This Great Basin birding and nature tour visits Nevada and Utah to explore the most biodiverse parts of the fascinating Great Basin, the United States largest desert. None of the rain that falls here ever reaches an ocean, concentrating salt levels in water and soils in this ‘endorheic’ system, producing unique habitats.

We explore at the height of fall migration, visiting important freshwater marshes that fringe the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island to witness tens of thousands of migrating shorebirds, including American Avocet, Wilson’s Phalarope, Black-necked Stilt, grebes, and sandpipers, along with a variety of ducks, all heading south for the winter.

We stop to admire the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats landscape en route to In Elko, Nevada, a cultural mix of influences — part Wild West mixed with immigrants from Spain’s Basque region. Here we take in stunning Ruby Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, home to 200 bird species, with an optional hike to see Himalayan Snowcock, a large grouse introduced as a game bird in the 1960s.

Finally, we spend three nights near glorious Great Basin National Park, which rises from 5,280 to 10,000 feet, creating a variety of plant communities along the way, from sagebrush grasslands, to Ponderosa, Alpine and Juniper-Pinyon woods. Ancient bristlecone pine forest lines our path to the park’s small glacier.

Join us for this terrific birding and natural history tour of one of the most scenic and least understood natural wonders in the lower 48!

Downy Woodpecker, Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds Beaver, Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds Western Maadowlark, Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

Tour Highlights

  • Spend two nights in the Salt Lake City area, bordered by the Great Salt Lake to the west and the stunning Wasatch Mountains to the east
  • Be immersed in shorebird migration and witness tens of thousands of birds as they head south for the winter!
  • Search for Great Basin desert specialties such as Sage Thrasher, Horned Lark, and Sage Sparrow
  • Take an optional hike for Himalayan Snowcock
  • Enjoy a stop at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats with an endless view of white salt crust as far as you can see
  • Spend two nights in Elko, Nevada—full of western culture
  • Visit Great Basin National Park and be amazed at the Bristlecone Pines, which are some of the oldest trees on earth!
  • Head underground for a spectacular tour of Lehmans Caves
Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Aug. 27      Arrival in Salt Lake City

Welcome to Utah! Please plan to arrive at the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) no later than 4:00 PM. Our guide is at the airport to welcome you. While Salt Lake City is the largest metropolitan area in Utah, it is located in a beautiful setting bordered by the Great Salt Lake to the west and the stunning Wasatch Mountains to the east. We head to our hotel to settle in for the next two nights and enjoy a welcome dinner at a favorite nearby restaurant.
Accommodations at Hilton Garden Inn in Layton (D)

Sat., Aug. 28       Birding at Bear River Bird Refuge |  Antelope Island State Park 

Shorebird migration is in full swing! In the morning we visit the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. At nearly 80,000 acres, this refuge was formed to protect the marshes at the mouth of the Bear River where it flows into the Great Salt Lake. These marshes are the largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and at this time of year, bird numbers are in the thousands. We expect to see Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler; Baird’s, Solitary, and Pectoral Sandpipers; and Marbled Godwit, Dowitcher, and Red-necked and Wilson’s Phalaropes.

In the afternoon we head to Antelope Island, a unique habitat and the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. One of the best spots for shorebirds in Utah is on the causeway to the island. We see tens of thousands of birds including American Avocet, Wilson’s Phalarope, Black-necked Stilt, grebes, sandpipers, and a variety of ducks. On the island itself, we look for Burrowing, Great Horned, and Barn Owls along with other Great Basin Desert specialties such as Sage Thrasher. While the sheer number of birds here is awe-inspiring, Bison, introduced to the island in the late 1800s, are the most famous residents with as many as 700 individuals. Pronghorn can also be seen on the island.
Accommodations at Hilton Garden Inn in Layton (B,L,D)

Sun., Aug. 29       Bonneville Salt Flats  |  Elko

We spend a bit of time birding in the morning before setting off to our next destination—Elko, Nevada. We make a few stops on the way. Our first stop is the Bonneville Salt Flats, an iconic landscape and famous for the car racing speed records that have been set here. After admiring the beautiful views here, we continue to Wendover.

After lunch we head to Elko, a unique town that became a base for gold and silver mining with the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in the mid 1800s. While Western culture is prevalent in Elko, it also has an interesting history of Basque culture that is still celebrated today with an annual Basque Festival and numerous restaurants that feature Basque cuisine. If time permits, we head to the Southfork Reservoir for some birding before dinner.
Accommodations at TownPlace Suites by Marriott (B,L,D)

Mon., Aug. 30      Elko

Today we head to Ruby Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. At nearly 40,000 acres this refuge is one of the most remote in the lower 48 states, but also incredibly scenic with the stunning Ruby Mountains bordering to the west. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here including Canvasback, Lesser Scaup, American Avocet, White-faced Ibis, Caspian and Forster’s Terns, and Common Yellowthroat. On the way, we stop at Southfork Reservoir where we expect to see a variety of sandpipers, terns, ducks, and sparrows.

For those more adventurous, we have the option to look for Himalayan Snowcock, a bird native to the Himalayas but introduced in the Ruby Mountains in the early 1960s. This involves an uphill hike of around 1.5 miles with nearly 900 feet of elevation gain on an established trail. To be at the prime viewing spot at dawn, we must leave the hotel very early in the morning and hike in the dark. Big, bulky, and beautiful, it's worth the hike!
Accommodations at TownPlace Suites by Marriott (B,L,D)

Tues., Aug. 31     Great Basin National Park

Today we say goodbye to Elko and head to Great Basin National Park, famous for groves of rare Bristlecone pine trees, which can live up to 4,000 years. The park also boasts amazing habitat diversity with sagebrush covered foothills all the way up to the 13,000-foot summit of Wheeler Peak. On the way to the park, we stop in Ely for lunch.

Once at the park, we spend some time in the afternoon birding around the visitor center and lodge. The sagebrush grasslands in this area can be productive for Western Meadowlark, Pinyon Jay, Horned Lark, Western Kingbird, and Juniper Titmouse, and we keep an eye out for more uncommon species like Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon.   

Great Basin National Park has some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states and therefore stargazing is incredible here on a clear night. We may also hear the nasal peent of a Common Nighthawk, the distinctive ‘poor-will’ of the Common Poorwill, or the hoots of a Great Horned Owl.
Accommodations at the Hidden Canyon Retreat (B,L,D)

Wed., Sept. 1       Great Basin National Park

This morning we visit the upper portion of Great Basin National Park where the scenery is fabulous. We work our way up the road, stopping at scenic overlooks to admire the stunning views of Wheeler Peak above us and the Great Basin stretching out below us. We keep our eyes peeled for Clark’s Nutcracker, Stellar’s Jay, Calliope Hummingbird, Red Crossbill, and if we’re lucky, Black Rosy-Finch.

We take a short walk and hope to see Mountain Chickadee, Red-naped Sapsucker, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Townsend’s Solitaire, Green-tailed Towhee, Mountain Bluebird, and Pine Siskin. For those up to a hike, we can do the 3-mile roundtrip trail to the Bristlecone Pines. The trail is in good condition, but it is uphill and starts at over 9,000 feet in elevation. We take the hike at a birder’s pace and it’s well worth it to see these rare, magnificent trees that are among the oldest on earth. Those that opt not to do the hike can enjoy the scenery and birding in and around the campground or nature walk area.  
Accommodations at the Hidden Canyon Retreat (B,L,D)

Thurs., Sept. 2        Great Basin National Park  |  Lehman Caves

In the morning we spend a little time birding around the orchards and picnic area. We also do a tour of the spectacular Lehman Caves, which is the longest cave system in Nevada. Prepare to be in awe of this limestone cave and its many stalactites, stalagmites, and even rare shield formations. After our guided tour through the caves and lunch, we return to our lodge in the afternoon to rest up, enjoy the pool, or birding around the lodge grounds. We then celebrate our wonderful trip with a delicious farewell dinner.  
Accommodations at the Hidden Canyon Retreat (B,L,D)

Fri., Sept. 3       Departures 

We have a 4-hour drive to the Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) and plan to arrive around noon. Please plan flight departures for 2:00 PM or later. (B,L)

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Northern Shoveler

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Northern Harrier

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Great Basin Sunrise

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Black-headed Grosbeak

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Bighorn Ram

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Horned Lark

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Great Basin Scenic

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Great Basin Rainbow

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Wildflowers

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Mountain Bluebird

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Great Basin Lake

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Sage Grouse

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Violet-green Swallow

  • Great Basin National Park, Birding Nevada, Bird Watching Nevada, United States, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds

    Green-winged Teal

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the journey is per person based on occupancy: $3690 DBL / $4670 SGL, from Salt Lake City, and includes accommodations for 7 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, and D=dinner), airport welcome and transfers, professional guide services, local park and other area entrance fees, and miscellaneous program costs. The cost does not include transportation to or from your home city, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, or beverages from the bar or gratuities for porterage or personal services.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)


Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive August 27, 2025 no later than 4:00 PM.


Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart September 3, 2025 after 2:00 PM. We have a 4 hour drive to the airport on our last day and plan to arrive by 12:00 PM.


Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, we have some hotel recommendations below. If you would like to explore Salt Lake City, there are plenty of things to see! The historic Temple Square area is a great place to walk around. It is approximately 35 acres in a park like setting and has impressive architecture and landscaping. If you like museums, the Natural History Museum of Utah has a variety of exhibits, including over 5,000 artifacts on display, and focuses on history and natural science in Utah and the Intermountain West. If you want to see birds from all over the world, head over to the Tracy Aviary and Botanical Gardens. Salt Lake City is easy to get around via taxi, Uber, and several public transportation options. 


Hotel Recommendations


By the airport:
Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport
(801) 530-0088


Holiday Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport East
(801) 741-1500


Downtown Salt Lake City:
Holiday Inn Express Downtown Salt Lake City
(801) 521-9500


AC Hotel by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown
(385) 722-9600

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Nevada

  • Bryan Shirley

    Bryan Shirley graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Japanese/International Economics. He lived in Japan for 3 years when he was 20 and fell in love with the language and culture and has been guiding and birding there ever since. Besides guiding in Japan, he regularly leads tours for Japanese birding groups around the US and other countries. When not guiding he has been involved with various DWR and USFWS projects such as relocating Sage Grouse, breeding bird surveys, and bird-related projects for private environmental consulting firms. He also has volunteered his time to serve as president of Utah County Birders and organizes the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Counts for Provo and Payson, Utah where he currently resides. He currently is a member of the Utah Bird Records Committee.

    Other trips with Bryan Shirley

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

In general, the weather should be warm, with highs averaging in the low 80s °F and lows sometimes dipping down in the low 60s °F. We suggest packing a medium jacket and layers. Check your favorite weather website like, www.weather.com, closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be on your adventure.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy to launder. Note on clothing colors: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended.

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight long pants, 2 pairs
  • Shorts (1 pair or use a pair of zip-offs that give you both short and long)
  • Long-sleeved shirts (2)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (remember you may be buying some there anyway)
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho (rain not likely, but possible)
  • Windbreaker type jacket (can be same as above)
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Personal underclothing
  • Socks, long enough to tuck in your pants – lightweight and easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight hiking boots – good tread is essential!
  • Medium-weight jacket
  • Warm fleece/sweater/sweatshirt
  • Gloves, warm hat, scarf for mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable, casual clothes for evening (i.e. a cleaner version of your field clothes is fine)

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • E-ticket confirmation
  • Photo identification
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Binoculars (a clear shower cap works well to keep off rain and mist)
  • Camera and charger/extra batteries and battery chargers, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear (essential!)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional, guide will have one)
  • Walking stick (optional but recommended if you usually use sticks when hiking)
  • Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Gel bandana for cooling (optional)
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent
  • Sulphur powder for possible chiggers (found at garden store)
  • Portable packages of facial tissues
  • Small flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock (or use your cell phone)
  • Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing
  • Toiletries
  • Umbrella, compact and not brightly colored (optional, but useful for protection from rain if not windy)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Earplugs (optional)
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Health insurance information
  • Personal medication (and copy of vital prescriptions, including glasses – or have at easy reference to call or fax from home) and any medical alerts
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Motion sickness preventatives
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments (including band-aids, moleskin for blisters, etc.)
  • Small tube of antibacterial gel
  • Tweezers

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Nevada and the Great Basin; the following are Read more

There are many titles of interest for Nevada and the Great Basin; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Field Guides

Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Nevada

Field Guide to the Birds of North America
Sibley Guide to Birds, Western US

Peterson Field Guides: Hawks

Peterson Field Guides: Warblers

Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding

Butterflies of North America; Kaufman Field Guides

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Southwest

A Guide to the Identification and Natural History of the Sparrows of the United States and Canada

Merlin App. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. You can download it here.

Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide

A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America

Natural History

Animal Tracks of Nevada and the Great Basin

Great Basin Wildflowers: A Guide To Common Wildflowers Of The High Deserts Of Nevada, Utah, And Oregon

Nevada Nature Set: Field Guides to Wildlife, Birds, Trees & Wildflowers of Nevada

Birds Of The Lahontan Valley: A Guide To Nevada's Wetland Oasis

The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds

Pete Dunne’s Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American Birds

The Complete Birder: A Guide to Better Birding

Lives of North American Birds

A Natural History of the Intermountain West: Its Ecological and Evolutionary Story

General Reading

Geology of the Great Basin

History & Culture

The Southwest Inside Out: An Illustrated Guide to the Land and its History

A Great Basin Mosaic: The Cultures of Rural Nevada

The Sagebrush Ocean: A Natural History of the Great Basin

How to Cuss in Western: And Other Missives from the High Desert

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Salt Lake City

Elko, Nevada

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Audubon – Great Basin National Park

Birds of Great Basin National Park

Nature & Science – Great Basin National Park

Flora and Fauna – GBNP

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Antelope Island State Park

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Bonneville Salt Flats

Great Basin National Park

Lehman Caves, Great Basin NP

Geology & Geography

Geography of Great Basin

NPS Geodiversity Atlas – Great Basin National Park, Nevada – Article by National Park Service

History & Culture

History & Culture of the Great Basin

Great Basin Archeological & Historical Timeline

Indigenous Peoples of the Great Basin

Nevada Day

Helpful Travel Websites

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

ATM Locator

Date & Time - Nevada


Photo credits: Banners: Bighorn Ram (NJ Stock), Great Basin National Park (NJ Stock), Long-billed Curlew (NJ Stock), Wildflowers (NJ Stock), Yellow-bellied Marmot (NJ Stock), Black-billed Magpie (NJ Stock), Wildflowers (NJ Stock) Thumbnails: Downy Woodpecker (NJ Stock), Beaver (NJ Stock), Western Meadowlark (NJ Stock)

×

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly eNews to stay up to date!

Get to know our favorite destinations each week. We promise no spam.

No Thanks