Description

Birding Along the Virgin River provides some of the best birding in the Gold Butte region because the area provides birds with thick cover, plenty of food, and a river-full of water, plus this riparian corridor serves as a migration route for birds on the move.

The birds are on private property, but Gold Butte Road (a paved public road) runs between the hills and the river, giving birders about 1/2-mile of easy, quiet walking on a paved surface through the thicket, but watch for passing vehicles and don't stray onto private lands -- folks along here are particular about their rights to private lands.

The best birding is during spring when migrants are mixing with residents and early summer when residents are raising offspring, but the area always is good for something because of the river in this parched landscape. Keep an eye out for rare and unexpected species such as Common Black Hawk, American White Pelican, and Bell's Vireos.

Link to map.

Location

The Virgin River birding site is located about 1-1/4 hours east of Las Vegas, in the wild, remote, and scenic Gold Butte region southwest of the towns of Mesquite and Bunkerville.

From Las Vegas, drive east on Highway I-15 to Highway 170 (Exit 112 towards Riverside and Bunkerville) (Table 1, Site 0684). This exit is 8 miles before the town of Mesquite. Exit the Interstate and drive south on Highway 170 for 3 miles to the Virgin River bridge (Site 0685). Stop here to look for birds in the trees along the river and for swallows nesting under the bridge, but watch for cars because the bridge is not pedestrian friendly.

Continuing across the bridge, immediately take a hard right turn (Site 0686) onto the paved Gold Butte Road. The slope of the road makes the turn look like a pullout rather than an intersection. Follow the paved road southwest along the river for 1/4-mile to a dirt parking area on the right (Site 1905). Park here; this is the trailhead.

Hours

Always open, but it should be considered day-use only. The road is public, but expect local residents to stop and ask if you need help (a way of politely asking: What are you doing here?).

Fees

None.

Species to Watch For:

This is wild, lower-elevation desert country. In spring and early summer, expect to see Cliff Swallow, Say's Phoebe, House Finch, various sparrows, and Common Raven. Resident species include Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Gambel's Quail, Verdin, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and Phainopepla.

Watch for migrant waterfowl (various ducks, Canada Goose) and wading birds (Great Blue Heron, White-faced Ibis), and unexpected treats (Common Black Hawk).