 Stellar's Jay - Photo by Steve Ting WHAT TO EXPECT: Galena Creek Regional Park is the trailhead for the 9.2-mile Jones Creek-Whites Creek Loop Trail up the eastern side of Mount Rose. The Mount Rose Wilderness Area, which affords isolation normally found in more remote areas, may be accessed from the western edge of the loop. Habitats range from narrow riparian to open sage to deep conifer forest, and the 2000-foot elevation gain adds to the diversity of habitat. In the canyons, moist north-facing and drier south-facing slopes also produce very different habitats. One can walk part or all of the loop or simply bird from the trailhead area. The estimated walking time for the entire loop is 6 to 8 hours. The description of the Popular Birding Route is followed by an alternate access route to Whites Creek Canyon. Galena Creek Regional Park lies within the Carson Range Important Bird Area.
BEST TIME OF YEAR: Mid-May into July for breeding birds. Some upper montane species move to the lower elevations in the winter. NOTABLE SPECIES: All year: Northern Goshawk, Red-naped and Williamson's Sapsuckers, White-headed Woodpecker, Clark's Nutcracker, Steller's Jay, all three nuthatches. Summer: Black-chinned (May through August) and Rufous (July and August) Hummingbirds, Cassin's and Warbling Vireos, MacGillivray's, Black-throated Gray, and Hermit Warblers, Green-tailed Towhee, and Fox Sparrow. PRECAUTIONS: Snow limits access to many parts of the loop in the winter. If snow melt runoff is high or prolonged, crossing the creeks can be treacherous. Be aware of the effects of high elevation as well as potentially dramatic temperature changes during the course of the day. HOW TO GET THERE: From the I-80 & US 395 interchange, go approximately 11 miles south on US 395 to Exit 56 Mount Rose Highway/SR 431. Bear right onto SR 431, proceed west-southwest for approximately 6.1 miles, 1.6 miles beyond Timberline Drive (Side Trip A), and turn right at the sign for the first entrance into Galena Creek Regional Park North Entrance (open at 8:00 am). Follow the one-way signs uphill and around a loop to the trailhead parking lot at the end of the paved road. POPULAR BIRDING ROUTE: Bird the parking and picnic area and the initial portion of the trail for montane forest and shrub species. Brochures with trail maps are available at the large trailhead sign. To access the loop trail from the trailhead, follow the signposts along the wide path that leads to the Jones Creek-Whites Creek Loop Trail. Take the trail to the right (north), which passes through an open pine forest. After about 0.5 mile, the trail crosses Jones Creek, where the loop trail begins. The Jones Creek trailhead is to the left, the Whites Creek trail to the right. Many hikers elect to walk to the right, traveling counterclockwise to descend the demanding portions of the Jones Creek trail. Jones Creek trail: This rigorous trail climbs first moderately then steeply through switch-backs to the saddle between the two creeks and eventually meets the Whites Creek trail. The trail passes through open forest, low brush, and some stretches of open sage. Check overhead for Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles, and Northern Goshawks. The calls of Clark's Nutcrackers frequently echo through the canyon. Whites Creek trail: This trail starts as a dirt road up to the Mount Rose Wilderness boundary, at which point it becomes a single-track path. The trail remains close to the creek and riparian habitat, and it passes through moist spruce-fir forests along some stretches. Mountain Chickadee, nuthatches (including Pygmy), and Brown Creeper are common throughout. Red-naped and Williamson's Sapsuckers and White-headed Woodpecker are present as well Alternate access to Whites Creek Canyon and trail: Prior to reaching Galena Creek Regional Park, at 4.5 miles west of US 395, turn right (north) off Mount Rose Highway/SR 431 onto North Timberline Drive. (Side Trip A) After 0.4 mile turn left (west) at a U.S. Forest Service sign onto Whites Creek Road. Travel 0.8 mile to the Whites Creek trailhead (open at 8:30 am) on the gated, paved, and then gravel road. The parking and picnic area (restrooms) are in a Jeffrey pine forest with some mountain mahogany. Bird this area and the closed portion of the road for montane species. The road becomes a trail as it continues upslope. Another trail follows the creek and riparian habitat and later merges with the forest trail. The trail continues upslope along Whites Creek for approximately 3.0 miles. Note: The lower 2.0 miles of the trail are open to dogs and bicycles as well as hikers before it reaches the Mount Rose Wilderness boundary. OPTIONAL SIDE TRIPS: Side Trip A Thomas Creek trails: From Mount Rose Highway/SR 431 turn north onto North Timberline Drive. At 0.8 mile the road becomes dirt. Two areas can be birded. (1) At 0.2 mile farther, turn left and head uphill on a rough dirt road (high-clearance vehicle recommended) to an unimproved parking area located along Thomas Creek. Bird the riparian area for approximately 1 mile. (2) Alternatively, drive 0.3 mile on the dirt road to the end of Timberline Drive to the Thomas Creek trailhead. The parking area is located to the left (restrooms). The trail to Thomas Creek goes to the left of the restrooms and continues along the creek at the north (right) end of the parking area.   Loggerhead Shrike - Photo bo Steve Ting WHAT TO EXPECT: Fort Churchill Road/2B is a 16-mile county road, at this time paved only for the first mile, along a particularly productive stretch of the lower Carson River. Riparian species are to be found among the cottonwoods and willow thickets on the river side of the road, raptors and high desert sage scrub species on the uphill side. During migration and in summer, birders should check the trees around the ruins of the old fort (ca. 1860) at the end of the route. Although much of the river side of the route is privately owned, public access points occur throughout the trip. Portions of Fort Churchill Road are within the Carson River Delta Nevada Important Bird Area.
BEST TIME OF YEAR: May through October NOTABLE SPECIES: Look for soaring raptors, particularly Golden Eagle, throughout the latter half of the route. Watch for Osprey, Wood Duck, herons, egrets, and waterfowl on the river. Desert species include Black-throated, Sage, Brewer's, and Lark Sparrows as well as Loggerhead Shrike and Sage Thrasher. Western and Mountain Bluebirds, warblers, and Bullock's Oriole are both migrants and summer nesters. Rock and Canyon Wrens and White-throated Swift can be found near the cliffs and rocky outcroppings along the road. PRECAUTIONS: Respect private property, especially along the high security area belonging to the Nevada Automotive Test Center at 9.5 miles from US 50. It is best to avoid Fort Churchill Road after heavy rains. HOW TO GET THERE: From the I-80 & US 395 interchange, drive south on US 395 approximately 27 miles to Carson City. As you approach Carson City, bear left to stay on US 395 south for another 3 miles to Exit 39 US 50. Exit onto US 50 eastbound to Dayton/Fallon. Continue 9.6 miles to Dayton. At an additional 5.3 miles east of Main Street in Dayton, turn right (south) on Fort Churchill Road (dirt after approximately 1.0 mile paved surface). POPULAR BIRDING ROUTE: Follow Fort Churchill Road/2B, which passes through posted private properties. There is good access to productive river areas after 5 miles. After 6 miles, access to the river is restricted, but raptor density increases. Good river access begins again at 12.7 miles. At the end of the road (16 miles), bird Fort Churchill State Historic Park (day use fee and restrooms). Proceed 0.8 mile beyond the fort to Alternate US 95. For Side Trip A, turn right (south) onto Alternate US 95. Or, to begin the return trip, turn left (north) on Alternate US 95 to Silver Springs (8 miles). Return to Reno either via Carson City (Side Trip B) by turning left (west) onto US 50 (a 64-mile trip) or via Fernley straight ahead north and then I-80 to the west (a 45-mile total trip). OPTIONAL SIDE TRIPS: Side Trip A Connection to Area #2 - Carson River Ranches: At Alternate US 95 turn right (south) and go 0.6 mile to Buckland Station on the left, the starting point for the Carson River Ranches vehicle and canoe routes. Side Trip B Sixmile Canyon Road: This canyon's cottonwood-lined creek has been the site of exceptional finds during migration, including Virginia's Warbler. Sometimes spelled Six Mile, this route may become a toll road. On the return trip via US 50 to Carson City, at 18.5 miles from Alternate US 95 turn right onto Sixmile Canyon Road (directly across the highway from the beginning of Fort Churchill Road). Drive Sixmile Canyon Road 8 miles northwest to Virginia City, birding along the way. Use pullouts to bird, and remain alert to traffic. From Virginia City, return to Reno via SR 341 (north) to US 395 or to Carson City via SR 342 (south) to US 50. WHAT TO EXPECT: Carson Valley is an area of extensive agricultural fields and shrub-steppe south of Carson City. Jacks Valley occupies the northwestern edge of Carson Valley at the foot of the Carson Range. The entire area is good for raptors and waterfowl in winter. Guided tours of ranches and the Carson River are available during the Eagles and Agriculture event in late February (Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce at 800-727-7677). The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owns several hundred acres of wetlands southeast of Genoa. TNC anticipates that public access, trails, and potential expansion of holdings will be completed by 2008 (TNC Field Office at 775-322-4990). Located south of Genoa, David Walley's Hot Springs Resort can be productive for marsh birds. Carson Valley is a Nevada Important Bird Area. BEST TIME OF YEAR: Winter for raptors and waterfowl; spring and summer for nesting songbirds and Tricolored Blackbirds. NOTABLE SPECIES: For the entire area, wintering raptors include Bald and Golden Eagles, Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks, and Prairie Falcon. Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, and American Kestrel are resident. White-faced Ibis and a modest number of Sandhill Cranes may be observed. A colony of Tricolored Blackbirds breeds in the Carson Valley, the only known occurrence in Nevada. PRECAUTIONS: Travel in this birding area involves alternating between semi-rural roads and higher speed highways. The suggested route contains instances of doubling back designed to enhance viewing along roadsides and to provide safer access onto higher speed sections of the drive. HOW TO GET THERE: From the I-80 & US 395 interchange, take US 395 south approximately 27 miles to Carson City, Exit 43 North Carson Street/US 395 Business. Travel 6 additional miles south through Carson City to US 50 west/Lake Tahoe. Continue south from the US 395 & US 50 junction for 1.2 miles to Jacks Valley Road/SR 206. POPULAR BIRDING ROUTE: Turn right on Jacks Valley Road/SR 206, a stoplight 1.2 miles south of the US 395 & US 50 junction. Watch for raptors along the route, in particular Golden and Bald Eagles. At 6.1 miles check the farm ponds on the left. At the stop sign in Genoa (8.5 miles) turn left (east) onto Genoa Lane/SR 758. During winter, mainly in February, Bald Eagles feed on calving afterbirth in the pastures on both sides of the road. Trail head access to The Nature Conservancy wetlands, planned for 2008, is at 1.2 miles on the right. Continue a total of 3.7 miles from Genoa to US 395. Turn right (south) onto the highway, travel 1.8 miles to Muller Lane/SR 757, and turn right (west). Check the ranches on both sides of the road, especially for wintering raptors.At the stop sign (3.2 miles) turn right (north) onto Foothill Road/SR 206 and proceed 0.8 mile to David Walley's Hot Springs Resort (including deli cafe) on the right. Black Phoebe, Green Heron, and other marsh species have been observed on the grounds at the rear of the resort. Return to northbound Foothill Road (55 mph zone) from the resort's north exit. At about 0.3 miles the TNC wetlands, signaled by a grove of poplar trees, comes into view on the right. Continue north approximately 1 mile to Genoa. The little town of Genoa, located at the interface of the Carson Valley and the steeply rising Carson Range, abounds in Nevada territorial history. It can be an interesting spot to find both mountain and valley birds. Mormon Station Historic State Park is situated on the northeast corner of the only intersection in town. A half block west of this intersection, on Nixon Street, you will see Genoa Park (restrooms). Spring through fall, both of these parks can be worth exploring for songbirds. From Genoa Park, return to Foothill Road/SR 206, turn right (south), and drive 4.4 miles to Mottsville Lane/SR 207. Turn left (east) and check the ranches along both sides of the road. At the SR 88 stoplight (3.3 miles), turn right (south) and travel 1.5 miles to Centerville Lane/SR 756. Turn right (west) and pull onto the right shoulder. The marsh across Centerville Lane/SR 756 on the southwest corner of this intersection should be checked in spring and summer for a breeding colony of Tricolored Blackbirds. Continue 2.8 miles west, checking the ranches on either side, to Foothill Road/SR 206. Turn right (north) and travel 1.3 miles to return to Mottsville Lane/SR 207, turn right (east) and return to the stoplight at SR 88. Turn left (north) onto SR 88, which will connect with US 395 at 1.9 miles to return to Reno (north) (Side Trips A, B, and C) or south to Minden. OPTIONAL SIDE TRIPS: Side Trip A Incline Village General Improvement District Wetlands Enhancement Facility: On the east side of US 395, this area of natural marshes and extensive evaporation ponds is often productive for a variety of migratory and nesting waterfowl and wetland birds. Permission to enter must be arranged in advance: Call the Incline Village Water Treatment Office (775- 832-1289).Northbound on US 395, turn right (east) on Johnson Lane (4.9 miles north of the intersection with SR 88). Travel 1.9 miles to Vicky Lane. Turn left (north) onto Vicky and drive north 2.3 miles, crossing Stephanie Lane at 1 mile, to the gate for the facility (last 0.2 mile is dirt). Bird the natural marshes and evaporation ponds by automobile and foot. Backtrack south 1.3 miles to Stephanie Lane. Turn right (west) onto Stephanie and travel 1.9 miles to US 395. Turn right (north) onto US 395 to return to Reno. Side Trip B Carson River Park: This city park on the west bank of the Carson River in Carson City provides a paved parking lot (restrooms, handicapped access) and a short trail to a viewing platform overlooking the river. There is also an entry turnstile accessing the east side of Silver Saddle Ranch (Side Trip C), where trails to the left along the Carson River are good for songbirds and raptors. Traveling north through downtown Carson City, turn off US 395 to the right (east) at Fifth Street (stoplight) and proceed 2.4 miles to Carson River Road. Turn right (south) and go 2 miles to the paved parking lot on the right just before the river bridge. Side Trip C Silver Saddle Ranch: This publicly owned ranch is comprised of 848 acres of open space along the west side of the Carson River. It may be accessed either through the turnstile at Carson River Park (Side Trip B) or by backtracking from the park 0.6 mile on Carson River Road to the ranch's main entrance on the left side (south) of the road. Proceed 0.5 mile on the dirt road to the main parking area by the ranch buildings. Follow the path between the buildings to the ranch house, where a 1.5-mile loop trail leads east between pastures to the fence line along the Carson River. Here the trail turns to the right and follows the river.    Bewick's Wren - Photo by Steve Ting WHAT TO EXPECT: The Carson River Ranches extension of Fort Churchill Historic State Park is a riparian area on the lower Carson River between Fort Churchill and the Lahontan State Recreation Area. This portion of the Carson River includes one of the lushest gallery cottonwood forests in Nevada. The area may be viewed by access roads and trails along both sides of the river or via a canoe trip down a cottonwood-lined stretch of river. This trip may be linked to Area #5 - Fort Churchill Road. Carson River Ranches is part of the Carson River Delta Important Bird Area.
BEST TIME OF YEAR: Late March through early July for canoe access; year-round for high desert species. NOTABLE SPECIES: Raptors to watch for include Bald and Golden Eagles and Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. The adjacent desert habitat can produce species such as Black-throated, Sage, Brewer's, and Lark Sparrows, Rock and Bewick's Wrens, and Sage Thrasher. Along the river, Western Bluebird, House Wren, and Yellow Warbler can be found during the breeding season. In the wetlands, species such as Lincoln's Sparrow, Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds, and Marsh Wren may be found. Water birds are present. Check for songbirds during migration. Yellow-billed Cuckoos were sighted from 1988 to 1998, but since then there has been only one instance of heard-only (2002). PRECAUTIONS: Drive only on designated roads to avoid areas of loose or wet sand. Canoe access will depend on water levels. Contact Fort Churchill State Historic Park Ranger (775-577-2345) for current conditions. Most of the canoe trip is flat; be alert for sudden afternoon winds. HOW TO GET THERE: From the I-80 & US 395 interchange, drive south on US 395 approximately 27 miles to Carson City. As you approach Carson City, bear left to stay on US 395 south for another 3 miles to Exit 39 US 50. Exit onto US 50 eastbound to Dayton/Fallon. Travel approximately 35 miles to Silver Springs. At Silver Springs, turn right (south) on Alternate US 95 and continue 8.6 miles to historic Buckland Station, built in 1859. POPULAR BIRDING ROUTE: Vehicle and Hiking Route: Park behind Buckland Station near Carson River Bridge and bird the surrounding area. The trailhead for the south shore hiking trail is across the bridge on the left. Hike one mile east to the first vehicle access point (see below). By vehicle, continue south on Alternate US 95 across the Carson River 0.9 mile to dirt Simpson Road/Old Pony Express Road, marked only by a campground sign along the highway. Turn left (east) and travel 0.2 mile to a sign indicating parking for the first river access point, a loop trail to river's edge (day use fee, restrooms). Scout Camp at 0.3 mile offers river access, trails, and good birding (day use fee, restrooms). Return to Simpson Road/Old Pony Express Road, turn left (east), and go 1.7 miles to a Y intersection. Take the left branch of the Y, signed "Overlook, Hercules Access, Horse Camp." Continue 1.4 miles to parking for the overlook on a bluff above a bend in the river. To access the north bank of the river, backtrack via Simpson Road/Old Pony Express Road to Alternate US 95. Turn right (north) and travel 3.6 miles to 9th Street in Silver Springs. Turn right (east) and go 3.9 miles to the Lahontan State Recreation Area (day use fee); the last 1.3 miles is dirt. Once you enter the Recreation Area, most of the dirt roads heading down to the river on the right offer good access points from which to bird this extensive riparian area. After birding the north shore of the river, backtrack to Alternate US 95. Turn right (north) to Silver Springs (5.9 miles). Return to Reno either via Carson City by turning left (west) onto US 50 (a 65-mile trip) or via Fernley straight ahead to the north and then I-80 to the west (a 45-mile total trip). Canoe Route: A trip from the put-in at 0.2 mile down Simpson Road/Old Pony Express Road to the take-out at 9th Street Beach (approximately 6.5 miles) should take about 3.5 to 4 hours, with normal flow. An alternate put-in spot is located near the picnic area in Fort Churchill State Historic Park (see Area # 5). Use of this put-in will add two miles, or about one hour, to the trip. The take-out at 9th Street Beach on the north bank of the river is inside the Lahontan State Recreation Area (day use fee). Parking for the canoe take-out point is 0.7 mile from the Recreation Area boundary, accessed from Alternate US 95 and 9th Street. (See details in Vehicle Route above.) Avoid traveling farther downstream because of the shallows and sandbars in the southwestern portion of Lahontan Reservoir.
WHAT TO EXPECT: American Avocet - Photo by Steve Ting Carson Lake Wetlands, some 70 miles east of Reno, along with Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, encompass a significant portion of the Lahontan Valley wetlands at the terminus of the Carson River. This area of shallow ponds and extensive marshes is one of the Pacific Flyway's major stopovers for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. It may be viewed from an automobile driving loop following a system of dikes with lookout towers along the route. It is open through arrangements between the Nevada Department of Wildlife (775-423-3171) and the Greenhead Hunting Club. Carson Lake Wetlands is part of the Lahontan Valley Wetlands Important Bird Area.
BEST TIME OF YEAR: All year is productive, with tens of thousands of shorebirds from late April to mid-May and, again, July through September. Waterfowl, sometimes in the hundreds of thousands, arrive in late fall. NOTABLE SPECIES: Shorebirds present in significant numbers in this designated Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve include Long-billed Dowitcher, Western Sandpiper, American Avocet, and Black-necked Stilt. One of North America's largest nesting colonies of White-faced Ibis is found here. Long-billed Curlew also breeds here. Special sightings may include Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Snowy Plover, and Baird's and Pectoral Sandpipers. A number of duck species nest in the wetlands, most notably Cinnamon Teal, Redhead, and Ruddy Duck, with best viewing March through September. Mountain Plover, Tundra Swan, and longspurs may be seen during winter months. Black Tern and Franklin's Gull are possible late May through June. Raptors include Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, and Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. This area has produced a number of rarities; check the Nevada Birds List Server (see Introduction). PRECAUTIONS: Do not drive, hike or wade off of the dikes. Exercise caution when the dikes are muddy or slippery. HOW TO GET THERE: From the I-80 & US 395 interchange, drive east on I-80 for approximately 32 miles to Exit 48, the second Fernley exit; bear right and over the railroad overpass. Enter the roundabout and exit east onto US 50. Continue 26 miles to Fallon. In downtown Fallon, turn right (south) on US 95 and travel 8.5 miles to Pasture Road. Turn left and travel 2.3 miles to the Greenhead Hunting Club on your right (south side of the road). Turn right onto the grounds (restrooms). POPULAR BIRDING ROUTE: The best viewing opportunities are along the Madsen Levee, the first main left turn (east) approximately 1 mile south of the club; the Holmes Levee, the first main right off of the Madsen Levee, running more or less due south; and the Lott Freeway, the first main left turn (east) off of the Holmes Levee. There is one viewing tower on the Holmes Levee and two on the Madsen Levee, the second of which may be closed during nesting periods. Backtrack after you drive each dike. Travel and viewing opportunities will vary depending on water conditions. From the hunt club entrance on Pasture Road, turn left and backtrack to Fallon. (Side Trip A) OPTIONAL SIDE TRIPS: Side Trip A: Fallon Naval Air Station Nature Trail: This short trail contains ponds, agricultural fields and riparian habitat yielding songbirds in summer and sparrows in winter; White-faced Ibis, gulls and other waterfowl may be present when fields are being irrigated. As you leave the hunt club, turn right onto Pasture Road and follow it through a 90 degree turn left (north). Proceed 7.3 miles to Wildes Road /SR 118, turn left (west), go 0.7 mile, turn right onto Crook Road, and turn right again onto a dirt road into the parking area for Fallon Naval Air Station Nature Trail. To return to Fallon, exit the parking area and turn right (north) onto Crook Road. Travel 1.5 miles to US 50 and turn left (west). Other side trips: See Area #15 - Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Side Trips |
