The popularity of summer biking, hiking, boating and just getting outdoors is growing in Southern Nevada.
Last year, for instance, 3.5 million people visited Red Rock National Conservation Area. In 2023, 5.8 million people visited Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Then there’s birding. In December, 150 people registered for the Christmas Bird Count — the most ever in its 60-plus-year history in Nevada. This month, birders across the state are participating in the Great Basin Bird Observatory's Nevada Bird-a-thon to raise money for thrasher research. Tens of millions of people birdwatch across the nation.
Tips for starting out birding:
- All you need is a sense of curiosity, but patience doesn't hurt
- You can birdwatch in your backyard or visit many of the bird-friendly spaces around town. Check Red Rock Audubon for where to go and sign up for birdwatching events in Southern Nevada throughout the year
- The free Merlin app is a great launching point if bird walks aren't your thing. Often called the Shazam for birds, it can help you identify birdsong in real-time
- Audubon has tips for creating a bird-friendly yard. A big part of that is planting native flowers and trees, and ensuring feeders are cleaned regularly and thoroughly
- But, don't feed wildlife. Human food like bread is extremely harmful to birds, especially ducks and geese, and can lead to deformities. Feeding any wildlife is illegal in most places, including parks
- There are nearly 500 species of bird in our state, so meetups and bird walks are a great way to get to know them (especially our Southwest residents like Greater Roadrunner, Verdin, Phainopepla and others), and you can also purchase handy local Sibley's guides from Red Rock Audubon
Those who do these things, of course, know where to go, the best times to go, the best bird sites, trails and more. And they know how to stay safe in the summer heat.
Guests: Ashley Lee, realtor, kayaker and off-roader; Alan Gegax, leader of VegasHikers Meetup group; Kristen DeSilva, local birder and Nevada Public Radio employee
