Wildlife

PHOTOGRAPHER ELIZABETH CUMMINGS

Tips for Viewing & Photographing Wildlife

in Nevada

Some of America’s favorite wild creatures thrive in Nevada’s 3-million-plus acres of wilderness. Keep an eye out for animals you know—after all, more than half the nation’s wild horses roam free here—but also species you might not expect like the surface-dwelling desert fish (the world’s rarest). Bring your camera; chances for photography and incredible encounters await.

STAY SAFE

& Respect Nevada's Wildlife

Enjoy from afar: wild animals do not need “rescuing” from the elements. Please never feed wild animals, as they can become malnourished or become dependent on human food if fed.

Picking up desert tortoises is illegal, as they might urinate out of fear, and that loss of water can be lifethreatening for them.

Respect private property and posted No Trespassing signs.

If you pull over on the side of the road, make sure it’s in a safe place and that you pull all the way off the road. Be aware of traffic in both directions. A few Nevada photographers have shared some tips for photographing Nevada wildlife. First and foremost, never do anything that would cause a significant change in an animal’s behavior.

1Whatever creature you’re hoping to zoom in on, read up on the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s website—you’ll find many Nevada creatures are most active at dawn or dusk.

2Leave that cellphone in your back pocket. While the latest cellphone camera technology is sure to impress, a zoom lens helps keep your distance for a more candid shot.

3See signs of animal activity like tracks, scat, worn trails, or even a water source? Settle in and quietly wait.

4Nevada is a land of extremes in any season. Along with some patience, plan for changes in weather, climate, and terrain by packing clothes for both warm and cold. Bring all the gear you think you’ll need, and even backups you don’t.

"Avoid merges (overlapping subjects where you can’t tell how many animals are in the picture)." — Russ Colletta

ELK AT COLD CREEK

"From wild horses to desert bighorn sheep, spring is a great time to see the newborns and mothers, starting in February in the south (Hemingway Park and Valley of Fire State Park for bighorns). Late summer to early fall is when the males are typically in 'rut' and you can sometimes catch the bighorns ramming horns. Maintain a safe distance, as large mammals can be particularly aggressive during this time." – James Marvin Phelps

OSPREY IN RENO

"Before visiting an area, try to establish a relationship with a photographer or birder, especially Audubon Society or local camera club members. Many are enthusiastic about their area and willing to share knowledge."

— Jerry Fenwick

BLUE HERONS AT STILLWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

"Birds of prey, in particular, will often poop right before they’re about to fly. It’s a great predictor for getting an action shot." — Kippy S. Spilker

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Nevada hosts great wildlife-viewing events for the public, including: • Spring Wings Bird

Festival (Fallon) • Eagles & Ag (Carson Valley) • Hawk Watch International

Goshute Raptor Migration

Project (West Wendover) • Great Basin

BioBlitz (Baker)

TRAVEL NEVADA PRO TIP Nevada is part of the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migratory path for birds in the Americas, and provides many important stopover locations for both migrating and overwintering bird species. Find a list of Nevada birding hotspots at

audubon.org/news/birding-nevada

DISCOVER NEVADA'S WILD HORSES

5Stay in your car when you can to keep concealed and reduce the chance of animals detecting your presence.

6Know your camera! Before you head out into the Nevada backcountry, get familiar with your camera settings, bring extra batteries and memory cards, and remember these pro tips: • You will often want exposures of 1/1000 of a second or faster for sharp images. • For a faster shutter speed, shoot with a higher ISO than you think you might need. • Consider a wide-open (lower) aperture, which will provide more focal separation between your subject and background.

7Watch for repetitive behaviors and interaction between animals. Action photos are almost always more interesting than static ones.

8Be ready to shoot. Keep your camera up to your face while you move if it’s safe to do so. Focus and adjust settings as you go.

9Wildlife is typically more aware of us than we think. To move closer, try zig-zagging or walking at an angle, rather than straight toward them.

HORSES IN LYON COUNTY'S VIRGINIA RANGE

Deb Sutherland, documenter and photographer for the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC), on photographing wild horses:

★ Never feed or touch wild horses.

★ Let them know you are there so they don’t startle.

★ Move slowly and quietly.

★ Watch patiently. Pay attention to band interactions and body language— ears back mean they are not happy.

★ Leave them an “out”—somewhere to run if they are afraid so they will not run toward you.

★ If they try to approach you, retreat— to your vehicle if necessary.

★ If they approach your open window, roll it up.

★ Leave pets in your vehicle.

★ Always check your surroundings for other horses coming to join those you are photographing.

★ Stay outside of the group of horses— never get in the middle of the bands.

Find wild horses in Nevada at nvwildhorses.com. The AWHC and Wild Horse Preservation League work with the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Agriculture, and private landowners to manage the wild horses. You can view the results of this partnership at wildhorseadventure.net.

Learn more from the Nevada Department of Wildlife