Category: parks

Homes are horribly out of place along this scenic stretch of Henderson

A cluster of homes and transmission lines are visible at the base of a mountain, visible on the otherwise scenic Wells Trailhead of the Clark County Wetlands Park. This vantage point is from near the Three Kids Weir.

If you care about natural / organic spaces in urban settings, this particular area in Southern Nevada may leave you a bit perturbed and disheartened.

That’s because a massive amount of construction is in progress (and has been for quite some time now) on thousands of new residential units and 1.1 million square feet of commercial space.

The multi-use development, called Cadence, obliterates the scenery as you head down this part of Galleria Drive in Henderson, approaching, for instance, the Wells Trailhead, where I spent a recent Saturday morning. The trail is part of the Clark County Wetlands Park. Oh, and you’ll also need to pass roughly half a dozen roundabouts abuzz with aggressive drivers. Continue reading Homes are horribly out of place along this scenic stretch of Henderson

A day where you really had to look and see what there was

A great egret near a lake at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 1/15/23.

A desert cottontail bolted when it saw me approaching yesterday in a scrubland section at my go-to park as of late: Floyd Lamb. I guess this behavior surprised me, because at Clark County Wetlands Park, the cottontails are more generous than that: they will let you stand there and stare for a bit, as long as you keep your distance (maybe about 15-20 feet).

I think the one at Floyd Lamb was more skittish due to the exposed area where it roamed, vs. at the wetlands, where there’s so much vegetation in most places, making for good hiding in a pinch, eg, the willow or reed thickets. Continue reading A day where you really had to look and see what there was

Peacocks make an appearance during my holiday nature walk

A male peacock takes a walk at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs on Christmas Eve.

Holiday orphan that I am, I spent Christmas Eve meandering at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs. There were a few pleasant surprises during my visit.

A group of three people stopped to chat when they saw me aiming my camera at a perched bird. We got to talking about rabbits, and I got a nice tip from them on where to find black-tailed jackrabbits so I can photograph them. I had been researching this with little to no success, trying to find specific locations within reasonable traveling distance.

Before I left the park, ,I was surprised to see the two male peacocks lounging and roaming on a patch of grass near one of the parking lots. I had already put away my camera, but of course, I scooted back to my car to get it.

A male peacock lounges at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs on Christmas Eve.
A greater roadrunner at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs on Christmas Eve.

During my travels that day at the park, I also spotted a greater roadrunner, which dashed back through the tree litter and into the bushes before too long. And a random person wished me a merry Christmas, which was nice.

Rabbit Tricks: Pulling the disappearing act

A desert cottontail at the Clark County Wetlands Park.

Spotted a desert cottontail recently trying to make itself invisible at the Clark County Wetlands Park. Not difficult for it to do, as this creature’s fur matches the landscape perfectly. But its onyx eyes were the giveaway — shiny and expectant.

This was typical behavior, considering my presence. “Sometimes they will freeze when danger lurks and scrunch down to blend into their surroundings,” states the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, “or they slowly try to sneak away to safety.” Which is exactly what this cottontail did: it took off into the brush after less than a minute. I know when I’m not wanted! Continue reading Rabbit Tricks: Pulling the disappearing act

I’m not the only one who stops to admire these plants

Photogenic little thing, with its festive, thread-like fibers. Apropos for this time of year. Looks a bit like yucca, but it’s a fledgling California fan palm (which I determined after perusing a few field guides). It caught my eye at my neighborhood park.

Less than a mile from my house, the park is a particularly nice place to stroll in November because it puts you in an autumn kinda mood. Many of the trees are deciduous, and parks personnel (intentionally or not) allow the fallen leaves to linger on the grass and paved paths and parking areas so that you can step on them and hear ’em crunch. Continue reading I’m not the only one who stops to admire these plants