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Ash
Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Description:
The desert is anything but barren when it comes to
birds. The great Mojave Desert with it’s varied elevations and habitat
makes for great birding. The Mojave gives us numerous birding places
to explore. One special place that is less traveled is, Ash Meadows
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). This is a lovely oasis of woodland,
wetland, and desert habitats that attract more than 220 species of
birds. April through May is the prime time for the greatest diversity
of birds. Fall is an equally wonderful time to observe the southbound
migrators, which can produce some surprise vagrants. Also, the groves
of trees and mesquite thickets and the unusual, underground, spring
ecosystems support numerous endemic species, year around. Start your
exploration by getting information brochures at the Refuge
Headquarters. Crystal Springs boardwalk is an easy place to start. The
bird walk accommodates the handicapped.
Directions:
Only 90 miles from Las Vegas and 60 miles from Death
Valley National park, Ash Meadows NWR is easily accessible. It is a
lush and lovely contrast to the stark geologic beauty of Death Valley.
From Death Valley Junction, take 190 east toward Devil’s Hole, Nevada.
From Las Vegas, travel west on Highway 160 to Pahrump, Nevada. From
Pahrump, travel west on Bell Vista Road approximately 22 miles to
refuge. Check the Ash Meadows NWR web page for complete information:
http://desertcomplex.fws.gov/ashmeadows/
Local Specialties:
Bullocks Oriole
Local specialties include: Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher, (an endangered, sub-species of the Willow Flycatcher),
Crissal Thrasher, Lucy’s Warbler, Bullocks Oriole, White-throated
Swifts and Blue Grosbeaks. Seasonally, over 220 different species have
been recorded here at the Ash Meadows NWR.
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