Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is a nature reserve tucked away in an industrial area off Galleria Drive near Chimera Golf Course. No wonder many locals and tourists may drive by the haven without noticing. With a keen eye, you may notice the road signs after passing through some scrap semi-trailers. The preserve offers a unique habitat for more than 270 species of resident and migratory birds.
Kalei Krose, Henderson City’s recreational service coordinator, attested to a surge in visitors to the preserve during Covid. That boils down to the fact that it’s an outdoor facility suitable for people of all abilities.
Variety of Wildlife and Activities
In 1986, the preserve was established and has since become a popular tourist destination. Visitors can observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat on a variety of trails and observation points. As the preserve is a rest stop for migratory birds traveling from Alaska going to the southern hemisphere, you can view a wide variety of birds in different seasons. Before being a preserve, it was a water treatment facility.
The facility is spacious, covering 80 acres, and has five miles of trails. You can explore nine ponds scattered throughout the nature preserve, each with different types of birds, plants, and even dragonflies. All trails are wheelchair accessible.
Apart from bird watching, you can also participate in educational programs and guided tours for visitors of all ages. There is a focus on identification, behavior, and conservation efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems. There are plenty of family activities to keep everyone energized, such as field trips, story walks, educational classes for kids, movie nights, and a jazz series.
Free Entry
The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is free to enter any day of the week from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or 12:00 PM in summer). By visiting the preserve, you are also supporting the efforts to conserve water and protect wildlife in the desert. It is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to discover Las Vegas’ wild side.
Best Visiting Times
The best times to visit the preserve depend on your preferences and goals. Spring is an ideal time to visit when migratory birds stop by on their way north or south. If you want to avoid the crowds and heat, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperatures are cooler and the birds are more active. Keep tabs on local sighting reports from staff or online when you want to see rare exotic birds. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll be amazed at the preserve’s diversity and beauty.
