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| Red Rock National Conservation Area |
I spent this past weekend out west in Las Vegas. While most people probably don't associate Vegas with birding, there are a few areas close by that offer an opportunity to do just that. We took a little trip over to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for some combined hiking and birding fun. We explored the scenic drive, a 13-mile loop, which offers lots of eye pleasing scenery, overlooks, and a number of great trails. We stopped off at the first trail head, where I saw my first feathered friends, a pair of Western Scrub-Jays. This was my first sighting of the western version of the scrub-jay. They definitely shares the pleasing blue hues with the Florida version!
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| Western Scrub-Jay Red Rock National Conservation Area |
These guys decided to keep giving me the look away. I guess they are a little more standoffish than the jays around home.
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| Western Scrub-Jay Red Rock National Conservation Area |
The trails here at the first pulloff were alittle too steep for the tike so we headed on. We stopped a few miles up the drive at a great little trail that led to a small natural waterfall. There were a number a birds around on this trail. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were abundantly fluttering about the trail, although I couldn't find one on the right side of the trail for some better lighting!
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| Ruby-crowned Kinglet Red Rock National Conservation Area |
I spotted a pair of Sparrows were on the trail up ahead of us as we made our way up, and believe they were Chipping Sparrows, as they were sporting some distinctive rufous caps. Upon arriving at the waterfall, I spotted this guy,
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Red Rock National Conservation Area |
This was my son's first hike on a trail that contained lots of fun obstacles. He got the hang of it pretty quick!
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| Red Rock National Conservation Area |
As for blackjack, we didn't really play, I just thought it went with the title...
Fun post Tammy. I'll be in Vegas this summer for a conference--good to know there's some birding nearby.
ReplyDelete* I think that might be a Vesper Sparrow there in the last shot. Either way, cool pose
Thanks Laurence! I could have spent a lot more time at Red Rock Canyon! I really wasn't too sure of bird on the rock (the terrible picture didn't help matters)...
DeleteStunning scenery Tammy, the weather looks a lot better than the uk at the moment. Think we are on our 4th day of rain now with another 3 more predicted.
ReplyDeleteI'm back in Florida now, and believe we are slated for rain all weekend too! Sad news!
Deletehallo Tammy,
ReplyDeleteI guess it's difficult to imagine that not so far of a big town like LV there are such beautiful untouched places. Your son sure has had much fun there!
Thank you for showing them with your beautiful pictures.
Thanks so much for your comments! It is amazing that it is so close to all the commotion!
Deletevery pretty terrain. definitely different than your viera wetlands! :) cute little boy you have!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely was different! We are used to our flat roads! Thanks:)
DeleteGreat scenery, but not the type that i would associate with birdind. Well, maybe vultures. I guess I have to learn to look harder.
ReplyDeleteThere were numerous birds there, not hard to find. Identifying them was more of a challenge.I hoped to see some raptors near the rock walls, but didn't see any.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous area! Your little guy is precious. (Yes, I know you will agree!) :)) What a darling little climber. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! He is just as sweet as he is cute! He enjoyed the rocks!
DeleteThe 2 times I've been to Vegas, I've stuck to the usual Vegas routine...maybe next time I'll make it outside of the city! Glad you made it west.
ReplyDeleteThe thrush on the rock is actually a Lincoln's Sparrow (short bill, buffy streaked breast). You certainly may have seen Chippings, but I bet there are Rufous-crowned Sparrows up there as well.
It is definitely worth checking out! Thanks for the id; I really wasn't sure what that fellow was; I think I'll brush up on my sparrow skills before my next trip out that way:)I wish I had gotten a photo of the other 2 sparrows!
ReplyDeleteThe scenery is gorgeous! I like the Scrub Jays and how they differ from Blue Jays. It looks like your son was having a great time!
ReplyDeleteYou're naughty, (blackjack). Incredible mountains, Bluejays and the little boy photos. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHello Tammy,
ReplyDeleteWonderful images of these mountains.
It's mazing to see the beautiful colors of the sky. fantastic!!
Much greetings,
Marco
A winderful post Tammy!
ReplyDeleteI meant wonderful, I should take my allergy meds before commenting in the morning!
ReplyDeleteNice photos. I was at Red Rock last year but didn't come close to any birds -drat!
ReplyDeleteFabulous scenery and birds Tammy. Loved the shot of the budding rock climber.
ReplyDeletePreciosos los paisajes rocosos de la primera y ultima foto, y muy buena la composición de la tercera imagen con ese bello pajarito posado en la hoja. Pronto veremos al niño con una camara de fotos detras de las aves.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Looks like a great place, more great shots Tammy :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos from a stunning scenery
Greetings from Sweden
/Ingemar
Great shots as always, Tammy.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place.
Your son is so cute.
Mette
Tammy, your son is adorable as he attempts his first rock climb.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the scenery and birds you captured. The scrub jay is stunning.. I have yet to capture one. ):
cheers
We visited Red Rock Canyon last summer. It was way too hot to enjoy hiking past 10 AM, and few critters were about. Next time I will go in the Spring :)
ReplyDeleteIt was gorgeous, though, and definitely worth another look! Your photos capture it perfectly.
Love the mountain shots with the sky in the background.
ReplyDelete