ve been trying to spot appears in their scope.

 

With more than 900 species that make their home in the United States, it’s no wonder bird watching, or “birding”, has become more popular than ever. Though birding may conjure up thoughts of older folks in safari suits donning pith hats and binoculars, the fact remains that this is a hobby that has attracted fans of all ages, including children and teens. Save for a couple “start up” expenses for essential tools of the trade, bird watching is an especially affordable way to get out and enjoy nature.

I Spy with My Little Eye

If you’ve thought about venturing into the world of bird watching, you’ll need to purchase a pair of high quality binoculars. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re not all right for the job. Binoculars are described by means of two numbers, such as 10 x 42. The first number refers to the magnification power while the second describes the diameter of the front lens. The higher the magnification, the better the view. Also, binoculars with a larger lens diameter let in more light and, hence, produce a brighter image.

Other factors to take into consideration include cost, ease of use and warranty. Nikon and Pentax have some pairs that cost well under $500. Bausch and Lomb, Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss varieties are generally much more costly. Eagle Optics offers some value picks for under $100 and even sells a child’s binocular for less than $50. After choosing the pair best for you, spend a few hours at the local park learning to manipulate them; a little practice can go a long way in making your first official bird watching trip more successful.         

As an individual becomes more interested in his bird watching hobby, he can purchase additional equipment such as a high-powered spotting scope, good for viewing at a long distance.

It’s a Sparrow, It’s a Starling

Once you’re armed with the ideal pair of binoculars, you’ll need a field guide to help make an accurate identification. Field guides are available for different countries and regions. For example, you may be able to purchase a guide to Western North American birds or for Nevada in particular. Often small enough to fit in a pocket or pouch, they show each bird’s key field marks (wing bars, eye-rings, tail spots and rump patches) and usually offer a simple identification system to make accurately identifying birds easier for novice birders. Before you head out on your first trip, review the birds you’re most likely to see so that you’ll be prepared to make a swift identification.

 

Experienced birders advise first looking at a bird as you would a human being. Is it big or little? Long or short and round? What shape is its bill and wings? What color(s) is it? Next, you’ll probably want to consider the bird’s habitat. Where are you? Are you near the ocean or deep in the woods? You won’t find the same birds at sea level as you’ll find in the mountains, so your location plays a big role in identifying the birds you spy.

Most often, you’ll be observing the birds as they sit in a tree, on the shore, or anywhere else that allows you a good look. However, observing the flying habits of the bird may also help you to make an accurate identification. Some birds, for example, seem to dip up and down during flight while others simply fly at one elevation. Little clues like these can be quite helpful, and can all be found in a handy field guide, like the Peterson Guides, which are argued to be the best.  

Best Bets for Birding in and Around Las Vegas

 

Most beginning bird watchers initiate their hobby by observing the birds closest to home. While you may not find as many species in the desert as you may in, for example, Florida, there are plenty of resident and migrating birds in the Las Vegas area. Consider these hot spots for birding.

• Desert National Wildlife Refuge – Considered the best birding site in Southern Nevada, this federal wildlife refuge includes Corn Creek, a desert oasis at the foot of the Sheep Mountains. Experts say it’s a virtual magnet for a plethora of species, thanks to its springs, ponds, and cottonwood and mulberry trees. Expect to see Crissal and Le Conte’s Thrasher, Western Kingbirds, Warblers, Sparrows, Woodpeckers and many more.

 

• Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve – Home to both desert birds and migratory waterfowl, this preserve is actually located within the City of Henderson’s water treatment facility. Situated on 140 acres around nine ponds, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is open daily and even loans binoculars to those who need them. The early morning hours of spring and fall are the best viewing times here, and literally dozens of species have been spotted at this location. Check out www.cityofhenderson.com for a complete list.

 

• Clark County Wetlands Park – This area, about 8 miles from the Strip, has two miles of trails and a bird viewing, and is open until dusk. Desert birds like roadrunners and quail are commonplace, as are resident and migrating waterfowl and shore birds, including the American Avocet, the Dowitcher and the Great Blue Heron.

 

Birds of a Feather

 

Need some help with your new hobby? The Southern Nevada Chapter of the National Audubon Society, dubbed the Red Rock Audubon Society (www.redrockaudubon.org), eagerly welcomes new members, especially those who are just getting their birding project started. They sponsor field trips, classes, environmental education and hold monthly meetings. There is no charge to attend, and it’s a great opportunity to meet other novice and experienced birders.

 

So spread your wings and imbibe in a hobby that can last a lifetime. By packing your binoculars and handy field guides for every trip you take, you’ll soon be discovering that feather friendly world so high in the sky.

 

 

Birding Outside Las Vegas

 

Check out these birding locations, just a short drive from the Las Vegas area.

• Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge – Situated 90 miles north of Las Vegas, this refuge was founded to provide habitat for migratory birds. The largest variety of species are present during spring and fall, when visitors can view songbirds, raptors, shorebirds and lots of waterfowl. However, bald and golden eagles are regular visitors during the winter months.

 

• Lytle Ranch Preserve – About a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, Lytle Ranch Preserve is located northwest of St. George, Utah. Open year round from dawn to dusk, this 462-acre nature preserve attracts myriad species, including those characteristic of Arizona and the Mojave Desert.

 

•  Gunlock Reservoir – Gunlock Reservoir, near Santa Clara, Utah offers an open water area that attracts migrating waterfowl and also an area for lowland birding. Birding is good year round but best during the spring and fall. The local Audubon Society notes you’ll observe Green Heron, Common Loon, Western Screech-Owl, Bewick’s Wren, Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak and many more.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Filed Under: Pastimes