We’re going back to Fly Ranch! Join us for a weekend of camping and bird watching. Spring migration in Gerlach can make for exciting birding, with numerous springs and wetlands around, there should be plenty of songbirds migrating through the area.

We will camp at Fly Ranch, and bird springs in the Gerlach area, Fly Ranch, and Smoke Creek Desert. Ned Bohman and Kayla Henry will lead participants to several hotspots at an ideal time of year for finding migratory warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more. There are many springs in the area, and lots of opportunity for migrating songbirds to stop and refuel.

We will first make our way to Fly Ranch, where we will set up base camp for the next few days. This is a property managed by the Burning Man Group, with stunning scenery, wetland habitat, a steam geyser, and hot springs for soaking. There are great birdwatching opportunities at Fly Ranch, so we will spend some time here. We will also be spending a good amount of time birding at Parker Ranch in the Smoke Creek Desert. This is a private ranch, often teeming with songbird migrants, featuring Cottonwood gallery forest and several ponds.

We will also visit Planet X Pottery, where they will be hosting their annual pottery sale. This is a great opportunity to get gifts or treat yourself to exquisitely made pottery and kitchenware. The property has great migratory bird habitat and they have previously had nesting Swainson’s Hawks.

IMPORTANT: Camping amenities at Fly Ranch will be basic and rugged, so please come prepared with everything you might need, including extra food and water. There is no water available on site, please bring all of the water you will need for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. You can purchase and refill jugs in town. There will be pit toilets/porta-potties available. There are also a limited number of tents people can borrow from Fly Ranch, but please let us know ahead of time if you would like to borrow one. For a slightly comfier stay with fewer stars to gaze at, you can also stay at the motel in Gerlach (plan ahead, though, this is a busy weekend in a town with minimal lodging options)

Last year’s trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/378119