Ash Meadows Field Trip

On April 27, 2019, 15 Red Rock Audubon members enjoyed a visit to four birding hotspots at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. 

Led by Peter Pearsall, Visitor Services & Environmental Education Specialist, we were treated to Common Loons, one of the first Yellow-Breasted Chats seen at the refuge this year, Ash-Throated Flycatchers, Western Kingbirds, Lucy’s Warblers and more. Additionally, we got to practice our birding by ear skills as we listened to the rasp of Yellow-Headed Blackbirds and the cackle of the Yellow-Breasted Chat. Several attendees were able to distinguish Bell’s Vireo’s and and Warbling Vireo’s songs as well (see end of post for links to the ebird lists).

On the Boardwalk at Point of Rocks (photo Carol Cantino)

Common Loon (photo Andrea Wirth)

Spotted Sandpipers (photo Andrea Wirth)

We also observed (and thoroughly enjoyed seeing) Woodhouse’s Toads, some very pale Zebra-Tailed Lizards, and thousands of Painted Lady butterflies.

Woodhouse’s Toad (photo Jeanne Andrew)

Zebra-Tailed Lizard (photo Jeanne Andrew)

Painted Lady Butterflies (photo Jeanne Andrew)

All taken, while the day was warm and we could have used a bit more of a breeze, it was a great trip with good company and good birding. We look forward to going back to Ash Meadows.

eBird lists for RRAS Ash Meadows NWR trip, April 27, 2019:

• Crystal Reservoir
  
• Point of Rocks ebird list
  
• Headquarters
  
• Peterson Reservoir