Birdwatching through your Bachelor's Degree: Rebel Ready Week Event 2024: Library Guides

The book titles are linked to the University Libraries discovery system. Following the link you will find out:

• if the book is currently available
• where to find the book using the call number

Original content on this guide is licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution License. Content drawn from other sources such as screenshots and images may have different reuse rights - please check with the copyright holder.

"It’s no secret that spending time in nature is good for your mind. Studies show that even a stroll through a city park decreases stress, sharpens concentration and improves long-term mental health outcomes."

Erik Vance, The Surprising Benefits of Bird-watching (NYT, Dec 12, 2022)

There are many of reasons to go birdwatching (or "birding" since enjoying birds can be by sight, sound or both!). On UNLV's campus, nestled in the heart of Las Vegas and not far from the world famous Strip, there are a surprising number of bird species seen throughout the year. Many people go birding in order to:

• make new friends
• learn about birds
• connect with nature
• improve health
• explore new places, or enjoy familiar places in a new way
• and more!

There is no specific way to go birding! Whether you prefer to watch birds alone or in a group, you can enjoy the world of birds.

If you are interested in going birding at UNLV, here are some recommendations:

• Give yourself time to move between classes and events, maybe take a new path through campus on occasion? What birds do you see or hear nearby?
• Borrow binoculars from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (binoculars are free to UNLV students, see camping rentals list)
• Join the UNLV Audubon Student Conservation Chapter! Check their calendar for
  • monthly birdwalks (typically an hour on one weekday morning)
  • Other events such as helping with Burrowing Owl conservation, stewardship programs with local agencies, field trips to wildlife refuges, game nights, and general meetings.
• Do you have an interest in wildlife and the environment beyond birds? Check out all the UNLV student organizations that include "environmental" in their descriptions.

Birding does not require technology or external tools. However there are plenty of technology and tools available to support birding and other outdoor activities at UNLV and locally. You may wish to experiment with tools and technology before deciding if you need your own. Consider:

• borrowing equipment when possible
• asking others how they like the equipment they have

Places to borrow tools and technology helpful to birding at UNLV

• Lied Library Circulation (primarily cameras and camera accessories)
• SRWC Campus Recreational Services  (binoculars - located under camping equipment)
• UNLV Audubon - during their monthly bird walks and for other events as available

Places to borrow tools and technology helpful to birding locally

• Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (binoculars)

Many people that go birding keep track of what they see -sometimes creating "life lists." Depending on the tool you use your data may be used as part of participatory science projects. Two example are:

• eBird (created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
• iNaturalist ("an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information," run by an independent non-profit organization)

These are both available as mobile apps and you'll find many people tracking their bird sightings in them.

You are likely familiar with codes of conduct for events and online activities. Similarly, there are guidelines and other considerations for people who observe birds.

Birding Code of Ethics from the The American Birding Association

When birding on the UNLV campus, be familiar with UNLV's Campus Safety and Emergency resources.

Use the UNLV "hotspot" on eBird to get an idea of what birds might be seen around campus.

As of August 2024, 108 bird species have been reported in eBird at UNLV alone. Most of these species will not be seen regularly, but there are several species of regulars.