Discover the beauty of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge this spring.
The Spring Wings Bird Festival is Fallon's annual celebration of the incredible spring migration that sweeps across the Lahontan Valley. Each year, thousands of birds stop at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge as they travel along the Pacific Flyway, creating one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the West.
The festival brings together birders, families, photographers, and nature-lovers for guided tours, hands-on activities, workshops, and community events that highlight the importance of Nevada's wetlands.
These are the signature species visitors can expect to see during the festival. Each one is chosen for its strong presence in the Lahontan Valley during spring migration.
A graceful shorebird with a cinnamon-colored head and long, upturned bill. A defining species of Stillwater's spring wetlands.
A secretive marsh bird with bold streaking and a deep, resonant call. Often stands motionless among cattails, blending perfectly into the reeds.
A dark, energetic wetland bird with a bright white bill. Common across open water where they gather in lively groups.
A clever, adaptable bird with glossy black plumage. Often seen flying over wetlands or calling from nearby fields.
A massive white bird with a nine-foot wingspan and a powerful, gliding flight. Frequently seen soaring in coordinated flocks above Stillwater.
A striking raptor with a white head and tail. Often perches near open water, scanning for fish and waterfowl.
A pale, ghostlike hunter with a heart-shaped face. Glides silently over fields at dusk in search of small prey.
A stocky, red-eyed heron with a smooth black crown and pale body. Often seen perched quietly along marsh edges or flying low over wetlands at dusk.
A familiar wetland bird with a bold black neck and white cheek patch. Seen grazing in fields or flying overhead in noisy V-formations.
A large, intelligent black bird with a thick bill and deep, resonant calls. Often seen soaring over wetlands or perched on posts overlooking the valley.
A lively, brown-and-white plover with bright red eye rings and a sharp, ringing call. Often seen running across open mudflats and wet meadows, calling loudly as it takes flight.
A familiar duck with the male's shimmering green head and curled tail feathers. Common in ponds, canals, and marshes throughout the valley.
A low-flying marsh hawk with a white rump patch. Often glides just above the reeds in search of prey.
A colorful duck with a wide, spoon-shaped bill. Often seen sweeping its bill through shallow water as it filters for food.
A stately gray crane with a red crown and a resonant bugling call. Frequently found feeding in agricultural fields during spring migration.
Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Lahontan Valley wetlands.
Late April through May, when migration peaks and wetlands are full of life.
The Spring Wings Bird Festival highlights the importance of protecting Nevada's wetlands. The Lahontan Valley provides essential habitat for hundreds of species, and ongoing conservation efforts ensure these birds have a place to rest, feed, and raise young.
By attending the festival, visitors support the stewardship of these vital ecosystems.
Looking for a cozy place to rest after a day of adventure?
