Columnist Barb Henderson: Birdwatching can provide special treat

Barb Henderson

Friday, Dec. 12, 2003 | 11:20 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

December is a special time of year for birdwatching, a time when an important event takes place throughout the country -- the annual Christmas Bird Count. This month will mark the 104th year that birdwatchers have observed birds through this national program.

The very first CBC was on Christmas in 1900.

The annual CBC is used to help monitor the bird populations across the Western Hemisphere. Birders will try to actually count every bird and species they observe out in the field. The information will be sent to the National Audubon Society.

Birders throughout Nevada are involved and will be flocking to the fields with their binoculars, spotting scopes and field guides with hopes of having a "bird's eye view" of our feathered friends.

The Red Rock Audubon Society received its charter from the National Audubon Society in 1976. The mission of the Red Rock Audubon Society is to protect, restore and improve the natural ecosystems focusing on birds and other wildlife and to educate the public about the unique Nevada environment.

How does it feel to participate in an annual national birdwatching activity?

"These events are always a lot of fun and each count has its own special appeal," said Red Rock Audubon Society president Hermie Hiatt. "After a day of hard birding, it is a pleasure to see the smiling faces at the end of the day when we compile the results of our day's hunt. Many times unusual and rare species are sighted, rewarding the birders with a special treat."

You'll spot local birders/members nestled in just about every corner of southern Nevada. Here are a few of the CBC field trips that are scheduled for December.

The CBC's are open to the public. Beginning birders shouldn't have "ruffled feathers," they are always welcome and are encouraged to participate.

To participate in any of the scheduled Red Rock Audubon Society CBC's, birders should have binoculars, a bird field guide, drinking water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses and sun block, and are encouraged to wear appropriate hiking clothes and sturdy footwear.

Throughout the year, the Red Rock Audubon Society will plan birding field trips. In the past, a few of the more popular birdwatching areas in southern Nevada have been Floyd Lamb State Park, Henderson Bird Preserve, Las Vegas Wash, Clark County Wetlands, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Sunset Park, Moapa Valley area and Overton.

The next meeting for the Red Rock Audubon Society will be Jan. 21, 2004. Scheduled on the program will be "Bird Rehabilitation and the Wild Wing Project" with guest speaker Lisa Ross (founder of the Wild Wing Project) and a few of her live educational birds such as a red-tailed hawk and an owl.

For newcomers to the world of birdwatching, these gatherings can be an excellent way to meet other birders who are knowledgeable in birdwatching and eager to help educate others on the proper way to get started in birdwatching. It can also be a great resource location in receiving more details about upcoming field trips.

Now, grab your binoculars and go birdwatching!

For more information on birdwatching, the Annual Christmas Bird Count and/or the Red Rock Audubon Society, flock over to your telephone and give the Red Rock Audubon Society's hot line a call at 390-9890.