The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, home to thousands of migratory waterfowl and resident desert birds, sits on approximately 140 acres with nine ponds surrounded by paved and soft (dirt) pathways. The paved pathway (approx. 0.75 miles long) is ADA accessible. Dirt pathways are mostly level and allow for easy walking. When visiting allow adequate time and expect to do a lot of walking. Dedicated in May 1998 the preserve, once only evaporation ponds at the City of Henderson Wastewater Reclamation Facility, is today one of the best places in southern Nevada to view birds. Located on the eastern edge of the Pacific Migratory Flyway, these ponds (collectively the third largest body of water in southern Nevada) are an undisturbed and plentiful water source for more than 270 species of birds - and thousands of bird lovers.



The preserve has a visitor center with exhibits, educational materials, programs for all ages and souvenirs. A resident desert tortoise (Tino), about ten years old and super friendly, calls the preserve home. The tortoise goes into hibernation (brumation) in mid / late October and typically emerges sometime in March, so dependent upon the time of your visit may not be available for viewing. Around the preserve there are observation platforms, birding blinds and information stations.

Summers at the preserve are very hot with lots of birds around. Some common species include nesting American avocets, black-necked stilts and plenty of native waterfowl such as mallards and ruddy ducks. During the fall one can expect to see large numbers of migratory waterfowl and returning shore birds. The fall migration is an exciting time with sightings of warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, sparrows and other perching birds possible. Winter and early spring see many species of duck such as the northern shoveler, green wing, cinnamon and blue wing teal, pintail, bufflehead and the beautiful wood duck. Winter is ideal to see Canadian and Ross's geese and tundra swan. Optimum times to see the greatest variety of birds is spring and fall, early in the morning.

The preserve provides habitat for raptors such as the peregrine falcon, northern harrier and hawks. Desert and resident species include crissal thrasher, verdin, Abert's towhee, Gambel's quail and the greater roadrunner. Other wildlife such as lizards, rabbits and coyote can also be seen.
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Bird Viewing Checklist: click here
  

Tips:
As mentioned above, plan for lots of walking. Wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and a hat (don't forget sunscreen). Plenty of water is a must. Don't forget your camera, spotting scope and or binoculars (available for loan at the visitor center). Do not feed the birds or other wildlife, pets are not permitted.
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nearby: Wetlands Park - Nature Preserve

Hours:
March, April & May - 6am to 2pm
June, July & August - 6am to Noon
September, October & November - 6am to 2pm
December, January & February - 7am to 2pm
* last entry 30 minutes before closing

Address:
350 E. Galleria Dr.
Henderson, Nv. 89011
* north of and cannot be seen from Galleria Drive
* see below for directions

Directions:
From S. Las Vegas Blvd (the Strip) head east for 5.0 miles on E. Tropicana Ave. Turn right (merge) onto US-95 South traveling 3.0 miles exiting the freeway at Galleria Drive. Turn left (east) onto Galleria Drive traveling 1.7 miles to the intersection of Galleria Drive and Ward Drive. Continue east on Galleria Drive for just over 700 feet turning left (north) onto a "business park" road (watch for small "Preserve" sign). Travel along this "business park" road 0.4 miles thru a series of 90° turns (stay on main road - follow signs) to the parking area for the Bird Watching Preserve. Return by reversing route.