The natural wonder of Las Vegas
November 3, 2023; 8:25 a.m.
A group of a dozen people gathered around some thick bushes, overlooking the pond below. On a normal day, the large groups of waterfowl would be more than sufficient to attract the attention of any bird-watching aficionado. However, this was anything but a normal day. Our cameras and binoculars poised, we waited patiently for the object of our attention to emerge. We had to be patient. Not as patient, though, as we thought we might need to be on that particular morning. Within a few minutes, our quarry—first reported the previous day—emerged. Its burnished black feathers, made all the more beautiful by their complimentary bluish tinge, shimmered underneath the sun. A long, paddle-like tail and a round, pitted beak instantly gave away its identity. On cue, cameras clicked and fired as binoculars were raised to eye level. The photographers had come from all over the state, if not the region, to see this mysterious vagrant.
For myself, though, the lone Groove Billed Ani was not quite an unfamiliar face. Having recently completed a nearly two-year long backpacking trip from Mexico to Argentina, I had observed them many times. The species—just over a foot in length from nose to tail— was quite widespread in Latin America, ranging from southern Texas to Peru. What made today special is that we were not in Colombia, Costa Rica, or even Southern Texas. We were at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve; just a 25 minute ride from downtown Las Vegas. At least for the moment, it had become a focus of well-deserved attention from the birding faithful. That day alone, some 177 visitors — about 10 times the usual number — came to see the first Groove Billed Ani recorded in the Las Vegas area for at least five years.
To see a Groove Billed Ani is, in so many ways, to look at a living dinosaur. I knew for a fact that the many who had come to Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve felt much the same way. It was incredible for many to think that this bizarre visitor and the roadrunners seen in the area on a daily basis were quite closely related. Like the roadrunner, Groove Billed Ani — one of three Ani species — belong to the cuckoo bird family. The Ani continued to delight hundreds of visitors over the next ten days, before it fell prey to one of several hawk species that also called the area home. Yet, not before it left an indelible impression upon all who had traveled to this tiny oasis of life to see it.
As a (sometimes) local and a regular visitor to Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, I can ecstatically attest that you don’t have to wait for something so rare to enjoy its beauty, tranquility, and biodiversity. When one thinks of things to do in Las Vegas, birdwatching may well be among the last ideas that come to mind. And most people who come want to experience what the entertainment capital has to offer. Some will get their nature fix at one of several National Parks in the nearby area. Yet, if many of those same visitors knew of Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, they would be delighted by what it has to offer. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:00 PM from September to May and from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. from June to August. No car? No problem. It is quite easy to get to on public transportation. Unlike so much else in Vegas, entry is completely free, although there is merchandise for sale in the office. The Preserve, run by a volunteer staff, also plays host to educational programs.
It may be too late to encounter a Groove Billed Ani. At least until the next one comes. Hopefully, that won’t take another five years. Even if it does, there’s plenty of nature to keep you occupied upon your visit. On a two to three hour visit, one can reasonably expect to meet between 45 and 60 species of birds. Each one could not be more different from the other: From the graceful Northern Harriers that fly over the wetlands in a circular motion to the dainty American Avocets heading South on their Winter migration, you never quite know what you are going to get. That adds even more to the excitement. As I write this, nearly 320 species have been reported, of which I have only seen 117. They range in size from tiny hummingbirds to the massive American White Pelican, which boasts a nine foot wingspan. The nine lakes encompassing the Preserve attract them from far and wide, even surrounded by desert. This creates a tiny, yet incredible vibrant biosphere that proves to be an oasis not just for birds, but for snakes, cottontail rabbits, and coyotes as well. Hopefully, it will be an oasis for you, as well! So, if visiting Vegas, why not bring some binoculars and go birding under bright lights? If you are looking for a change of pace, or for a day of enjoyment that doesn’t drain your pockets, why not! On the strip, you never know what you are going to roll: At Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, you never know what you are going to find.
Justin Harris is a teacher, world traveler, amateur photographer, nature enthusiast and citizen-scientist.
Looking for your next birding excursion? Follow Harris on Instagram @ birdpackingadventures for more exciting bird watching opportunities.
