Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee VWash.org

Transcription

1 Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee VWash.org

2 Appendix-Field Notes A-7 51

3 Appendix-Field Notes A-6

4 Acknowledgements Appendix-Field Notes Developed By: The Las Vegas Wash Project Coordination Team In Cooperation With: Clark County Parks and Community Services Friends of the Desert Wetlands Park Funding Provided By: Nevada Division of Forestry - Urban and Community Forestry Program United States Bureau of Reclamation United States Forest Service Prepared By: The Conservation District of Southern Nevada This guide was made possible with technical assistance and editorial review provided by the following individuals: Elizabeth Bickmore, Keiba Crear, Marissa Foster, Nick Rice, Seth Shanahan, Carolyn Titus, Debbie Van Dooremolen, Kim Vilt, Kimberly Zikmund Thank you for your support. Copyright 2005 Southern Nevada Water Authority. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. i 49 A-5

5 48 A-4 t Appendix-Photograph and Illustration Credits and Copyrights Cover: Coyote, Black-necked Stilt Dick Barrett; Side-blotched Lizard, Hardstem Bulrush - SNWA staff Inside Map SNWA staff Title Page: Desert Cottontail, Beavertail Cactus Flower Gene Hertzog; Red-winged Blackbird Dick Barrett; Desert Spiny Lizard SNWA staff p. 1-2: Clovis Point, Wickiup, Vegas Vick SNWA staff p. 3: Las Vegas Wash - SNWA staff p. 5: Velvet Ash Gene Hertzog p. 8: American Coot nest SNWA staff p. 10: Desert Scrub Gene Hertzog; Loggerhead Shrike Copyright 2005 Tom Vezo/ TomVezo.com p. 11: Desert Senna, Desert Globemallow, Creosote Bush, White Bursage SNWA staff p. 12: Greater Roadrunner, Burrowing Owl Dick Barrett; Loggerhead Shrike Copyright 2005 Tom Vezo/TomVezo.com p. 13: Desert Pocket Mouse, Cactus Mouse, Desert Shrew SNWA staff; White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Kim Vilt p. 14: Desert Cottontail Dick Barrett; Black-tailed Jackrabbit Robert Shatz, rshatz.com; Desert Common Night Lizard, Side-blotched Lizard SNWA staff p. 15: Western Whiptail, Western Banded Gecko, Desert Iguana, Great Basin Gopher Snake SNWA staff p. 18: Desert Wash SNWA staff; Phainopepla Copyright 2005 Tom Vezo/TomVezo.com p. 19: Desert Willow, Catclaw Acacia inset - Gene Hertzog; Catclaw Acacia, Honey and Screwbean Mesquites SNWA staff p. 20: Desert Mistletoe Gene Hertzog; Verdin Dick Barrett; Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla Copyright 2005 Tom Vezo/TomVezo.com p. 22: Riparian Gene Hertzog; Western Red Bat Barry Mansell p. 23: Salt Heliotrope, Fourwing Saltbush Gene Hertzog; Salt Heliotrope inset, Quailbush, Fremont Cottonwood - SNWA staff; p. 24: Goodding s Willow - SNWA staff; Sandbar Willow, Goodding s Willow inset, Saltgrass, Alkali Sacaton Gene Hertzog p. 25: Giant Reed SNWA staff; Tall Whitetop, Tamarisk Gene Hertzog p. 26: Gambel s Quail Gene Hertzog; Belted Kingfisher, Black Phoebe, Rock Wren Dick Barrett p. 27: Abert s Towhee Dick Barrett; Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak Copyright 2005 Tom Vezo/TomVezo.com p. 28: Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Barry Mansell; Yuma Myotis SNWA staff; Coyote Dick Barrett p. 30: Wetlands Gene Hertzog; Marsh Wren nest: SNWA staff p. 31: Marsh Fleabane, Hardstem,Olney Bulrushes, Southern Cattail SNWA staff; Southern Cattail inset Andy Cattoir p. 32: Common Reed SNWA staff; Gadwall, Male Mallard, Cinnamon Teal Dick Barrett; Female Mallard Andy Cattoir p. 33: Ruddy Ducks Gene Hertzog; Pied-billed and Eared Grebes Dick Barrett; Doubled-crested Cormorant Gene Hertzog p. 34: Great Blue Heron Gene Hertzog; Snowy Egret, Osprey - Dick Barrett, Whitefaced Ibis - SNWA staff, p. 35: Northern Harrier, American Coot, Killdeer, American Avocet Dick Barrett p. 36: Greater Yellowlegs, American Pipit Dick Barrett; Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat Copyright 2005 Tom Vezo/TomVezo.com p. 37: Red-winged Blackbird Dick Barrett; Beaver Copyright 2005 Jerry Bargar/ Bullfrog, Woodhouse s Toad SNWA staff p. 38: Common Carp, Mosquitofish, Green Sunfish SNWA staff p. 37: Crayfish, Damselflies, Dragonflies SNWA staff Contents Page Acknowledgements...i Contents...ii Introduction Desert Wetlands The Las Vegas Wash & Urban Forestry...5 How To Use This Guide Desert Scrub Habitat Desert Wash Habitat Riparian Habitat Wetland and Aquatic Habitat Appendix Species Index/Checklist...A-1 Glossary...A-2 Resources...A-3 Photo Credits...A-4 Field Notes...A-5-7 ii

6 Introduction Maybe you need a break from the flashing lights and ding ding ding of slot machines. You ve searched high and low for a nice quiet place to relax. Maybe you ve heard tales of a wetland oasis here in the desert, but you can t believe it. And then one day you venture a few miles off the Las Vegas Strip and you find it the Clark County Wetlands Park. Traffic noises are replaced by the sound of rushing waters from the Las Vegas Wash (Wash). Bird calls beckon you on the start of a peaceful hike around still ponds and shady cottonwood trees. You ve stumbled onto a special place that has attracted humans for thousands of years. Once fed only by intermittent flows, the Wash Prehistoric Periods Spear points and ceramic shards indicate Native American use of Las Vegas Wash 10,000 BC - AD 1500 A Exploration/ Spanish Trail/ Mormom Settlers AD became a perennial stream as a result of the discharge of treated flows from the Valley s wastewater facilities, which began in the 1950s. Today the Wash is an urban river receiving more than 150 million gallons of water per day from the Las Vegas Valley. Four key components make up this flow: reclaimed water, shallow groundwater, urban runoff and stormwater. Water in the Wash flows approximately 12 miles along the southeastern Las Vegas Valley and empties into Lake Mead. During the past quarter century, dramatic physical changes have occurred in the Wash due to the increased water flow that accompanied Las Vegas substantial growth. Erosion began to cut the Wash channel deeper and wider. Once lush B Settlement and Ranching AD Appendix-Additional Resources American Water Works Association Clark County Wetlands Park Conservation District of Southern Nevada EPA Office of Water Friends of the Desert Wetlands Park Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve Las Vegas Valley Water District Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee National Water Resources Association Nevada Division of Forestry Southern Nevada Water Authority United States Bureau of Reclamation USGS Lake Mead Water Quality Monitoring USGS Water Science For Schools Support for this project was provided by 61 Archaeologists have revealed a long history shared between people and the Las Vegas Wash. A) The discovery of a fluted Clovis points suggests prehistoric humans may have visited the Wash and hunted now extinct large game that lived there. B) Various groups of Native Americans hunted and gathered food at the Wash and continued to camp here into the 1900s. Conservation District of Southern Nevada 1 Serving Clark County 47 A-3

7 46 A-2 t Appendix-Glossary Aquatic: Relating to, consisting of or being in water. Bill: A beak. Biodiversity: The variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur, which includes different ecosystems, species and genes. Burrow: A nest dug into the ground. Deciduous: A tree or shrub that loses its leaves at the end of the growing season. Desert Scrub: A habitat characterized by low precipitation and a wide distribution of low-growing shrubs, particularly Creosote Bush and White Bursage. Desert Wash: A habitat characterized by channels that act as natural drainages for storm events in surrounding areas and mountains. Honey Mesquite and Catclaw Acacia are typical in desert washes. Ecosystem: All of the living things in a habitat that function as a single unit. Erosion: Detachment and movement of rocks and soil by gravity, wind and/or water. Habitat: The place or environment where a plant or animal normally lives. Intermittent: Alternately containing and empty of water. Invasive Weed: A plant species that spreads rapidly in the environment, often forming thick stands that exclude other plants. The invasive weeds described in this guide are all non-native, and their aggressive expansion across the western United States has resulted in the decline of willows, cottonwoods, and other native plants, reducing riparian habitat quality over hundreds of thousands of acres. Perennial: A plant that continues to grow season after season. Perennial Stream: Stream that flows year-round. Pinnate: Resembling a feather, as in a compound leaf with leaflets arranged on opposite sides of an elongated axis. Reclaimed Water:Water used indoors in homes and businesses that travels through a network of underground pipes to a water reclamation facility where it is cleaned and discharged into the Las Vegas Wash. Riparian: Areas bordering streams, lakes, rivers, wetlands and other water courses. Serrate: Saw-like; toothed along the margin. Shallow Groundwater: Groundwater less than 30 feet below the land surface that is generally high in dissolved solids. The shallow depth to this water makes it vulnerable to contamination from over-irrigation of landscapes and improper dispoal of contaminants. Stormwater: Water from storm events that does not percolate into the ground, but flows along natural courses or is routed into storm drains or sewers. Urban Forest: Urban forests are the trees in your community. The urban forest defines the system of plants and animals that share your living space. People participate in the natural functioning of the forest by planting and caring for trees in that forest. Urban Runoff: Water from city streets, residential areas and commercial properties that carries pollutants into drainage systems and receiving waters. Vent: The external opening that is used to pass feces and urine and is also used for reproduction. Watershed: The land area that drains water into a particular stream, river or lake. Wetlands: Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater often enough to support vegetation or aquatic life that requires saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduction. Introduction wetlands habitat began to dry out. This process continued until the wetland area that covered more than 2,000 acres in the 1970s dwindled to less than 200 acres in the 1990s. An invasion of nonnative plants followed and wildlife lost valuable habitat and nesting sites. The Wash area has also suffered from illegal uses such as hunting, dumping trash and uncontrolled off-road vehicle operation. Local residents recognized these problems and acted to save the Wash. In 1991 a wildlife and parks bond was approved, earmarking $13.3 million for the development of a Wetlands Park project. Working with community partners such as the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee, Clark County opened the first phase of the C Railroad/ Las Vegas established AD Hoover Dam/ Gaming/WW II AD Wetlands Park called the Nature Preserve on Earth Day The Preserve is the first phase of the 2,900- acre park project. This crown jewel of the Park contains many acres of wetlands and riparian and desert scrub areas providing habitat for hundreds of resident and migratory species. Surrounding these natural areas are miles of trails to hike, look for wildlife, learn about local natural resources and recharge your spirit with the sights and sounds of nature. You have truly found a special place. Your careful recreation and help at clean ups and plantings ensure that the Las Vegas Wash and Clark County Wetlands Park will remain a special place for years to come. Las Vegas Centennial Anniversary AD 2005 A photo of this Paiute wickiup was taken at the Las Vegas Wash, near the Colorado River, circa C) The Bishop family established a horse and cattle ranch at the Wash in Today, a barely recognizable stairway and cellar are all that remain from this once prosperous venture. 27

8 Desert Wetlands The Las Vegas Wash is more than just a pretty face. Desert wetlands along the Wash play an important role in cleansing water as it flows from the Las Vegas Valley. Take a minute to survey the land around you. You may get the feeling of being at the bottom of a large bowl with rugged mountains surrounding you. All of the water that flows into this basin, the Valley s watershed, has one drainage point that exits the Valley, eventually discharging into Lake Mead. As you ve probably guessed, that point is the Las Vegas Wash. The water quality of the flows that enter the Wash are influenced by people s actions, including your own. Of the four flow components, only reclaimed water passes through a treatment facility. Shallow groundwater is untreated, as are stormwater and urban runoff, which can pick up pollutants like fertilizer, oil and grease from the street. Never passing through a treatment facility, this water enters the Las Vegas Wash. Wetland plants act as kidneys, filtering out some contaminants from water traveling to Lake Mead. Preserving our wetlands means preserving our water quality. Appendix-Species Index/Checklist Plants Birds - Cont. Alkali Sacaton, p. 24 Killdeer, p. 35 Catclaw Acacia, p. 19 Loggerhead Shrike, p. 12 Common Reed, p. 32 Mallard, p. 32 Creosote Bush, p. 11 Marsh Wren, p. 36 Desert Globemallow, p. 11 Northern Harrier, p. 35 Desert Mistletoe, p. 20 Osprey, p. 34 Desert Senna, p. 11 Phainopepla, p. 20 Desert Willow, p. 19 Pied-billed Grebe, p. 33 Fourwing Saltbush, p. 23 Red-winged Blackbird, p. 37 Fremont Cottonwood, p. 23 Rock Wren, p. 26 Giant Reed, p. 25 Ruddy Duck, p. 33 Goodding s Willow, p. 24 Snowy Egret, p. 34 Hardstem Bulrush, p. 31 Song Sparrow, p. 27 Honey Mesquite, p. 19 Verdin, p. 20 Marsh Fleabane, p. 31 White-faced Ibis, p. 34 Olney Bulrush, p. 31 Mammals Quailbush, p. 23 Beaver, p. 37 Salt Heliotrope, p. 23 Black-tailed Jackrabbit, p. 14 Saltgrass, p. 24 Brazilian Free-tailed Bat, p. 28 Sandbar Willow, p. 24 Cactus Mouse, p. 13 Screwbean Mesquite, p. 19 Coyote, p. 28 Southern Cattail, p. 31 Desert Cottontail, p. 14 Tall Whitetop, p. 25 Desert Shrew, p. 13 Tamarisk, p. 25 Little Pocket Mouse, p. 13 White Bursage, p. 11 White-tailed Antelope Squirrel, p. 13 Birds Yuma Myotis, p. 28 Abert s Towhee, p. 27 Reptiles American Avocet, p. 35 Desert Common Night Lizard, p. 14 American Coot, p. 35 Desert Iguana, p. 15 American Pipit, p. 36 Great Basin Gopher Snake, p. 15 Belted Kingfisher, p. 26 Side-blotched Lizard, p. 14 Black Phoebe, p. 26 Western Banded Gecko, p. 15 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, p. 20 Western Whiptail, p. 15 Blue Grosbeak, p. 27 Amphibians Burrowing Owl, p. 12 Bullfrog, p. 37 Cinnamon Teal, p. 32 Woodhouse s Toad, p. 37 Common Yellowthroat, p. 36 Fish Double-crested Cormorant, p. 33 Common Carp, p. 38 Eared Grebe, p. 33 Green Sunfish, p. 38 Gadwall, p. 32 Mosquitofish, p. 38 Gambel s Quail, p. 26 Macroinvertebrates Great Blue Heron, p. 34 Crayfish, p. 39 Greater Roadrunner, p. 12 Damselfly, p. 39 Greater Yellowlegs, p. 36 Dragonfly, p A-1 45

9 Macroinvertebrates Desert Wetlands Crayfish Procambarus clarkii Length: R c The crayfish, also called crawdad or crawfish, resembles a mini lobster. It has two pairs of antennae on its head and a pair of eyes on movable stalks. Although common in the Wash and Nature Preserve ponds, it usually is hidden under rocks or logs and inactive during the day. Damselfly Hetaerina americana Length: R c Damselflies can be found around pond and stream vegetation within the Park. Females lay their eggs underwater among the roots of aquatic vegetation while their male partners stand guard. To distinguish from dragonflies look at the wings. Damselflies hold their wings vertically when resting. Dragonfly Anax junius Length: 1 2 R c Dragonflies are easy to sight along ponds and streams where they breed. They hold their wings horizontally while resting. Crayfish crayfish larvae inset Damselfly damselfly larvae inset Dragonfly dragonfly larvae inset In addition to protecting water quality, our desert wetlands help manage flood waters and control erosion. Wetlands are like sponges. They can absorb large volumes of water during storm events and slowly release it back onto the surrounding surface. By absorbing water and decreasing the rate of flow, wetlands help prevent damage to the surrounding environment. Wetlands decrease erosion by binding soils together and promoting land stability. They provide natural buffers for banks by absorbing the impacts of fast moving water. Less erosion means less soil carried away and deposited into Lake Mead. Desert wetlands are important for plants and animals, too. Hundreds of species of amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes and plants call the Las Vegas Wash home. Many of these plants and animals aren t found anywhere else in the Las Vegas Valley. Trees, shrubs and other plants are a vital part of the Wash corridor, which comprises an important part of our urban forest. Beautiful to look at, these plants improve our air, protect our water and provide homes for wildlife. The Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee (LVWCC) and member Clark County Parks and Community Services are working hard to protect and enhance the Las Vegas Wash ecosystem. The LVWCC is made up of stakeholders from local, state and federal public agencies, as well as local citizens, environmental groups and businesses and is responsible for the long-term stabilization and enhancement of the Wash. Scientists study the water, plants and animals to better understand the ecosystem and develop ways to make sure the Wash stays healthy. One of the ways researchers do this is by placing scientific equipment in the water that measures water quality every 20 minutes all day, every day of the year. Scientists study the fish and wildlife of the Wash by conducting surveys. From fish, bats, and birds to small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, these surveys, the first conducted in almost 30 years, have identified more than 200 species

10 Fish The Las Vegas Wash An Urban Forest? When you think of Las Vegas you probably think urban jungle, not urban forest. But according to the Nevada Division of Forestry, Las Vegas is an urban forest. Simply put, an urban forest consists of all the living trees and vegetation in a community. Urban trees and plants form an ecosystem with similar functions, interactions and relationships of a more traditional forest. Like a traditional forest, an urban forest includes more than just plants. Animals, soils, sidewalks, buildings and even people are part of the urban forest. Unlike traditional forests that supply us with goods like lumber, urban forests primarily provide services. Imagine how much hotter Las Vegas would be in July without the shade provided by trees. Trees and shrubs planted on private properties increase property values, provide habitat for wildlife and make our homes, neighborhoods and parks more beautiful places to live and enjoy life. The Las Vegas Wash is an important part of our urban forest. It is home to many species of plants and wildlife found nowhere else in town. Trees and plants along the Wash provide valuable environmental services for us including helping to clean the air. Wetland plants help clean water passing through the Wash and plant roots stabilize the soil and deter erosion. Common Carp Cyprinus carpio Length: R c This torpedo-shaped fish is dark olive above and yellowish-gray below. This omnivore can be seen eating weeds, insects, algae, tree seeds and aquatic plants in Nature Preserve ponds and along the Wash. Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus Length: R c This oval-shaped fish is olive-brown above with pale, olive green sides. Its large head and mouth are pale green with fine blue lines. Some fish have six brown bands on their sides with pale orange bellies. This voracious predator can be found hunting around vegetation in ponds and stillmoving streams. Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Length: R a This fish, named after its favorite food, is typically stocked in ponds to control mosquito populations. It is pale olive-brown above, silver on the sides and pale yellow below. Males are pencil-shaped and shorter than more robust females. They can be found in standing or slow-moving water. Common Carp Green Sunfish Mosquitofish Wetlands and Aquatic

11 Birds - Mammals - Amphibians Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Length: R a Males have glossy black bodies and yellow-bordered red patches on their shoulders. Females are much less flashy and can be distinguished by their dark brown upper parts and streaked under parts. Birds are gregarious and can be seen in small flocks among the reeds. Beaver Castor canadensis Length: head and body ; tail R u Although not common, beavers do live at the Park. You won t likely see these nocturnal animals, but you may hear a slapping sound during evening hours when the sun is setting. This sound is the beaver s paddle-like tail hitting the water as it dives in. Beavers are large animals and can weigh upwards of 60 pounds that s as much as a German Shepherd. Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Length: R c Bullfrogs are the largest true frogs. Their skin is olive green above and whitish yellow below. Their legs have dark bands and their backs are sometimes covered with spots. Even though they are not native to our area, Bullfrogs are the most common frogs along the Wash. Woodhouse s Toad Bufo woodhousii Length: R c Woodhouse s Toad can be easily recognized by the prominent white line that runs down the middle of its back. Its body is gray to yellowish brown with dark blotches on top and a cream-colored belly. These toads are often found in and among wetland vegetation adjacent to the water s edge. Red-winged Blackbird Beaver Bullfrog Woodhouse s Toad How to use this guide This guide was organized for you, the amateur biologist interested in learning more about plants and animals. It includes profiles of the species you will most likely see or hear on your visit to the Clark County Wetlands Park and Las Vegas Wash. To locate a species, scan the book by habitat type. Habitat descriptions are included at the beginning of each section. Photographs of what each habitat looks like are also included to help you decide which habitat you are currently in. The major habitat types along the Wash are Desert Scrub, Desert Wash, Riparian, and Wetlands and Aquatic. The key on the right defines abbreviations used in the species descriptions. Species are arranged according to their primary habitat. Some species may be found in more than one habitat, as indicated by a small box color-coded to the appropriate habitat section. Definitions for highlighted terms are included in the Glossary at the back of this guide. Where to look for additional resources Having trouble identifying a bird or plant you saw? Did you find something not listed in the guide? Ask for help at the Wetlands Park Visitor s Center. Additionally, a list of helpful websites is included in the Appendix. Identification Key Desert Scrub Desert Wash Riparian Wetlands & Aquatic R - Resident W - Winter Visitor Habitat - Nests in the Wash Status S - Summer Visitor M - Migrant Abundance a - Abundant, always found in suitable habitat c - Common, usually found in suitable habitat u - Uncommon, occasionally found in suitable habitat r - Rare, infrequently found in suitable habitat 11 6

12 How to Use This Guide Birds Information on species not included in this guide can be found at the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee website, Tips for identifying species In addition to this field guide a good pair of binoculars will come in handy during your trip to the Las Vegas Wash. Reviewing this guide at home will help you develop a mental list of species you can expect to find at the Wash. This may save you study time in the field, freeing your attention to admire the beauty of the wetlands. Plants make for easier identification than potentially skittish animals. Start by observing size. Is it a tree or shrub you are trying to identify? Leaf shape, size and color are good identification clues. Look at flowers, thorns and seed pods to help make an identification. Learning to identify animals takes practice. Resist the urge to quickly reach for your field guide every time something scurries across your path. Instead focus all of your attention on the animal and take in as much visual information as you can. Concentrate first on the whole animal. Take a good look at its size, shape and color. Lengths are provided for birds and animals. Lizard lengths are given from snout to vent because the length of their tails is highly variable. Lengths for birds are measured from the tip of their bill to the tip of their tail. For mammals, lengths are provided for body parts that are most likely to aid with identification. For example, for the Cactus Mouse, tail length is important, while for Black-tailed Jackrabbit, the length of the ears is Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Length: 14 M c Bright, long yellow legs are the trademarks of this large sandpiper. It has dark brown upper parts covered in white speckles and white under parts. Winter plumage is slightly more pale. Wary of intruders, it often sounds the alarm by whistling to warn other shorebirds of danger. The Lesser Yellowlegs can be distinguished by its smaller size and shorter, thinner bill. Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris Length: R c You may not see this bird, but you ll likely hear its chittering song in the marsh vegetation bordering ponds and streams. The wren has a brown body with black barring on the tail and wings, black and white stripes on its back, a dark cap on its head and a pronounced white eyeline. You can distinguish its riparian cousin, the Bewick s Wren, by the missing cap and lack of black and white back striping. American Pipit Anthus rubescens Length: 6.5 W c This small bird is more likely found on the ground running and hopping than in the air. It has grayish-brown upper parts, buff colored under parts with brown colored steaks and its dark gray wings have light colored bars. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Length: 5 S c This small warbler can be found close to the ground, hiding in the wetland vegetation. It has olive-gray upper parts and a white belly. It gets its name from its bright yellow chin and breast. The male s face is shrouded in a black mask, which is bordered by a white to light gray band. More often heard than seen, listen for it s rolling wichidy wichidy wichidy song coming from the reeds and bulrush. Greater Yellowlegs Marsh Wren American Pipit Common Yellowthroat Wetlands and Aquatic 36

13 Birds How To Use This Guide Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Length:16-24 R c An owl-like face and white rump patch are distinctive in both the male and female. The male is grayish above and white below with dark spots. Its wings have black tips. Females are brown above and white below, covered with heavy brown streaks. Harriers fly low over wetlands and fields in search of rodents, frogs and small birds to eat. American Coot Fulica americana Length: 15 R a The American Coot is the most common bird you will see in the ponds and streams of the Park. It has a dark, gray-black head, slate graycolored body, cream-colored bill and red eyes. You can distinguish the closely related, but less abundant Common Moorhen by its bright red, yellow-tipped bill, brown back and whiteedged sides. Killdeer Charadrius vociferous Length: R c This bird gets its name from its distinctive callkill-deer! It has gray-brown upper parts and white under parts. Two distinctive black bands cross its chest. It is usually seen flying alone in somewhat erratic patterns. The killdeer nests on the ground. When a predator approaches its nest the bird will pretend to have a broken wing, limping about sounding a pitiful cry, drawing a predator s attention away from its nest. The killdeer will then make a miraculous recovery. American Avocet Recurvirostra americana Length: M c This graceful long-legged bird can periodically be seen feeding in small to large flocks on shores of the Wash and Nature Preserve ponds. It sweeps its bill back and forth in shallow water to stir up food. It has black and white upper parts, a rusty colored head and neck and white under parts. Northern Harrier American Coot Killdeer American Avocet more significant for identification. Starting from the head down, make note of any distinctive color or markings. For birds, take special notice of the head and bill. Also observe the animal s behavior. Does the bird flap its wings quickly or slowly? Bats can often be distinguished from birds by their quick, darting flight patterns used for chasing insects. You should also consider feeding habits and general behavior of the animal. For example, is it shy or generally easy to locate? Your last step will be turning to your field guide for note taking and review. Tips for taking field notes Pages for recording field notes are located at the beginning of every habitat section, as well as at the end of the guide. Not a professional artist? Don t worry! Just sketch the general shape of the animal or plant and include the location of any special markings, patterns or colors. Record the name of the species if known. Make sure to include the date of your sighting, location and any sounds heard. As you explore the Wash, remember to respect the plants and animals you see. You are guests in their home and your thoughtfulness helps ensure their conservation for future generations

14 Field Notes Birds Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Length: R c This large heron can be seen striking a still pose in the water, waiting patiently for fish to swim into reach of its long yellow bill. It has a gray-blue body and a long white neck. During flight, the heron s neck folds back into a graceful S shape. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Length: R u This medium sized white egret has black legs and bill and yellow feet. During breeding season it has delicate plumes on its head, back and neck. More active than other herons when it feeds, the Snowy Egret rushes after insects, crustaceans and fish in shallow water, startling its prey. The Great Egret can be distinguished by its larger size, yellow bill and black feet. White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi Length: M c Reddish colored legs, facial skin and a long downward curving bill are good markers of this bird. It has a brownisholive and dark chestnut colored body that has a green and bronze sheen. White feathers outline its face during the breeding season. Osprey Pandion haliaetus Length: M r This large raptor can be found hunting in ponds along the Wash, searching for fish swimming in shallow water. Massive talons help it catch fish as it dives into the water from feet above the surface. It has dark brown upper parts and a white head and belly. A wide brown mask runs from its cheek to the sides of its neck. Great Blue Heron Snowy Egret White-faced Ibis Wetlands and Aquatic Osprey

15 38 33 t Birds Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Length: R c This chunky duck has a broad bill and long tail that is often cocked up. Males have white cheeks, black caps on their heads, rusty colored bodies and distinctive blue bills. Winter plumage and bill resembles that of the female. Females have dark bills, brown upper parts and light, barred under parts. A single dark line extends across their cheeks. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Length: R c This stocky bird has a brownish-gray body and white ringed black eyes. Its short, light-colored beak has a black ring, which is present during breeding but absent during winter. It has an interesting habit of hiding from intruders by sinking so only its head is visible above water. It can be found diving underwater in search of vegetation, crustaceans and fish to eat. Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Length: W c The bird s ear is actually a golden tuft of feathers located behind the eye during breeding season. Its winter plumage consists of dark upper parts and white under parts. The bird has a triangularshaped head, red eyes and thin, dark bill. It often gathers in large flocks and can be seen foraging for small crustaceans in ponds. Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Length: 32 R u This large bird can be seen solitary or in groups, diving for fish, amphibians and crustaceans. It is able to stay under the water at depths of 5-25 feet for up to 70 seconds. Its shiny black plumage takes on a greenish sheen around the neck, head and under parts when seen in certain lighting. It has bright orange facial skin and a long, pale colored bill. Ruddy Duck female on right Pied-billed Grebe Eared Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Desert Scrub Habitat The Mojave Desert is the driest desert in North America. Average precipitation is just over 4 inches per year, meaning that plants and animals living here need to be very resilient. Most people may think of desert plants as dry, prickly or hard-leaved. Actually, there is a surprising variety of vegetation in the Desert Scrub habitat, as you will see during your visit to the Wetlands Park. Desert Scrub habitats around the Wash typically contain a wide distribution of low-growing shrubs. Creosote Bush and White Bursage are the most common shrubs you will see. Beware The Butcher of the Las Vegas Wash Keep your eyes open for the grizzly work of the Desert Scrub habitat s own Butcher Bird. The Loggerhead Shrike earned this apt name for the unusual way it uses its environment to store prey. Once the bird catches its dinner, it will impale the carcass on the spine of a nearby plant or barbed wire fence. This odd behavior may be a way for the bird to store food for later eating, soften up meat for easier digestion or to define its territory. Whatever the reason, be glad you are not on the Butcher Bird s menu! Desert Scrub 10 15

16 Plants Plants - BIrds Desert Senna Senna armata The yellow-green stems of this shrub grow into a rounded shape 2-5 feet tall. The stems are often bald, as the needle-like leaves often come out only after it rains. Flowers are bright yellow and grow in 2-6 inch clusters. Senna fruits are inches long and have a spongy texture. Desert Globemallow Sphaeralcea ambigua This perennial herb can grow up to three feet tall. It has several hairy branching stems with alternating leaves. Its flowers resemble brightly colored paper lanterns. The bright reddish-orange to apricot flowers measure about 1 inch. Desert Senna Common Reed Phragmites australis Reaching heights of 12 feet tall, this reed has sharp linear leaves and reddishbrown flowers. This weedy plant grows in thick stands and is very competitive with other plants for space, food and light. Gadwall Anas strepera Length: W c Your first view of this dabbling duck may be of its tail feathers as it searches under the water for something to eat. Males have gray bodies, brownish backs, heads and necks, and black tail feathers. Yellowish feet and legs, and dark bills are other markers of the male. Females are mottled brown with orange and gray bills. Both sexes have white bellies and small white patches on their wings. Common Reed Wetlands and Aquatic Creosote Bush Larrea tridentata This evergreen shrub is the most common and widespread plant in the Mojave Desert. It is generally 3-5 feet tall, but can grow as high as 10 feet tall. Its dark green leaves are covered with a sticky coating that helps protect the plant from losing water. Small yellow flowers on the shrub look like tiny boat propellers and seeds look like cotton balls. White Bursage Ambrosia dumosa White Bursage dominates the Desert Scrub habitat, along with Creosote Bush. Although it can grow up to 3 feet tall, it is typically shorter. Its green leaves are pinnately divided, somewhat resembling the zig-zag outline of a Christmas tree. It has bright yellow flowers and round fruits with flattened spines projecting outward. Desert Globemallow Creosote Bush Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Length: 23 R c Mallards are among the most recognizable birds in the world. Males have shiny green heads, yellow bills, purplish, dark brown chests, gray backs and whitish under parts and sides. A white collar surrounds their necks. Females have mottled brown plumage and orange and black bills. Both males and females have shiny blue patches on their wings. Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Length: 16 R c Rich cinnamon coloring on the head, neck and upper parts make the male very recognizable in the breeding season. Females are a rich brown. The birds can be seen using their long, spatula-like beaks to search for food in ponds and wetlands vegetation. Gadwall female on the left Mallard female on the right White Bursage Cinnamon Teal

17 Plants Birds Marsh Fleabane Pluchea odorata This perennial plant has a strong smell, hence the name odorata. It grows 1-3 feet high. Leaves are oval to lance shaped with edges that can be slightly toothed, scalloped or smooth. Large purple or pink flowers grow in clusters that attract bees, flies and wasps. Olney Bulrush Schoenoplectus americanus Averaging 5 feet in height, the stem of this plant is sharply triangular with concave sides. Its leaves are few and located towards the base of the stem. The plant s seeds are an important food source for waterfowl. Its roots are strong soil binders, making it a good plant for bank stabilization and erosion control. Hardstem Bulrush Schoenoplectus acutus This common plant can often be seen with cattails in ponds and streams. It is a stout, round-stemmed perennial and grows in large colonies reaching heights of 3-10 feet tall. Often more than 0.5 inch thick around the middle, it is solid and difficult to crush between your fingers. Southern Cattail Typha domingensis These native plants provide important habitat for a variety of wetland birds. They are prevalent throughout the Park. Two-inch wide leaves are flat and stiff, ranging in height from 6-12 feet. Small flowers grow in dense spikes and vary in color from green to brown. Marsh Fleabane Olney Bulrush Hardstem Bulrush Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus Length: R c This aptly named bird gained fame in Looney Tunes cartoons battling a certain wily coyote. Although it can fly, the roadrunner prefers to run on the ground. In fact, it can run up to 15 miles per hour in pursuit of snakes, lizards and other prey. The roadrunner is streaked with brown and white, has a long tail and shaggy crest on its head. Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Length: 9.5 S u This bird s long legs distinguish it from all other small owls. It has brown upper parts with white bars or spots. Its under parts and chest are white with brown markings. This nocturnal bird inhabits a burrow (hence its name) and may be seen during the evening perched on rocks or mounds nearby. Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Length: 9 W c The Loggerhead Shrike has a large bluish-gray head and upper parts. A black mask extends from the eye across its dark hooked bill. It has white under parts and black wings and tail feathers. The shrike hunts in open areas, diving for prey from low perches. Greater Roadrunner Burrowing Owl Loggerhead Shrike Desert Scrub Southern Cattail

18 Mammals Little Pocket Mouse Perognathus longimembris Length: head and body ; tail R c This tiny mouse may range 350 yards in 24 hours. Its soft fur is grayish-buff in color on top and white on the belly. This seed-eater lives in valleys and on slopes around sandy soils covered with desert pavement or small pebbles, Creosote Bush and cacti. Cactus Mouse Peromyscus eremicus Length: head and body ; tail R c This mouse is pale gray in color. Its tail is slightly bicolor with thin hair on it. This common southern Nevada species is found on shrubby desert floors with sandy soil. White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Ammospermophilus leucurus Length: head and body ; tail 2-3 R c This cute little squirrel has a pale gray body with hints of pink. It has white stripes on both sides of its body. When it runs it curls its tail onto its back, exposing the white underside of its tail. It is active throughout the day and can be found around the Park in areas with sparse vegetation and hard gravelly surfaces. Little Pocket Mouse Cactus Mouse White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Wetlands and Aquatic Habitats In the desert, water means life. Desert wetland and aquatic habitats provide valuable resources for many plant and animal species that might not otherwise survive. In addition to resident species, wetlands are important rest stops for migratory birds and seasonal visitors. Like riparian areas, wetlands provide transition zones between land habitats and the aquatic habitat. Wetlands can be permanent, seasonal or temporary. The Las Vegas Wash is a permanent wetland, receiving daily flows from the Las Vegas Valley. Oh Give Me a Home... It isn t just a male Marsh Wren s plummage or complex songs that entice potential mates, but his home-building skills. Males build numerous nests within their territory and wait for a female to make her choice, sometimes hosting more than one mate. When a female finds a nest she likes, she will move in and finish lining the nest with feathers and shredded plants. Desert Shrew Notiosorex crawfordi Length: head and body ; tail 0.75 R u This pale gray or ash-colored shrew is the only shrew found in Southern Nevada. Long, pointed snouts and 5 clawed-toes on each foot are good identifying marks for shrews. The Desert Shrew likes low desert shrubs and Desert Shrew downed vegetation for habitat and can eat close to its body weight in insects each day Wetlands and Aquatic

19 Field Notes Mammals - Reptiles Desert Cottontail tail Sylvilagus audobonii Length: head and body ; ears: 3-4 R a This rabbit has a pale gray body, white tail and large ears. It can be found in open plains, foothills and low valleys among grasses and shrubs. During hot summer days it will seek depressions in the ground near large shrubs where the shade makes for good shelter. Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus Length: head and body: ; ears: 6-7 R c You can distinguish the jackrabbit from the cottontail by its longer ears and larger size. It has a grayish colored upper body, with black tipped ears and a black streak on top of its tail. You can find jackrabbits in the Wash s open scrub habitats. Desert Common Night Lizard Xantusia vigilis Length: R c This secretive lizard can be found in crevices and under rocks, dead brush and fallen branches. It is slim and has smooth skin that is usually gray, olive or a shade of brown with black speckles. A beige colored stripe with black borders usually extends from the eye to shoulder. Eyes have vertical pupils and lack eyelids. Side-blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana Length: R a This little lizard is one of the most abundant in the arid West. It is brownish colored with a blue-black blotch on each side of its chest, behind the forelimb. This side blotch is occasionally faint or absent so look carefully. It can often be found along sandy washes amidst scattered rocks and low-growing bushes. Desert Cottontail Black-tailed Jackrabbit Desert Common Night Lizard Side-blotched Lizard Desert Scrub

20 Reptiles Mammals Western Whiptail Cnemidophorus tigris Length: R a If you can get close enough to count, you ll find four stripes along this lizard s back. The stripes tend to be vague in older lizards. There is vertical dark barring on the lizard s sides, which varies between individuals from almost unmarked to heavily spotted. It is found where plants are sparse and there is open space for running. Western Banded Gecko Coleonyx variegatus Length: 2-3 R u This fragile-looking lizard is nocturnal and spends much of its time underground. Its soft skin, vertical pupils and movable eyelids distinguish it from all other lizards found at the Park. Brown bands are present on the body and tail over a pink to pale yellow background. It is whitish colored below with small, granular scales. It may squeak when disturbed. Western Whiptail Western Banded Gecko Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis Length: R c This medium sized bat has dark brownish-gray fur. It has large ears and long, narrow wings. Its tail is free, meaning that it is not attached to any flap of skin, similar to a dog s. This bat is very fast and can fly up to 40 miles per hour. Look for it at the Park just before the sun sets. Yuma Myotis Myotis yumanensis Length: R c The myotis is a small bat with light to dark brown on top, a whitish belly and small ears. These bats can be seen in the early evening hunting insects over the surface of the water. Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Riparian Desert Iguana Dipsosaurus dorsalis Length: R c This lizard may be seen basking on a rock near its burrow when other lizards seek shelter from the hot sun. It is a pale gray, large, round-bodied lizard with dark rings around its long tail. Light gray blotches alternate with reddish brown bars on its sides. It is pale below with reddish to pinkish buff areas on both side of its belly. Great Basin Gopher Snake Pituophis melanoleucus deserticola Length: R c This large yellow or cream-colored snake is common to the Mojave Desert. It has brown or reddish-brown blotches along its back that become more widely spaced down to the tail. This snake eats rodents, rabbits, birds and their eggs, and sometimes lizards and insects. It kills its prey by constriction. Desert Iguana Coyote Canis latrans Length: head and body ; tail R c You might hear the high-pitched yaps of this resourceful canine during evening hours at the Park, but you re unlikely to see this shy animal. If you re lucky enough to catch a glimpse, you ll see the coyote s gray or reddish-colored coat and rusty-colored legs, feet and ears. Its belly and throat are white. Yuma Myotis Coyote 15 Great Basin Gopher Snake

21 Birds Field Notes Abert s Towhee Pipilo aberti Length: 9.5 R c The frequent calls of this shy bird may be the first clue you are in its territory. It has cinnamon-gray colored upper parts and slightly paler under parts. The bird has a black face and long, dark tail feathers. Male and female birds mate for life. Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Length: R c The melodic song of this bird often starts with 2-3 introductory notes followed by a trill. Songs are highly individualized. The bird has streaked brownish or grayish upper parts and whitish under parts. Dark streaks cover its white breast. Look for a conspicuous dark spot in the center. Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea Length: S u This bold bird is often seen perched in the open or hopping around, wagging its tail. It has bright blue plumage, chestnut bars on its wings, and blackish wings and tail. Females are less flashy with dull brown plumage marked with dark brown bars on its wings. Abert s Towhee Song Sparrow Desert Scrub Blue Grosbeak

22 Field Notes Birds Gambel s Quail Callipepla gambelii Length: 11 R c This medium sized bird prefers to stay close to the ground. It can be seen running along in groups among shrubs and thickets close to the water s edge. The quail s telltale feature is a large comma shaped plume that sticks up from its head. Male quail can often be seen on open perches where they sing songs varying from pig-like grunts to jarring chi-ca-go-gos. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Length: 13 M u This is one of the few North American birds where the female is more colorful than the male. The male has blue-gray upper parts, white under parts and collar, and a blue-gray band across its chest. It has a large bill and shaggy crest on its head. The female lacks the crest and has a chestnut colored band across its belly, sides and flank. It dives into ponds from up to 20 feet in the air to catch fish. Gambel s Quail Belted Kingfisher Riparian Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Length: 6-7 R u This small black and white bird perches on branches or rocks near the water s edge, pumping its tail and darting out from time to time to grab an insect snack. The Black Phoebe has black upper parts and a white belly, distinguishing it from its cousin, the Say s Phoebe, which has grayish-brown upper parts and a tawny belly. Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus Length: 6 R c This bird can be found hopping among rock debris where it nests. It has grayish-brown upper parts with white flecks that camouflage it on the ground. Its white breast has fine dark streaks. Black Phoebe Rock Wren 26 31

23 30 25 t Plants Giant Reed Arundo donax This invasive weed interferes with flood control by clogging streams. It also increases fire potential and reduces habitat for wildlife. A member of the grass family, it resembles giant bamboo and can reach heights of 20 feet or more. Very strong roots give rise to tough, 0.25 to 2 inch thick woody stems. Each stem sprouts many leaves, averaging 12 inches in length. Flowers reproduce in late summer and early fall. Tall Whitetop Lepidium latifolium This perennial weed grows from 1 to 6 feet tall. Leaves are bright green to graygreen and can be smooth to toothed. The weed flowers during the summer. White flowers grow in dense clusters near the ends of branches. Seedpods each contain a pair of seeds. In addition to crowding out native plants, Tall Whitetop increases soil salinity and erosion and degrades wildlife habitat. Tamarisk Tamarix ramosissima Tamarisk, (a.k.a salt cedar) is a noxious weed that can grow to 25 feet tall. This shrubby tree comes from Asia and was introduced to America as an ornamental. It has many slender branches and small scale-like leaves. Small flowers are pale pink to white. Tamarisk takes salt into its tissues. It later releases the salt on to the soil surface, contaminating it for many native plant species. More than a thousand acres of tamarisk have invaded the Wash, excluding native species, decreasing wildlife habitat quality and increasing the risk of fire. InvasIve Weed Giant Reed InvasIve Weed Tall Whitetop InvasIve Weed Tamarisk Desert Wash Habitat The desert is bisected by washes that act as natural drainages and provide unique habitats. While exploring the Desert Scrub, you may come across one of these channels. Although generally dry, they can receive water from storm events occurring in hills and mountains miles away. This moisture sustains a bounty of plants. Species like Honey Mesquite and Catclaw Acacia thrive along desert washes, as do the birds and other animals that rely on them. Phainopepla A Desert Gardener? The phainopepla relies on sticky mistletoe berries for a stable food source. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of mesquite trees. The two unlikely partners have developed a unique relationship to ensure each other s survival. When phainopepla feeds on the mistletoe berries, hitchhiking berries often stick to the bird s feet and bill. As the bird flies from tree to tree it inadvertently drops these berries, spreading mistletoe among the mesquite grove. Without realizing it, the phainopepla is planting its own future food supply. Desert Wash 18 23