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News & Noteworthy (Updated as we have new events and activities scheduled, or interesting sightings or happenings to report.)

*NEW* "Sundays in November" Fall Flight Wildlife Drive Attracts Record Numbers of Visitors in 2003: This year, the Refuge has seen a dramatic increase in the number of visitors out to enjoy this special scenic fall wildlife drive. Our total number of Sunday visitors is up from 134 last year to 673 this year! This season, visitors have enjoyed “close” encounters with bald eagles, sandhill cranes, thousands of geese and ducks, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of Refuge volunteers. Volunteers help as roving naturalists and greeters during these Sunday events. In particular, the Refuge would like to recognize Joe Healy for his commitment to enhancing the viewing experience for refuge visitors. Each and every Sunday in November for the past several years, Joe has been volunteering a full day with his birding enthusiasm and knowledge, and a powerful spotting scope that he sets up for visitors to sneak a peak through. This year, due to the high volume of traffic through the drive, the volunteers have been an invaluable asset. The Refuge also thanks Jan Arrott, Percyne Gardner, Susan and John McIntyre and Lou Myers for their assistance during this season’s fall flight wildlife drive.

The Refuge Friends Group: Please contact the volunteer coordinator, Kristin Küyük (at 505-425-3581 or Kristin_Kuyuk@fws.gov) for more information about joining/ supporting our new Friends organization.

La Voz de las Vegas Newsletter: This newsletter is issued quarterly. If you're interested in being a contributing author, or receiving a copy of the newsletter, contact us!

*NEW* Winter on the Refuge: After the hustle and bustle of the fall migration, which typically peaks in November, the Refuge is relatively quiet during the winter months, and this season may see even less activity. Due to the ongoing drought conditions, refuge lakes and ponds are substantially smaller than in years past - contributing to a higher incidence of icing over as the temperatures drop. When the water is frozen, ducks and geese lose their roost site and are often forced to move elsewhere. Lack of water has also impacted the amount of food the Refuge is able to provide on its agricultural lands for migratory and wintering birds. However, even during the quiet solitude of the winter season, when covered in a blanket of snow, the Refuge provides a striking view to enjoy. Bald eagles are one of the most popular winter birds to visit the Refuge and nearby McAllister Lake. Last season, over 20 of these magnificent raptors were in the area for Christmas.

Calendar of Events: 2004

May 8th: International Migratory Bird Day

June 5th: National Trails Day

August 24th: Las Vegas NWR's Birthday (established in 1965)

September 18: National Public Lands Day

October 10-16: National Wildlife Refuges Week

The month of September:
Las Vegas Dove hunt

Sundays in November: Las Vegas Fall Flight Wildlife Drive

Late November through December: Las Vegas Canada Goose hunt

Southwest Region 2 Refuges | National Wildlife Refuge System | USFWS National Site
Last Updated Dec., 2003