Columnist Barb Henderson: Bird-watchers welcome new members

Barb Henderson

Friday, March 12, 2004 | 10:01 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.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the outside temperatures that we're enjoying at this time, would stay this gorgeous year-round?

Some folks are connecting with nature by enjoying these beautiful days by birdwatching.

The natural sound of birds singing and chirping from the nearby trees, have local birders 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 is a non-profit organization in Southern Nevada whose mission 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.

In the past, the RRAS has had birding field trips activities that include some of these southern Nevada destinations: 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.

Interested in learning how to birdwatch, but, you're not quite sure on how to get started?

Well, the RRAS have monthly meetings and scheduled birdwatching field trips. These flockings usually provide newcomers a great opportunity to meet experienced birders who are eager to share their knowledge. The RRAS birding field trips are open to the public. Participation is at your own risk.

Here's a list of some of the RRAS upcoming activities (subject to change):

To participate in any of the RRAS field trips, 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. For more information on the Red Rock Audubon Society and/or the birding activities, please call at 390-9890.