Bird Watching at Great Basin National Park

Located in east-central Nevada on the south Snake Range, Great Basin National Park is bordered by broad valleys with Snake Valley to the east and Spring Valley to the west. The park is outlined by a diverse range of topographical features and a broad elevational range that supports a unique ecology, including salt desert shrubs, spruce forests, and alpine. Great Basin National Park stands out for its range of habitats that attracts abundant wildlife and supports the growth of a variety of vegetation. Of the seven Merriam’s life zones found in North America, Great Basin showcases five. Additionally, it contains nine perennial streams forming 30 miles of riparian habitat, including- sub-alpine meadows, aspen, cottonwood, and dense shrub.

Major Attractions at Great Basin National Park

The variety in the landscape creates beautiful views for visitors to enjoy, including streams, lakes, alpine plants, wildlife, different types of forests like groves of ancient bristlecone pines, and several limestone caverns including the famous Lehman Caves. Great Basin National Park holds the only glacier in the Great Basin Desert, the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, glacial moraines, Lexington Arch, and 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines.

To go on a hiking trip, follow Alpine Lakes Loop Trail and visit Stella and Teresa Lakes, and spot views of Wheeler Peak. Other popular trails are Mountain View Nature Trail, Sky Island Forest Trail, Osceola Ditch Trial, etc. In addition, people often participate in camping, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor and adventure activities, including birdwatching at Denali National Park.

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Bird Watching at Great Basin National Park

Several types of bird species are found within Great Basin National Park and in its surrounding area. The diverse habitats inside the park’s range allow various birds to concentrate in different park regions. As a result, birds like the Common Raven, Northern Flicker, and the American Robin are commonly found in more than one habitat.

For birdwatchers interested in Western Scrub-Jay, Pinyon Jay, Steller’s Jay, Say’s Phoebe, and Plumbeous Vireo traveling on Lehman Peak Trail alongside Lehman Creek is the best path. Whereas, at an elevation of 10,000 feet, Alpine Lakes Loop is great for spying on different Raptors, including Northern Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, and Ferruginous Hawk.

Wheeler Peak Summit Trail Count is steep and rugged and goes all the way to the top of Wheeler Peak. This is where birdwatchers can easily spot Chukar, Common Ravens, Mountain Bluebirds, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Black-billed Magpies.

10 Birds to See at Great Basin National Park

Black-headed Grosbeak

Black-headed Grosbeaks have an orange-red body with a black head and black and white wings. They live throughout the western U.S. Black-headed Grosbeaks are common birds and not at risk of being endangered. They live in deciduous forests. They have a large bill used to crack open sunflower seeds. These birds also eat insects and berries. They lay 3 to 4 eggs and build their nests in trees or shrubs. Black-headed Grosbeaks migrate in late spring and then again in early fall.

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatches are white, but also have black and gray markings. They live all throughout North America. Their population is steady with a slight increase. They make their homes near forests, groves, and shade trees. These nuthatches are active and enjoy eating insects and large seeds. White-breasted Nuthatches are small birds with loud voices. They lay 5 to 9 eggs. White-breasted Nuthatches protect their nests to keep predators away. They are not migratory birds; however, they have been seen moving south from the north.

Spotted Towhee

Spotted Towhees are black with bright white spots on their wings and back with orange sides. You can find them in western North America. Their population is common and widespread. They make their homes in open woods, undergrowth, and brushy edges. Spotted Towhees mostly stay on the ground but will climb into lower branches for insects and fruit. They lay 3 to 5 eggs and build their nests on the ground or low in a tree. Spotted Towhees in the north migrate, but the birds in the south are permanent residents.

European Starling

European Starlings are an all-black birds with short tails, a pointed bill, and triangular wings. In the winter, they are covered with white spots. They are the most numerous songbird throughout North America. European Starlings are not considered endangered. They live in parks, farms, and in open groves. These Starlings are sometimes viewed as aggressive as they run along the ground. They eat seeds, berries, and insects. On occasion, they will visit a bird feeder or flowers for nectar. They lay 4 to 6 eggs and will make their nests in odd places. European Starlings that reside in the north migrate south in the fall.

Western Kingbird

Western Kingbirds are gray with yellow plumage. They live across western North America. Their population is stable with some recent increases. Their habitat is on farms, near roadsides, and in other semi-open areas. They enjoy catching flying insects while perched on a tree or utility line. They also eat fruits. Western Kingbirds can be aggressive, chasing away other birds that come near. They lay 3 to 5 eggs in cup-shaped nests sometimes in empty sheds, on utility poles, and under building ledges. Western Kingbirds migrate in small flocks.

Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous Hawks have gray heads, white underbellies, and rust-red colors on their shoulders and legs. They are the largest North American Hawk and live throughout the western U.S. Ferruginous Hawks are considered threatened since their population has decreased drastically. Their habitat is in prairies and deserts. They eat small mammals such as squirrels or prairie dogs. Ferruginous Hawks fly with their wings in a V shape. They lay 2 to 4 eggs. These birds build their nests in trees, cliffs, or the ground. They only migrate short distances, if at all.

Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebirds are a powder-blue color. They live in the mountain region of western North America. Their population is stable and not at risk of being endangered. Mountain Bluebirds make their homes in the open country where there are few trees. These Bluebirds sit perched on fence posts, power lines, and treetops. This allows them the ability to make a quick dive for food. Mountain Bluebirds eat insects and some berries. They lay 5 to 6 eggs and nest in a tree, birdhouse, or dirt bank. They migrate late in the fall and early in the spring.

Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbirds are black with a red and yellow patch on their shoulders. They live throughout North America. Their population is widespread and stable. They make their homes near marshes and other wetlands. Red-winged Blackbirds prefer to feed on seeds and grain off the ground. Their song is one of the first signs of spring. They lay 3 to 4 eggs in nests close to water or fields of grass. Red-winged Blackbirds migrate south in flocks.

Calliope Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbirds are small green birds with a white chest and a beautiful purple throat. They live in the northwestern mountains of North America. They are common and are not at risk of becoming endangered. These Hummingbirds make their homes in mountain canyons and forests. Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest bird in North America. They rely on nectar and small flying insects for food. They lay 2 small white eggs and sometimes build their nests in the bottom of a pinecone! Calliope Hummingbirds migrate throughout the Rocky Mountain range.

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Cranes are tall, large, and gray with long necks and long legs. They also have red crowns and long bills. Sandhill Cranes live throughout North America. They have made a recent comeback in population. Sandhill Cranes are not endangered but are definitely being watched. They live in the prairie region of North America. Sandhill Cranes have great dancing skills and make recognizable trumpet sounds. They eat the roots of plants in water. They will also eat insects, frogs, snakes, rodents, seeds, and berries. Sandhill Cranes usually lay 2 eggs in a nest built on the ground. They will sometimes build a nest that floats on water that is anchored to plants. Sandhill Cranes that reside in the north migrate more than their southern counterparts.

Final Thoughts

With the dramatically changing climate over the past several years, the par’s experts guess that roughly 15 bird species might be facing extirpation from the park, including the Red-breasted Nuthatch and Yellow Warbler. In addition, species like the Cassin’s Finch, Black-throated Sparrow, Sage Thrasher, and other birds will also be struggling in the future. However, other bird species will be attracted by the diversification in ecology that Great Basin offers.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Great Basin National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.