Outdoor Briefs

NOT THE SAME

Gulls in the desert not such an unusual sight

Look up -- it's a bird, it's a plane, it's a ... seagull? In the desert?

What are seagulls doing in the desert? The first thing a wildlife biologist would tell you is these birds are gulls, not seagulls. So proximity to the ocean, or lack of it, has nothing to do with the gulls' presence in Southern Nevada. In fact, gulls do live here and throughout the state, because habitat is available.

It's true that these birds are more common near the ocean, but gulls occur all over the North American continent. Most people have heard the story of how gulls came to the valleys around the Great Salt Lake in Utah in 1848 and consumed the hordes of Mormon-crickets that were destroying the pioneers' crops. This was a species named California gulls, which is actually native to the Great Salt Lake area. Though it sounds peculiar, the California gull is the state bird of Utah.

Usually they appear in flocks, but occasionally a lone gull may blow in with a storm. Although there are not large numbers of gulls in Southern Nevada, they do come inland to capitalize on urban development and its man-made lakes, restaurants, parking lots and landfills. In the Las Vegas area, gulls are attracted to the Las Vegas wash and the Colorado River, as well as man-made ponds and dumps. They have adapted to consuming trash as a food source.

The most common species of gulls in Southern Nevada are the California and ring-billed gulls. "Occasionally, unexpected gull species are observed in Southern Nevada, like the Sabine's gull, Western gull and the Lesser Black--backed gull," said Tracy Kipke, NDOW habitat biologist.

It's most likely that the gull you see at Nevada's lakes and ponds is the California gull. These birds are omnivorous and eat insects, mollusks, fish, small animals and of course, garbage.

Gulls may seem more like urban pests, due to their propensity for garbage. However, they can be very useful for anglers. According to NDOW angler educator Chris Pietrafeso, "Gulls can be an aid to the fisherman in finding fish boils. Gulls often flock to a boil to feed upon shad that are on the surface trying to escape the feeding stripers."

Gulls are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as well as by Nevada state law. These laws make it illegal to kill, capture or possess these birds without special permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and by NDOW.

LIMITED SPACE

Introduction to archery course scheduled for Sept. 1

The Nevada Department of Wildlife will have an introduction to archery course at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Clark County Shooting Park education center, 11357 N. Decatur Blvd.

This is a hands-on class designed for those who have little knowledge, if any, about archery. Subject matter will include equipment components and function, dominant eye, basic shooting technique, and range safety. Recommended age is 10 years and older.

During the three-hour class, participants will receive approximately 45 minutes of classroom instruction with the remainder of the time dedicated to target shooting on the range just outside the education center. Space is limited. For registration and information, contact Chris Cheff, 486-5127, Ext. 3504.

FREE CLASS

Beginning fishing workshop for all ages set for Satuday

The Nevada Department of Wildlife will have a free fishing clinic for anglers of all ages at 9 a.m. Saturday at Floyd Lamb Park located off of Durango Drive in the northwest corner of the Las Vegas Valley.

Participants will learn such fishing basics as casting skills, fish identification, and bait and lure selection, along with knot tying. They also will have the chance to put their new fishing skills to the test, so participants who are 12 years old and older will need a current Nevada fishing license.

Workshop registration begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday. For more information or to register, contact Ivy Santee at 486-5127, Ext. 3503.