Birdin' Trails Hither 'n Yon, an article about birding in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in the Mojave Desert, part of the series by Ed Keenan.

Birdin’ Trails Hither ‘n Yon by Ed Keenan
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:

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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