Bird map is a valuable guide

The Lahontan Audubon Society is to be congratulated on the publication of its fine "Nevada Birding Map," an invaluable guide to the sport.

In full color, the map breaks up the state into Western, Eastern, Northern and Southern Nevada with short paragraphs describing the birding sites in terse but complete detail. Each site is given stars suggesting the priority of visiting the site. Five stars indicate "don't miss" and a single star advising "if you are in the area and have the time."

An example of the individual listings:

"W-9, Washoe Lake Mitigation Area. 4 stars. Admin: NSP, NDOT. Toilet, Picnic. Hab Nom: WT/RL. Late winter thru late fall. Location: UTM11 259119E 4345747N. IBA.

"Take the Eastlake Blvd exit at the south end of the lake from U.S. 395. Est 1-1/2 miles to the parking area. Gravel path to the observation deck. Dikes closed 2/1-7/15 but access is allowed to the platform. A scope helps. First deck has no steps and the dirt path from the lot is a short distance. Big and Little (W9a). Washoe Lake Parks are good also."

That's exactly as the map lists the site. For birders I presume that some of the more cryptic notations make sense. Other items list any fees, handicap access.

This was obviously a labor of love, and it shows with the fine details and clear site locations. This is the first map of its kind for Nevada, and Ron Conkey of the Society did a superb job in covering 11,000 miles doing research and documentation. Front side of the map describes 87 locations. The map unfolds to 24x36 inches and is on 80-pound dull-coated glossy stock for durability. Striking six-color photos illustrate the front of the map. Nevada Depaartment of Transportation cartographer Tim Herrick volunteered his time to handle the actual map pre-production.

The map is available from the Lahontan Audubon Society. Send $4 to Ron and Carol Conkey, 1865 Eastlake Boulevard, Carson City 89704. Or see Nevadabirdmap@aol.com. Four state and national agencies have purchased copies of the map for resale.

And don't forget to thank Ron for this excellent birder map.

• We'll be exploring the coastal ranges this weekend, starting from Palo Alto and heading west. This time the knee brace will be in place and the backcountry pack modestly loaded. Thanks to all those who wrote or e-mailed with comments and suggestions on keeping the knee working.

• On Tuesday, July 13 the Tahoe Rim Trail is hosting a fun hiking event for children ages 5 to 12. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and end by 12:30. Meet at the Tahoe Meadows Trailhead on the south side of Highway 431 just west of the Mt. Rose pass. The hike will be on the one-mile interpretive loop on Mt. Rose Summit. In addition to hiking, the group will see and learn about native wildlife.

To sign up, contact the Tahoe Rim Trail Association at info@tahoerimtrail.org or (775) 298-0012.

• For its 36th season, the Bear Valley Music Festival will offer the upbeat rhythms of The 5th Dimension singing group Saturday July 31. This will be followed by two weeks of live musical performances ranging from show tunes to rock to opera. Voted the best summer attraction in the central Sierra, the festival venue is the mountain hamlet of Bear Valley located at 7,000 feet on the Highway 4 approach to Ebbetts Pass. Call (800) 458-1618.

Sam Bauman is a Nevada Appeal Staff Writer. Contact Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.