September marks the peak of fall migration season as birds travel south in search of food and warmer weather. And while birds are the best kinds of Vegas tourists, they aren’t always easy to spot. So get the lowdown on how to see migratory birds this fall and help them continue their journey safely.
🐦 Why Do Birds Fly Over Las Vegas?
More than a billion birds travel via the Pacific Migratory Flyway each year. Think of it as an aerial highway between the Arctic tundra and the South American wetlands. It passes through Southern Nevada, where birds typically rest during the day, hang out, and eat insects before resuming their journey.
🤔 How do Birds Know Where to Go?
Birds have their own built-in navigation system. Most travel at night, taking off about an hour after sunset, using the magnetic pull of the Earth as well as the moon and stars to chart their course. Smells help guide the way as well.
🦅 Which Birds Fly Through Las Vegas?
There are too many species to name, but it’s not uncommon to see the yellow-and-black Townsend’s Warbler or the flame-colored Western Tanager migrate through Southern Nevada. You might also see an osprey and other larger creatures. Remember the Yellow Billed Loon that famously showed up in the Bellagio fountains earlier this year? It was in migration mode, but went off course.
🙂 How Can You Help?
It may feel like a drop in the bucket (or a light bulb in the skyline), but turning off artificial lights helps reduce the city glow of Las Vegas and assists the birds in staying on course and reaching their destination. It can also keep birds from becoming disoriented and flying into buildings or windows.
👀 Where Can I See Migrating Birds?
The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is one of the best places to see nearly 300 species of resident birds as well as some of the thousands of migratory visitors that pass through each year. The 140-acre oasis is full of lush plant life and has nine ponds, which collectively makes it the third-largest body of water in Southern Nevada. Admission is free with registration at the Visitor Center. Clark County Wetlands Park, Floyd Lamb Park, and the Springs Preserve are also good places to spot birds.
👍How Can I Learn More?
The Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is hosting a free seminar with registration this Thursday, September 19, at 10:30 a.m. inside the West Henderson Library.
- We hope the Yellow Billed Loon is doing okay 🦆 [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
