Come bird Gerlach during spring migration with GBBO! We have arrangements to camp at Fly Ranch or people can head back home after Day 1 if they want. Ned Bohman will lead participants to several hotspots in the Gerlach area, at an ideal time of year for finding all the migratory species. There are many springs in the area, and lots of opportunity for migrating songbirds to stop and refuel. This 1-day trip was so much fun last year, we had to do it again, and add more time!
The plan will be to meet at the GBBO office on Saturday morning and head to Gerlach. This is about a 2 hour drive from Reno. The start time will be arranged with registered participants once we have a final list of attendees. Once we are assembled we will head to Parker Ranch, on the north edge of the Smoke Creek Desert. Like much of the habitat in Gerlach, this property attracts neotropical migrants crossing the desert to its lush cottonwoods and several small ponds.
After Parker Ranch, we will make our way to Fly Ranch, where we will ultimately spend the night, camping. This is a property managed by the Burning Man Group, with stunning scenery, bird habitat, and a steam geyser. Sunday morning we can check out the Fly Ranch property, and then head on over to Planet X Pottery, where they will be hosting their annual pottery sale. They did also have nesting Swainson’s Hawks and migratory warblers last year! After this, we can check out other spots in the area, or start making our way back to Reno.
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 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/245953
Use the link below to RSVP, this trip is free for members, and $40.00 for non-members