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Birding Places in Southern Nevada

Birding Spot Descriptions


Southern Nevada encompasses various habitats, from the 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 appreciate nature around Las Vegas and the surrounding southern Nevada region.

 


Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve


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. The paved path is approximately 3/4 of a mile long and wheelchair accessible. Soft surface paths are level and allow for easy walking, with very little shade. Lots of walking and very little shade, and benches available for sitting. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable, sturdy shoes. An adult must accompany children under age 14. Binoculars are available for loan if you don’t have your own. Morning is the best time to visit. Restrooms and drinking water are available. If you have difficulty walking, call ahead of time to inquire about the availability of the golf cart.

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!

Map and Direction


Clark County Wetlands Park


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. (Also see the Las Vegas Wash)

Map and Direction


Sunset Park


Walking over dirt and grass, in and out of cars. Parking lot, restrooms, and path around the lake. Wheelchair accessible. Bird picnic areas on either side of the man-made lake, near the admin building lawn, and (from your car) around the SE back of the park near the maintenance area.

Birds: Ross’s Goose, Duck, Cormorant, Gambel’s Quail, Abert’s Towhee, and Crissal Thrasher, Hawk, Warbler, Woodpecker.

Map and Directions


Springs Preserve

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.

Map and direction


Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs


Lots of walking, dirt trails, 4 small lakes, and restrooms. Plenty of trees, bushes, and picnic areas. Our most popular field trip takes place here. There is a park entry fee, and the park gets very busy on weekends.

Birds: Lewis Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Anna’s Hummingbird, Hawks, and Lesser Goldfinch.

Map and Direction


Craig Ranch Park


Craig Ranch park is the site of the former Craig Ranch Golf Course, which was saved from development by the City of North Las Vegas. The 170-acre park includes three ponds, numerous mature trees, and some undeveloped areas. The park is a great birding location for beginners. There are a variety of native and migrating birds to be seen and they are frequently easy to spot. See if you can spot the resident cockatiel!

Map and Directions


Desert National Wildlife Refuge and Corn Creek Springs Field Station


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, and 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!

Map and Directions


​Spring Mt. National Recreation Area – including Mt. Charleston, Kyle Canyon, and Lee Canyon


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, 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!

Map and Directions


Red Rock Canyon

Red Springs: Wheelchair ramp (steep), nice ½ mile boardwalk, restrooms, covered picnic area, elevation 3500 feet, very little shade while on boardwalk in meadow.

Birds: Rock Wren, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Chukar, Warblers, Quail, 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.

Map and direction


Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

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.

Map and direction


Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

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.

Map and direction


Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

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.

Map and direction