OUTDOOR BRIEFS

ANNUAL EVENT

Tis the season for counting birds

The National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count is currently under way in locations across the country and here in Clark County. The count began on Dec. 14 and will run through Jan. 5, giving birders across the country the chance to participate. This year marks the event's 108th anniversary.

"This bird count helps scientists to monitor the location and the population of various bird species at this given time. It is an important source of information about the birds' distribution and status, information that will help in the conservation of our avian friends," said Margie Klein, wildlife educator with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

With data that covers more than a century, it is possible for scientists and wildlife biologists to see the long-term changes and trends in bird populations. Those changes could be because of climate, environmental events, and other factors. The Red Rock Audubon Society, the organization's local chapter, will be having several birding field trips during the length of the bird count. Field trip destinations include Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, the Muddy River, Henderson, and Pahranaghat National Wildlife Refuge. For more information about the Christmas Bird Count in Southern Nevada check out the Web at www.redrockaudubon.org.

ANGLING ON ICE

Hard-water fishing opportunities available

Walking on top of an ice-covered lake is more than a little disconcerting, especially for those who have never done it, or who haven't done it very often. But for those who are willing to give it a go, hard-water fishing action can be fast and exciting even here in the Silver State.

"Though most people don't equate Nevada with ice fishing, the state does offer anglers some tremendous ice fishing opportunities. Anglers in Southern Nevada may have to drive a little farther than their northern counterparts, but ice fishing is still available to them," said Martin Olson, a conservation educator with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Three popular ice fishing destinations can be found within a 200-mile radius of Las Vegas. Two of the three, Eagle Valley and Echo Canyon reservoirs, are located just east of Pioche in Lincoln County. The third destination is the Kirch Wildlife Management Area, which is home to Adams-McGill, Cold Springs and Haymeadow reservoirs. The area is located about an hour north of Alamo on Highway 318 and each of these waters offers anglers the chance to reel in some large trout.

Other popular ice fishing destinations include Comins Lake, South Fork Reservoir, and Wildhorse Reservoir.

When venturing out on the ice, anglers should exercise caution and physically verify its thickness. Ice should be at least four inches thick and preferably six before anglers venture out for a day of fishing. The safest way to make a hole in the ice is with an auger. In Nevada, a hole cut through the ice for the purpose of fishing can be no larger than 10 inches in diameter.

Rainbow trout tend to swim just below the ice so start shallow and gradually work your bait deeper until you start catching fish. Standard baits will work: salmon eggs, PowerBait, pieces of night crawlers, or meal worms. Small jigs, and lures fished as jigs, will also catch fish.