Birding Sin City

["Eric Jeffords" <arifodel at hotmail dot com>]

On a recent trip visiting family in Las Vegas, I spent some time at the City 
of Henderson Bird Viewing Preserves. I haven't seen any postings about this 
area on BirdTalk so for those who may not know about it (especially some of 
us Northern Utahns) here is what you can expect. The site is a series of 9 
ponds that were once used for water treatment and reside next to the current 
water treatment facility. Unlike a similar site we have west of Salt Lake, 
this one doesn't seem to have the strong sewage odor one would have to 
tolerate here. The area is gated and you have to buzz in to be given access.

Among the most significant species I witnessed there were:

Common Moorhen
Sora
Gambel's Quayle
Crissal Thrasher
Abert's Towhee
Black Phoebe
Peregrine Falcon
Great Egret
Verdin

There are over 200 birds on their checklist and many other species were 
observed at this time as well.

The peregrine was especially interesting because it had made a commotion 
about 200 yards away from where I, and a couple of others, were standing. It 
had pulled a coot from the nearest pond and was standing on the ground in 
perfect view. The coot was on its side, its legs flailing trying to gain 
purchase. The falcon decided to lift off and circle over its prey. The coot, 
only stunned, managed to get back on its feet and made for cover in the tall 
vegetation. I guess both birds got taught a little life lesson.

For those who are planning to visit Las Vegas and want to get some great 
birding in while there, here is where to find it:

City of Henderson
Bird Viewing Preserve
Address: 2400 B Moser Dr.
Phone: 702-566-2940
Open: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. 7 days a week

You can bird on your own but they also conduct tours and workshops 
frequently as well.

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