The Southern Nevada Birding and Wildlife Trails Partnership welcomes you to Laughlin Nevada and our inaugural Wings and Wildlife Festival!

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1 The Southern Nevada Birding and Wildlife Trails Partnership welcomes you to Laughlin Nevada and our inaugural Wings and Wildlife Festival! Register online at Table of Contents Special Events 2 Seminar Descriptions 3 What to Bring 6 Field Trips & Activities 7 Registration & Fees 10 Master Schedule 11 SNBWTP 13 S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 1

2 Wings and Wildlife Festival Special Events Featured Speaker: John Acorn John Acorn was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1958, and has been fascinated with animals his entire life. He still lives in Edmonton, with his wife, Dena, and their two young boys Jesse and Benjamin. John is perhaps best known as the writer and host of the television series "Acorn, The Nature Nut," a family-oriented, how-to-be-a-naturalist show. He also hosted Twits and Pishers, a travel show for bird watchers, and is the video host for the galleries of the Royal Tyrell Museum, where he has also served as a research associate. These days, John lectures at the University of Alberta, and travels widely as a public speaker. He finds time for the study and photography of insects as well, and is an Associate of the E. H. Strickland Entomology Museum at the University of Alberta. John has written 17 books, including many well-received field guides. John is the recipient of NSERC s Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion, the University of Alberta s Distinguished Alumni Award, two Rosies (as Best Host, in the Alberta Motion Picture Industry Awards), and two nominations for Canada s national television award, the Gemini. Both the Entomological Society of Alberta and the Canadian Society of Zoologists have also recognized his contributions to public education. Images from the Wildlands of Southern Nevada: Sharon K. Schafer Discover the hidden beauty and grace of southern Nevada s less traveled wilderness areas through artist/naturalist Sharon K. Schafer s new works. Sharon will provide a multimedia presentation and sketches, paintings, and photographs of the region s inspiring wild lands and is designed to reveal southern Nevada s wild lands as a place of unparalleled natural beauty and diversity. Sharon K. Schafer has a diversified background with skills ranging from wildlife biologist, naturalist, and photographer, to writer, illustrator, and river guide. Now as a full time artist, she combines two loves - art and nature. Sharon founded Skydance Studio in With the studio, she has dedicated herself to the creation of fine art images that promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Socializing & Appetizing Friday, March 13 - Included with your paid registration: 5:00pm - 6:30pm Join us in the Riverside Starview Room for a Wine Tasting & Art in Nature gathering. Festival goers will enjoy savory hors d oeuvres and a selection of red and white wines, provided by Temecula Winery, while viewing nature-based artwork of local artists. Registration and informational booths will remain open during the Wine and Art event. 6:30pm - 7:30pm Enjoy a truly magical, presentation by Skydance Studio s Sharon K Schafer. Join this renowned Boulder City artist/naturalist as she presents a multimedia program designed to reveal southern Nevada s wildlands as a place of unparalleled natural beauty and diversity. Discover the hidden beauty and grace of southern Nevada s less traveled wilderness areas through Schafer s paintings, sketches, and photographs. Saturday, March 14 - $30 in addition to your paid registration: 6:00pm - 7:00pm A generous buffet banquet will precede the festival s featured speaker, John Acorn. Banquet feast will include entrees of beef, chicken and fish, along with salads, vegetables, and assorted cakes and pies. 7:00pm - 7:15pm A short presentation introducing the Southern Nevada Birding and Wildlife Trails Partnership. 7:15pm - 8:30pm John Acorn, featured speaker, will host a humorous presentation A Field Guy and his Field Guides (a humorous look at writing field guides). Be prepared to learn, laugh, and perhaps even sing along. S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 2

3 Seminar Descriptions Rescued Raptors with Lisa Ross The Wild Wing Project is a wildlife rehabilitation and outreach program begun in Southern Nevada in It is the only non-profit State and Federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation organization in Southern Nevada. Injured and orphaned wildlife are brought to the project from government agencies, businesses, schools, fire departments, police, and citizens like you. They may be sick, displaced by construction, hit by vehicles, crashed into windows, or attacked by cats or dogs. Many of their injuries are the result of human activities, whether intentional or accidental. Lisa has been working with injured wildlife, in particular birds, throughout southern Nevada for over 20 years. Wild Wing works with several qualified veterinarians and the freely share their professional time and talents by donating medical evaluations, testing and even surgeries to help treat ill and injured wildlife. She is knowledgeable on many different aspects of bird care and behavior. Offered Friday 1:00 pm and Saturday 2:30 pm. Colorado River Valley s Big Horn Sheep with Zen Mocarski The Black Mountains, which is the range around Bullhead City and Laughlin, holds the largest contiguous population of desert bighorn sheep in the nation. With growth come problems, especially fragmentation, which is the splitting apart of herd. Zen Mocarski will discuss the biology of bighorn sheep, disease and predation issues, and mitigations efforts throughout the Black Mountains. Come and enjoy this presentation and develop a newfound respect for these animals and where they live. Zen Mocarski has been the Information and Education Program Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Region III office for six years. Twice a year he conducts bighorn sheep workshops and does countless talks on the venomous critters for schools, organizations, and different events throughout the region. Just don't ask him to identify all the different scorpions, there are, after all, 56 different species in the state. Offered Friday 1:00 pm. Local Birds of Laughlin with DeeDee DeLorenzo Local Birds of the Laughlin/Bullhead City Area will provide information concerning the birds that can and should be found in March in the Lower Colorado River Valley. Discover where birds such as the Clark's Grebe, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Verdin, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Crissal Thrasher, and Abert's Towhee can be found. This presentation is geared for all interested in birding the local area. A Power Point Program with photos of almost 100 species of our local birds will be used to explain each bird's unique physical features, song, and behaviors needed for accurate identification. DeeDee DeLorenzo has been birding the Laughlin/Bullhead City area since Since retiring as a classroom teacher from public education, DeeDee has been conducting bird surveys for the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, USGS, and AZGFD. She is a member of Arizona Field Ornithologists and is the Mohave County Regional Compiler for its quarterly Regional Reports. Offered Friday 2:30 pm. S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 3

4 Seminar Descriptions Burrowing Owls with Christiana Manville Christiana Manville will be giving a presentation on the Urban Burrowing Owl Monitoring Project in the Las Vegas Valley, a joint effort between Red Rock Audubon Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The goals of this project are to map the location of burrowing owl burrows and determine the reproductive success of urban burrowing owls. This information will be used to assist in the conservation of this special status species. In 2008, 35 volunteers, consisting of Audubon members and other concerned citizens, monitored 34 nest burrows throughout the breeding season. Come and find out what they learned. Christiana has been a wildlife biologist with the USFWS for six years, working mostly with Endangered Species Act regulations and migratory birds. She developed this project in response to the public s concern about burrowing owls being threatened by urban development. Offered Friday 2:30 pm. Reptile Watching with Cris Tomlinson This presentation will provide an overview of Nevada's native reptiles and will target a general audience with limited knowledge of reptiles. The audience will see many photos of Nevada's reptiles and learn which reptiles are in need of protection and what their current conservation threats are. Additionally, the attendees will learn to distinguish a venomous reptile from a nonvenomous reptile and how to identify Nevada's seven venomous reptile species. An educational brochure and video covering Nevada's venomous reptiles will be available to attendees. Cris Tomlinson is Supervisory Wildlife Biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. His responsibilities are primarily to manage and conserve Nevada's nongame wildlife as part of the State Wildlife Grant program of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Cris serves on many committees and work groups throughout southern Nevada, and is currently on the Red Rock Audubon Society Board as the Program Chair. Offered Friday 4:00 pm. Birds of the Las Vegas Wash with Debbie Van Dooremolen This presentation will provide a general audience with an overview of the Las Vegas Wash (Wash), the primary drainage channel for the Las Vegas Valley watershed. The Wash experienced significant erosion and environmental degradation during the 1970s and 80s. Since 1998, the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee (LVWCC) has been working to stabilize, improve the water quality, and restore the ecological functions of the Wash. Debbie will describe bird monitoring activities conducted along the channel since the inception of the LVWCC and describe locations where the public can best view some of the more than 200 species of bird that have been identified in recent years. Debbie Van Dooremolen is an environmental biologist for the Southern Nevada Water Authority. She oversees bird monitoring programs on the Las Vegas Wash and biological resource monitoring at two constructed wetlands projects. Photo Bureau of Reclamation. Offered Friday 4:00 pm. S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 4

5 Seminar Descriptions Bat Mist-netting Survey with Christy Klinger Our only seminar offered in the dark! Christy Klinger will conduct a mist-net survey for bats and demonstrate acoustical survey techniques (ANABAT) at a desert spring near Laughlin. The evening will shed some light on the nocturnal world of bats through the capture and recording of some common Mojave Desert bats, possibly including various myotis species, pallid bats, and others. Actual mist-netting activity will last 2-3 hours, post sunset. Participants will learn about the biology and natural history of Nevada s bats and view them up-close, but will not be allowed to handle the bats. Christy has been a biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife for more than eight years; she deals primarily with the management and conservation of non-game species, including birds, bats and small mammals, as well as participates in habitat-related issues including restoration and rehabilitation projects. Photo Christy Klinger. Offered Friday 6:00 pm. This activity has a $16 transportation fee to the desert spring. Expect to walk over uneven terrain in the dark. Bring a headlamp and/or flashlight and snacks & water. Wildlife and Plants with David Charlet Dr. Charlet will present an overview of wild plants native to the Mojave Desert and will talk about the ecology of these plants and their use by various wildlife. Dr. Charlet s research is acutely focused on the natural history of the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts. He has worked in more than 280 of Nevada s 314 named mountain ranges, and mapped and wrote a reference book on the conifers of Nevada. Dr. Charlet has worked on several projects for Clark County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. David Charlet received his B.S. and M.S. in Biology and his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. He is a Professor at the College of Southern Nevada, where he teaches 10 biology and environmental science classes each year. David relentlessly brings his research experience into his classroom lectures, and recently was the editor and lead author of a textbook used in introductory environmental science classes. Offered Saturday 1:00 pm. Falconry with Dick Benoit Participants will receive a general overview of the sport of falconry and the process one must go through to participate falconry. You'll learn about the kinds of birds prey falconers hunt with, along with the prey hunted by these birds. Live birds will include a Harris Hawk, a Buteo, an Accipiter, and a Falcon. Dick Benoit holds a bachelor of arts in Mass Media from Central Washington University and masters in Communication from UNLV. He recently participated in the UNLV Public Lands Institute, Nevada Certification in Environmental Education and Interpretation program and is presently completing an internship with the Clark County School District Regional Professional Development Program, focusing on educating children about birds of prey and bird migration in Nevada. Offered Saturday 4:00 pm. S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 5

6 Seminar Descriptions 3 in a row with Bob Barnes Binoculars: Selection and Effective Use (Offered Saturday 1:00 pm) How can I test binoculars for quality? How can I buy a good pair of binoculars for $30? How can I use binoculars effectively with moving objects? Interactive workshop - bring binoculars; some available on site for use. Level: All audiences Bird ID (Offered Saturday 2:30 pm) What bird species do I already know? What are some tips for identifying species new to me? How can I use common birds to help me identify less common ones? Where and when should I practice ID? Level: Beginner to Intermediate to those who/want to teach bird ID Hummingbird Attracting and Tidbits (Offered Saturday 4:00 pm) Feeders - Ants & Pam oven spray, cleanliness is godliness, put-up/take down dates, sugar/water ratio, yellow jackets. Tidbits - fast facts, migration, observation/id, social life, status & distribution, references (books, CDs/DVDs) Level: All audiences Bob Barnes will lead birding trips and conduct workshops throughout this year's inaugural Wings & Wildlife Festival. Since 1977, he has led over three hundred organized birding trips in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and Costa Rica. Bob started the Kern River Valley Hummingbird Celebration and has taught numerous binocular and bird id workshops at the four annual Kern River Valley nature festivals, at California State University-Bakersfield Extension, as well as in the field during hundreds of field trips. What to Bring, Wear, and some Rules Here s a few quick tips: March is a perfect month to visit Laughlin. The average daytime temperature is 70, with highs about 75. Sweaters are recommended for early morning and evenings. Bring your camera, binoculars, pad & pen, and field guides. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothes based on the temperature and your level of activity. Always bring sunscreen, sunglasses, chapstick, and a hat! Sturdy walking shoes are a must. Being on or around the river poses its own challenges. Bring an extra set of clothes and shoes to each activity, and wear and bring only what you re prepared to get wet. Protect your personal items with plastic. It s a desert out there. Don t forget - bring and drink LOTS of water. Plan on one gallon per day; the river wind, dry desert air, and exercise will increase your need for hydration. Proper photo ID is required for activities near the Hoover Dam. Any and all activity poses a risk; a signature of waiver will be required for all participants. Please be on time so you don t get left behind. Label your gear with name & cell phone number. Observe at a distance. Please do not pet the snakes, scorpions, or coyotes. S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 6

7 Field Trip and Nature Walk Descriptions THURSDAY, March 12 Field Trip: Henderson Bird Preserve - The group will travel by van to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (in Henderson, NV), a premier birding spot in the Las Vegas Valley. The ponds and wetlands are surrounded by native Mojave Desert vegetation with flat, paved, level trails. With over 250 species seen here, it s possible to see 70 species during your 2 hour visit. Try for Crissal Thrasher, Abert s Towhee, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel s Quail, plus shore and water birds. We will also stop at Hemenway Park (in Boulder City, NV) to look for Big Horn Sheep. Both locations are wheel chair accessible. Meet at Gazebo in Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Je Anne Branca, 6am - 1pm, $27. Max participants 20. Nature Walk: Sportsman Park - Explore, enjoy, and bird at a leisurely pace. Meet at the park. Park experts, docents, or guides will be available at 7am to answer questions, explain what species may be seen, and make suggestions on where to go or even walk with the group. Free with paid registration! Nature Walk: Community Park - Explore, enjoy, and bird at a leisurely pace. Meet at the park. Park experts, docents, or guides will be available at 7am to answer questions, explain what species may be seen, and make suggestions on where to go or even walk with the group. Free with paid registration! Field Trip: Kayak Topock Marsh - The group will travel by van to the Topock Marsh, a designated Important Bird Area. Poke around magical drowned mesquite forest that serves as a wonderful breeding area for desert birds and wildlife; explore reed beds, sand bars, and riparian habitat. Best place to see the most concentrated population of birds in the area. Leisurely and easy kayak trip, good for beginners or experienced. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Desert River Kayak, 7am - 2pm, $48. Max participants 20. Field Trip: Loons in the Lagoon - The group will travel by van to the Laughlin Bay Marina. Pick your own kayak, and then go discover the 22 acre Laughlin Lagoon wetland at your own pace. Small and wonderful, no current, easy channels to explore. Scan reed beds, riparian vegetation, might also see beaver. Great for beginners or experienced. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Desert River Kayak, 2pm - 5pm, $22. Max participants 20. FRIDAY, March 13 Field Trip: Van trip through Topock Marsh, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (IBA) - A guided van trip where you ll visit four public areas of the refuge with overlooks easily accessible by walking and wheelchair: North Dike, Five Mile Landing, Catfish Paradise, and South Dike. All stops are wheelchair accessible; area includes metal docks, sand, small gravel roadways, parking lots, and dirt paths. The Bureau of Reclamation will be mist-netting migrating songbirds to monitor their use of Havasu NWR (Friday only). There are lots of micro-habitat areas so the number of species of birds could be quite large. The Christmas Bird Counts in December usually record over 100 species, most from this area of the Refuge. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by DeeDee DeLorenzo, 6am - Noon, $22. Max participants 20. Nature Walk: Rotary Park - Explore, enjoy, and bird at a leisurely pace. Meet at the park. Park experts, docents, or guides will be available at 7am to answer questions, explain what species may be seen, and make suggestions on where to go or even walk with the group. Free with paid registration! Nature Walk: Colorado River Greenway Heritage Trail - This easy walk begins on Laughlin s Riverwalk. Attendees can compare bird and wildlife habitats in urban versus natural setting. Take a ferry ride to Arizona Colorado Greenway Heritage Park to view a re-vegetation area. Rapidly growing cottonwood and mesquite trees may have some early spring warblers, as well as other birds frequently found at the water s edge. Great for beginning birders. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Bob Barnes, 8am - 11am. Free with paid registration! S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 7

8 Field Trip and Nature Walk Descriptions Field Trip: Willow Beach & Hatchery - Travel by van to Willow Beach, the closest access point to Lake Mohave, below Hoover Dam. Explore beaches, dry washes, mesquite thickets, and typical Mojave Desert plants and wildflowers from the road that parallels the lake. Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Verdin, Phainopepla, Loggerhead Shrike, Black Phoebe, Wood Ducks, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Western Meadowlark. We ll also visit Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery which raises native Colorado River fish such as Bonytail & Humpback Chub, Razorback Suckers, and the very rare Relict Leopard Frog. Most areas handicapped accessible. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by SNBWTP, 7am - 1pm, $25. Max participants 20. Nature Walk: Venomous Critters at the Colorado River Nature Center - Zen Mocarski will speak to participants about the different types of venomous critters in the area, the dangers they present, and what to do in the event of a bite or sting. The presentation will be invaluable to new residents and a great refresher for those who have lived in here for some time. Did you know meat tenderizer can be used to help ease the pain of a scorpion sting? How about the fact that most rattlesnake bites involve young men who have consumed alcohol? We ll talk about this and more. Also, learn about the Nature Center, its struggles, triumphs, and future plans. This presentation is part of the 10:00 am - Noon Nature Walk. Meet at the Colorado River Nature Center at 10am for the guided walk or at 11am for this presentation. Wheelchair accessible. Free with paid registration! Field Trip: Moonlight Kayak - Van ride to Bullhead City Community Park. We start our trip in the daylight so participants can refresh their kayaking skills while it is still light. We ll work our way down the Colorado River in the sunset, and as the sky darkens we should see a wide variety of birds that move in the twilight including owls, Black-crowned Night-heron, and Great Blue Heron. Also look for Beaver, several different species of bats, and Burrowing Owls. The moon will light our way down the river. Two planned stops at Big Bend of the Colorado SRA and a small island. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Desert River Kayak, 5pm - 9pm, $33. Max participants 20. SATURDAY, March 14 Field Trip: Van trip through Topock Marsh, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (IBA) - A guided van trip where you ll visit four public areas of the refuge with overlooks easily accessible by walking and wheelchair: North Dike, Five Mile Landing, Catfish Paradise, and South Dike. All stops are wheel-chair accessible; area includes metal docks, sand, small gravel roadways, parking lots, and dirt paths. There are lots of micro-habitat areas so the number of species of birds could be quite large. The Christmas Bird Counts in December usually record over 100 species, most from this area of the Refuge. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by DeeDee DeLorenzo, 6am - Noon, $22. Max participants 20. Nature Walk: Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area - This area along the Colorado River has beaches for shore birds, mature mesquite thickets for common desert birds, and wetland areas and a lagoon for ducks and lots of other wading birds. Nothing is very far from a parking area. A short walk to the dike of the Laughlin Lagoon. The dike overlooking the old Boy Scout Camp might get you a view of Bald Eagle or Osprey. See a variety of waterfowl that use the bay for protection. Raptors are regularly seen along the rocks on the other side of the Needles Highway. Park experts, docents, or guides will be available at 7am to answer questions, explain what species may be seen, and make suggestions on where to go or even walk with the group. Free with paid registration! Nature Walk: Laughlin Riverwalk - A leisurely guided tour of the Laughlin Riverwalk along the Colorado River from "casino row" to the Laughlin Bridge at the north end of Fisherman's Access Park. The Riverside Casino's FREE water taxi will take a minute to whisk us across the Colorado River to native desert habitat found on the east shore. We will search for several bird species on the Colorado River, along its banks, and in the adjacent desert scrub and park habitats. This is a trip best suited for beginning, novice, or leisurely birders. Meet at the Riverside Starview room. Guided by Bob Barnes, 8am - 11am. Free with paid registration! S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 8

9 Field Trip and Nature Walk Descriptions Field Trip: Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness Area - Travel by van to the Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness Area; a designated Important Birding Area by the ABA. We ll drive dirt roads and stop in different areas to bird. Wee Thump offers considerably more habitat diversity than the surrounding MoJave Desert and supports a broader assortment of wildlife. Birds in the area include Gilded Flicker, Northern Flicker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black-throated Sparrow, Crissal Thrasher, Loggerhead Shrike, Common Raven, Cactus Wren, and Bushtits. This is the only place in Nevada where Gilded Flickers are known to occur. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by SNBWTP, 7am - Noon, $27. Max participants 20. Field Trip: Easy Kayak on the Colorado - Travel by van to Bullhead City Community Park for a 5 mile kayak tour along the Colorado River to Big Bend. Look for birds along the water s edge, explore the 22 acre Laughlin Lagoon. This section of the river has a combination of natural bluffs, riparian vegetation, and small backwaters, wetlands, and beaches. Ride the current past the edge of river looking for birds and beavers. Paddle into the Laughlin Lagoon and then on to Big Bend of the Colorado SRA. Scan riparian areas at the edge for the river for migrating spring birds. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Desert River Kayak, 9am - Noon, $33. Max participants 20. Field Trip: River s Edge Tour by Pontoon Boat - Explore wildlife and habitats along the banks of the Colorado River, from Davis Dam to the Laughlin Lagoon. Cruise near the beaches for shore birds, mature mesquite thickets for common desert birds, and wetland areas and lagoon for ducks and lots of other wading birds. Look for Bald Eagle and Osprey that feed regularly there or for any number of ducks. Guided by SNBWTP. River Passage Water Taxi leaves Aquarius dock at 10:15 am, $5. Max participants 40. SUNDAY, March 15 Field Trip: Kayak the Topock Gorge - Travel by van to Topock Marina. Launch at the upper end of Topock Gorge for a 14.9 mile trip through one of the most spectacular sections of the Colorado River, and one of the few remaining natural areas of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. We ll stop at the beautiful Aha Macav prehistoric petroglyph panel, only a short walk from the river. Look for birds along the shores of the gorge, in backwaters, or on cliffs of the gorge. May also see Eagles and Raptors. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Desert River Kayak, 6am - 4:30pm, $48. Max participants 20. Field Trip: Hualapi Mountains - Travel by van through the Mojave Desert to the pines of Hualapai Mountain Park. Elevation range from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Habitat includes Crucifixion thorn, desert scrub, Manzanita/scrub oak chaparral, pinyon pine, Ponderosa pine/gambel oak, and Ponderosa pine. Try for Band-tailed Pigeon, White-throated Swift, Acorn Woodpecker, Steller s Jay, Western Scrub-jay, Mountain Chickadee, Juniper Titmouse, Pygmy Nuthatch, Canyon Wren, Spotted Towhee, and Cassin s finch. Luck might bring a Zone-tailed Hawk. Other wildlife includes Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Elk, and Abert s Squirrel. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Bob Barnes, 7am - 2:30pm, $22. Max participants 20. Field Trip: Black Canyon by Motorized Raft - Van ride to the Hacienda Hotel in Boulder City, NV. Pick up a box lunch and head to the base of Hoover Dam where a pontoon motorized raft awaits you. Relax and enjoy a beautiful 11 mile tour. Likely to see Big Horn Sheep, Peregrine Falcons, and Canyon Wrens. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Black Canyon & Willow Beach Adventures, 7am - 5:30pm, $110. Max participants 20. Wheelchair accessible! Nature Walk: Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area - This area along the Colorado River has beaches for shore birds, mature mesquite thickets for common desert birds, and wetland areas and a lagoon for ducks and lots of other wading birds. Nothing is very far from a parking area. A short walk to the dike of the Laughlin Lagoon. The dike overlooking the old Boy Scout Camp might get you a view of Bald Eagle or Osprey. See a variety of waterfowl that use the bay for protection. Raptors are regularly seen along the rocks on the other side of the Needles Highway. Park experts, docents, or guides will be available at 8am to answer questions, explain what species may be seen, and make suggestions on where to go or even walk with the group. Free with paid registration! S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 9

10 Field Trip and Nature Walk Descriptions Nature Walk: Poetry in Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Connecting You with the Natural Environment. 3 mile round trip along Fishermen s Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mohave District-Katherine Landing). The trail overlooks the shoreline providing numerous opportunities for viewing birds and other wildlife, it also winds through a small wash, a series of sand dunes and a mesquite bosque, before ending at a broad sandy beach. Identify a variety of animal tracks and look & listen for clues of wildlife. The walk will culminate with a poetry and creative writing activity, connecting us all with this fabulous natural landscape. Trail is uneven and rocky in a few areas and considered light to moderately strenuous. Meet at Katherine Landing Ranger Station. Guided by Sharon Schafer and NPS Ranger, Ellen Anderson, 9am - Noon. Free with paid registration! Max participants 25. Bring the exemption of fees form available at the festival registration table. MONDAY, March 16 Field Trip: Black Canyon by Kayak/Canoe - Group will take a van to the Hoover Dam, launch kayaks and head to Willow Beach. 11 mile trip. If we are lucky, Hoover Dam will be generating electricity and water will be flowing in the upper end of Lake Mohave, taking our boats with it. This is a guide-accompanied trip and will stop at 3 canyons with hot springs and several small beaches in this deep lava walled canyon. One of the best places to see Desert Bighorn Sheep in their native habitat and occasionally beaver, fox and coyotes, snakes, and lizards. Lunch is provided. Meet at Gazebo at Fisherman s Access Park. Guided by Desert River Kayak, 5:30am - 6:00pm, $110. Intermediate to advanced kayak trip. Max participants 14. Registration and Fees Convenient Registration Registration is only $20. To register, pay, and book your accommodations please go to To register via telephone, please call Registration will also be available at the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, the Riverside Starview Room, and at any fee-based event. Each paid registrant will receive a personalized participant packet containing a festival ID, activity print outs, and maps & directions. Participant packets will be available at either the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce or the Wings and Wildlife Festival registration table in the Riverside Starview room. Depending upon your arrival date and time we will notify you where to pick up your participant packet. Registration for children under 16 is FREE when accompanied by paid registered adult. Banquet and field trip costs are separate. Only adults 21 and over may attend the Wine Tasting and Art Event; children will be admitted in the Riverside Starview room after 6:30pm for Sharon Schafer s presentation. Understanding Fees As indicated on the Wings and Wildlife Activities Schedule: R - access to this seminar or nature walk is included as part of paid registration. E - access to this event is included as part of paid registration. The Wine Tasting & Art Event (adults only) is included as part of paid registration. However, the $30 cost of the banquet dinner is separate and your responsibility. Field Trips - access to field trips is included as part of paid registration. However, each field trip has an additional fee determined by the vendor to cover guides, transportation, equipment rentals, etc. and is your responsibility. S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 10

11 Wings and Wildlife Festival Activities Schedule Time Item Facilitator Fee Meet- up Location Thursday, March 12, :00 am - 5:00 pm Registration & Desert River Kayak Info Desk SNBWTP 20 Chamber of Commerce 6:00 am - 1:00 pm Field Trip: Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve Je Anne Branca 27 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 7:00 am - 10:00 am Nature Walk: Sportsman Park Host R Laughlin Sportsman Park 7:00 am - 10:00 am Nature Walk: Community Park Host R Bullhead Community Park 7:00 am - 2:00 pm Field Trip: Kayak Topock Marsh 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Field Trip: Loons in the Lagoon Desert River Kayak Desert River Kayak Friday, March 13, Fisherman s Access Gazebo 22 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Registration SNBWTP 20 Riverside Starview Room 6:00 am - Noon Field Trip: Van trip through Topock Marsh SNBWTP 22 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 7:00 am - 10:00 am Nature Walk: Rotary Park Hosts R Bullhead City Rotary Park 7:00 am - 1:00 pm Field Trip: Willow Beach & Hatchery SNBWTP 25 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 8:00 am - 11:00 am 10:00 am - Noon Nature Walk: Colorado River Greenway Heritage Trail Nature Walk: Colorado River Nature Center Bob Barnes R Fisherman s Access Gazebo Zen Mocarski R Colorado River Nature Ctr 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Exhibitor area open SNBWTP N/C Riverside Starview Room 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Seminar: Colorado River s Big Horn Sheep Zen Mocarski R Aquarius Pisces Room 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Seminar: Rescued Raptors Lisa Ross R Riverside Harbor Port I 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Seminar: Burrowing Owls 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Seminar: Local Birds of Laughlin Christiana Manville DeeDee DeLorenzo R R Aquarius Pisces Room Aquarius Pavilion B 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Seminar: Reptile Watching Cris Tomlinson R Aquarius Pisces Room 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Seminar: Birds of the Las Vegas Wash 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Event: Wine and Art Show Sharon Schafer 6:30 pm 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Field Trip: Moonlight Kayak Debbie Van Dooremolen R Aquarius Pavilion B SNBWTP R Riverside Starview Room Desert River Kayak 33 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Activity: Bat Mist-netting Christy Klinger 16 Fisherman s Access Gazebo S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 11

12 Wings and Wildlife Festival Activities Schedule Time Item Facilitator Fee Meet-up Location Saturday, March 14, :00 am - 5:00 pm Registration SNBWTP 20 Riverside Starview Room 6:00 am - Noon 7:00 am - 11:00 am 7:00 am - Noon Field Trip: Van trip through Topock Marsh Nature Walk: Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area Field Trip: Van trip through Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness Area SNBWTP 22 Fisherman s Access Gazebo Host R Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area SNBWTP 27 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 8:00 am - 11:00 am Nature Walk: Laughlin Riverwalk Bob Barnes R Riverside Starview Room 9:00 am - Noon Field Trip: Easy Kayak on the Colorado River Desert River Kayak 33 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 10:00 am - 11:00 am Field Trip: River s Edge Pontoon SNBWTP 5 Aquarius Dock 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Exhibitor area opens SNBWTP N/C Riverside Starview Room 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Seminar: Binoculars - Selection & Use Bob Barnes R Aquarius Pavilion B 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Seminar: Wildlife and Plants Dr. David Charlet R Aquarius Pisces Room 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Seminar: Bird ID for Beginners Bob Barnes R Aquarius Pavilion B 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Seminar: Rescued Raptors Lisa Ross R Riverside Harbor Port 1 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Seminar: Hummingbirds Tidbits Bob Barnes R Aquarius Pavilion B 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Seminar: Falconry Dick Benoit R Riverside Harbor Port 1 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event: Banquet John Acorn 7:15 pm Sunday, March 15, 2009 SNBWTP E Aquarius Ballroom 6:00 am - 4:30 pm Field Trip: Kayak the Topock Gorge Desert River Kayak 48 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 7:00 am - 2:30 pm Field Trip: Hualapi Mountains Bob Barnes 22 Fisherman s Access Gazebo 7:00 am - 5:30 pm 8:00 am - 11:00 am 9:00 am - Noon 5:30 am - 6:00 pm Field Trip: Black Canyon by Motorized Raft Nature Walk: Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area Nature Walk: Poetry in Lake Mead National Recreation Area Field Trip: Black Canyon by Kayak/Canoe Black Canyon & Willow Beach Adventures Hosts Sharon Schafer & Ellen Anderson Monday, March 16, Fisherman s Access Gazebo R R Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area Katherine Landing Ranger Station Desert River Kayak 110 Fisherman s Access Gazebo S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 12

13 Wings and Wildlife Festival of Southern Nevada The Southern Nevada Birding and Wildlife Trails Partnership is a collaborative effort of federal and state agencies, for-profit corporations, non-profit groups, and private citizens from Southern Nevada. SNBWTP is committed to supporting conservation through tourism and introducing birding and wildlife enthusiasts to Southern Nevada. SNBWTP includes: Laughlin Visitors Bureau Laughlin Tourism Committee Nevada Commission on Tourism Red Rock Audubon Society Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve Nevada Department of Wildlife Nevada State Parks U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Department of Agriculture National Park Service Southern Nevada Water Authority Desert River Outfitters Cover artwork Sharon K. Schafer Brochure design and photographs (except where noted) M. J Kammerer info@wingedphoto.com S O U T H E R N N E V A D A B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L S P A R T N E R S H I P - P A G E 13