Birding Spots

Clark County encompasses a wide variety of habitats, from low desert at Lake Mead to true Alpine areas in the Spring Mountains.  More than 350 species of birds have been observed in Clark County.  Listed below are just a few of our favorite places to bird, view wildlife, and to appreciate nature around Las Vegas and the surrounding southern Nevada region. 

Also visit Nevada Birds at the Audubon Listserve.  The Nevada Birds email listserve is an easy way to follow what other birders are seeing throughout the state and an excellent planning resource for out-of-area visitors.  Be sure to read the PDF version of our Newsletters for Field Trip reports from many of the locations listed below.  Please check back soon for more updates.

A three (3) mile gravel road from US 95 to the kiosk.  Level dirt paths loop around the three (3) spring fed ponds.  Plenty of shade, plenty plenty of birds.  Easy walking, about 1 mile.  Elevation 3,500 feet.  Information Center with Gift Shop open weekends during Fall and Winter.  Restrooms.  NO vending facilities, bring lots of water year-round.  Birds: Crissal and Le Conte’s Thrasher, Phainopepla, Western Kingbird, Warbler, Sparrow, Sapsucker, Woodpecker, Flicker, Kinglet, Roadrunner, Raptors, and more!

Elevation from the desert floor to over eight thousand feet.  Restrooms at Information Center on Kyle Canyon Rd and  Sawmill Picnic area on Lee Canyon Rd.  NO GAS ON THE MOUNTAIN SO MAKE SURE YOUR GAS TANK IS FULL.  Easily 10-20 degrees cooler than the valley, dress accordingly.  Birds: Green-tailed Towhee, Clark’s Nutcracker, Steller’s Jay, Rufous, Broad-tailed, and Anna’s Hummingbird, Western Bluebird, Vireo, Warbler, Finch, Sparrow, Grosbeak, Nuthatch, and more!

The preserve sits on approximately 140 acres, with nine ponds available for birding and is home to hundreds of migratory waterfowl and several species of resident desert birds.  Paved path is approximately 3/4 of a mile long and wheelchair accessible. Soft surface paths are level and allow for easy walking, very little shade.  Lots of walking and very little shade.  Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable, sturdy shoes.  An adult must accompany children under age 14.  Binoculars available for loan if you don’t have your own.  Morning is the best time to visit.  Restrooms and drinking water available. Birds: American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Verdin, Gambel’s Quail, and Abert’s Towhee, Ducks, Grebe, Coot, Warbler, Sparrow, Blackbird, Sandpiper, Gull, Raptors, and more!

Walking over dirt and grass, in and out of cars.  Parking lot, restroom, and path around lake wheelchair access.  Birds: Ross’s Goose, Gambel’s Quail, Abert’s Towhee, and Crissal Thrasher.

Lots of walking, dirt trails, and restrooms.  Birds: Lewis Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Anna’s Hummingbird, and Lesser Goldfinch.

Red Springs:  Wheelchair ramp (steep), nice boardwalk about ½ mile walk, restrooms, elevation 3500 feet, very little shade.  Birds: Rock Wren, Phainopepla, Chukar and Spotted Towhee.

Red Rock Canyon NRA:  Visitor Center has wheelchair access and restrooms.  Elevation to 4,400 feet, some walking.  Birds: Cactus and Canyon Wren, Western Scrub Jay.

Lots of walking over dirt trails and steps, no shade on walk to the pond.  Parking lot, picnic area and restrooms has wheelchair access, elevation about 3,500 feet.  Birds: Cooper’s Hawk, Western Tanager, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Sage & Black-throated Sparrow.

Dirt paths for easy walking, lots of in and out of cars.  Toilets.  MAKE SURE YOUR GAS TANK IS FULL.  Birds: Clark’s and Western Grebe, White-faced Ibis, Red-shoulder Hawk, Bewick’s Wren, and Lazuli Bunting.

NW of Las Vegas and Pahrump, about 90 miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas.  High density of warblers and breeding habitat for the Southwest Willow Flycatcher.  Opportunities for observing the endangered Ash Meadows pupfish exist at all springs, but are best at Point of Rocks.

Walk or hike through four uniquely-themed trails that encompass more than 1.8 miles of picturesque landscapes leading to a cienega, an important feature of this National Historic Site. The walking trails border the cienega which serves as a tranquil home for hundreds of native plant, bird and animal species.

The Wetlands Park Nature Preserve is located off of East Tropicana and Wetlands Park Lane.  The Nature Preserve features two miles of concrete walking trails, graveled secondary trails, a bird viewing blind, ponds, trail markers, and aesthetic views of the nearby alluvial fan and mountains of Rainbow Gardens.  Additionally, primary trails are ADA accessible.