Migratory birds beginning annual flights north through Las Vegas

Monday, May 5, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

About 170 species of migrant birds will wing their way into Las Vegas this month.

For Southern Nevada birders, May 10 marks the arrival of thousands of hummingbirds, vireos, swallows, orioles and others returning to nest from their winter quarters in Central and South America, said Cris Tomlinson, a biologist with the Nevada Division of Wildlife.

It's the fifth anniversary of International Migratory Bird Day.

"Migratory birds deserve our admiration," Tomlinson said. "Some species weigh less than an ounce, yet flying by night under the cover of darkness, they travel thousands of miles to their breeding grounds in North America."

Many bird watchers and biologists worry about declining populations, as deforestation continues in the Americas and urban development gobbles nesting areas in North America.

Southern Nevada residents can help the returning birds by planting native shrubs in yards, along with providing food and cover.

Another way to help feathered friends is by becoming involved in local land-use planning, to protect flyways, Tomlinson said.

The wildlife sanctuary at Wheeler Camp Spring, west of Blue Diamond in the Red Rock Canyon area, has been fenced to protect the area from wild horses, burros and vehicles.

Boulder City is developing a wetlands area that will attract hundreds of birds looking for water and rest.

And if local governments restore marshes in the Las Vegas Wash, as part of the Desert Wetlands Park, birds may thrive there.

The state Division of Wildlife is sponsoring activities this year for local groups of students to observe the birds returning here, Tomlinson said.

During the first week in May, slide shows will be presented to groups of high school students on the plight of migratory birds.

Then early on May 10 the same group of students who viewed the film will gather in Sunset Park to learn basic birding skills.

National, state and local organizations have combined their skills this year in a program called "Partners in Flight," to promote awareness of migrating birds. Nevada joined the national program four years ago.