Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
The Henderson Bird Viewing preserve, operated by the City of Henderson, is an excellent site to go birdwatching and get some quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip and environs. The preserve features nine accessible ponds, with level paths for walking around all of them. There are more than 200 resident and migratory bird species that have been documented at the preserve. The knowledgeable staff will help with identification of unknown birds you might see. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is open daily from 6 am to 3 pm year round. The last entry is at 2:45 pm. The Preserve is located at 2400 B Moser Drive, near the intersection of Sunset Road and Boulder Highway (look for signs in the medians). It is located within the Water Treatment Facility and sits on approximately 140 acres. The Preserve is home to thousands of migratory waterfowl as well as numerous resident desert birds.
Henderson—although quieter and more reserved than Las Vegas, its neon neighbor to the north—offers visitors an experience they won’t soon forget. The city, situated in Green Valley, south of Las Vegas, got its start during World War II, producing magnesium to supply ammunition and airplane parts for U.S. forces. Today, Henderson is Nevada’s second largest city.
History
The City of Henderson celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2003. The township of Henderson emerged in the 1940s to supply the country with magnesium, the “miracle metal” of World War II. Although “born in America’s defense,” Henderson’s future after the war was uncertain until April 16, 1953 when city incorporation papers were signed. The PEPCON disaster took place on May 4, 1988 near the town. Henderson was “born in America’s defense” ten years prior to its incorporation during World War II with the building of the Basic Magnesium Plant.
Henderson is working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) to provide special wetland features at one of the ponds at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Such features will include nesting islands for water fowl and plant species that are important for food and shelter for wildlife. The three public agencies are working together to improve wildlife habitat and protect the environment in the Las Vegas Wash area.
During the winter and early spring you can expect to see many species of duck such as the northern shoveler, green wing, cinnamon and blue wing teal, pintail, bufflehead, and one of the most beautiful of all North American ducks, the wood duck. Winter is also an ideal time to see geese (Canada, snow and Ross) and returning tundra swan. The Preserve also features golden eagles, peregrine falcons and northern harriers. Resident desert species include verdin, Abert’s towhee, Gambel’s quail, greater roadrunner and crissal thrasher.
