outdoor briefs

WILDFLOWERS AND ANIMALS

Desert blooms not just pretty, also a boon for wildlife

With the moisture that has come to Southern Nevada, the desert is sure to be decorated with the blooms of desert wildflowers during the coming weeks. This will no doubt lead many wildflower enthusiasts to undertake a pilgrimage of sorts to places such as Death Valley and the Mormon Mesa, which are known for their spring flower displays. As an unexpected bonus, they may also get the opportunity to view the desert's wildlife.

People aren't the only critters that are attracted to wildflowers; plant-eating animals will be attracted to the succulent blossoms and new growth of desert plants. Their tender green sprouts are a source of moisture that may have been missing from the animals' diets all winter long, said Margie Klein, wildlife educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Many animals may not feed on plants, but on the micro fauna the plants attract, including insects such as grubs and moths.

The desert tortoise feeds hungrily on brightly colored globemallow and prickly pear flowers. Chuckwallas, one of the largest lizards in the Mojave Desert, gorge themselves on the leaves, buds and flowers of "chuckwalla's delight," or sweetbush.

Rodents also use a good number of plants for food and cover. Desert woodrats will consume the leaves of yuccas, including Joshua trees, but don't particularly like the flowers. They do, however, like to nibble on the bark.

Large mammals such as the desert bighorn sheep will also eat springtime plants; they are often just looking for something green. Sheep have been known to eat flowers of succulents such as agave, as well as globemallow and wild buckwheat flowers. Their preferred browse plants include sagebrush, ricegrass and prickly pear cactus. Mule deer are usually found at slightly higher elevations, but they have been seen at Red Rock.

"Deer will consume larkspur, lupines, milkvetch, penstemons, phlox, wild rose and sego lilies. They may also browse willow, ash, cliffrose and brittlebush," said Brad Hardenbrook, NDOW supervising habitat biologist.

By far the most common consumer of flowers, seeds and fruits are birds -- the more lush the bloom, the more seeds and fruits for them to eat. The larger of the seed-eating birds, most often found in the more rural areas, include wild turkeys, pheasants and quail. The seeds they eat can be from any available plant, including mesquite, acacia, buckwheat and non-native weeds. Quail will also consume fruit.

Desert songbirds can be seen in open areas around the edges of town and may feed on insects and all kinds of flowers, seeds and fruit. A well-known berry-eater is the Phainopepla. These little birds feed almost exclusively on mistletoe berries, and by so doing actually help to spread mistletoe throughout its habitat.

Hummingbirds can often be seen hovering near brightly colored, tubular shaped flowers. These speedy little birds can be seen sipping the nectar from penstemons, yucca, desert-willow, Indian paintbrush, monkey-flower, ocotillo, cactus flowers and salvias.

If the dots of color in the desert are grabbing your eye, plan an excursion to check out what else might be lingering nearby. Before you head out for that hike or road trip, check www.desertusa.com/wildflo/nv.html or www.heritage.nv.gov/wildflow.htm to see what's blooming in the area. And check www.ndow.org for more information on local wildlife.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

Introduction to archery class scheduled for April 5

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is offering an introductory archery course designed to give participants a hands-on experience with the sport of archery. Class will begin at 7 p.m. April 5 at the Clark County Shooting Park Education Center, 11357 N. Decatur Blvd.

This class is designed for any individual 10 years of age or older who has little, if any, knowledge about archery.

Subject matter will include such basics as parts and function, basic technique and range safety.

There will be a 45-minute classroom instruction period followed by a target shooting experience on the range just outside the classroom. The class will end at 10 p.m.

Class registration will begin Monday. Space is limited. For more information or to register contact Chris Cheff, southern region archery education coordinator for NDOW, at (702) 486-5127 x 3504.