Northeastern Exposure

By Cynthia A. Delaney

(similar versions printed in Nevada Magazine and RV Journal )

Pronghorn For several years I have been quietly pursuing birds and animals in the mountains around Elko and Ely. My objective is to photograph the creatures in their natural settings, and it's an exciting endeavor. Sometimes I have to stumble up a steep slope while carrying a long, 500-millimeter lens. Other times I can shoot right from my truck.

Both techniques work well in Northeastern Nevada, one of the richest wildlife areas in the West. Here, many mountain peaks exceed 10,000 feet. Riparian corridors fed by snow melt connect alpine habitats with desert-and where there is water, there is life. Elk and deer migrate near the wet areas, and birds such as egrets and ducks frequent the lakes and marshes. If you are lucky, you can spot Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and white mountain goats, as well as smaller mammals such as squirrels and muskrats.

Remember, animals are as curious about us as we are about them, yet they also have a fear instinct. It's best to approach them very quietly. Shoot from your car first, then stalk, but never push an animal to where it feels threatened. When animals see a two-legged thing with arms waving, the fear mechanism kicks in, and they're gone.

I recommend going early morning or late afternoon-that's when the light is best and the animals are feeding. It is a good idea to use a long lens, between 200 and 500 millimeters, but a lot of photographers have success with 70-210-millimeter zooms. A car is a great blind, and you can steady your camera using a bean bag or a folded coat in the open window. Animals see cars on the scenic byways all day, so they don't feel threatened by them. Use 100 or 200 ASA film for prints or 100 ASA for transparencies. These films are fine-grained and will give you good quality photos. Digital shooters can try experimenting with variable ASAs. If you are outside your car, use a tripod if possible.

All of the roads mentioned here are well-maintained and within easy access of state highways and Interstate 80. Most are paved. Some secondary roads within the area require four-wheel drive. Most are closed during winter-check local conditions. Here are five of my favorite wildlife-viewing locations in Northeastern Nevada :

Angel Lake Scenic Byway

This is an exceptional spot for seeing two of Nevada 's prized mammals, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and the shaggy, white mountain goat. In Nevada , mountain goats live only in the Ruby and East Humboldt ranges. Look for them along the walls of the cirque basin above Angel Lake . The lower section of the road is a good place to find bighorn sheep in winter. During summer mule deer forage near the lake's edge, and pint-sized Uinta chipmunks and golden-mantled ground squirrels scamper near the parking area. Angel Lake is 12 miles southwest of Wells. From Interstate 80 take the west Wells exit to State Route 231. The paved road is winding and steep at the top.

Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park © Cynthia Delaney The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is a fine place to scout wildlife. The road, which passes through sage and juniper, is home to pronghorn, mule deer, badgers, and black-tailed jackrabbits. It also lets motorists see several different birds, including Clark's nutcracker, piñon jays, and golden eagles. The views are spectacular and give the uninitiated a snap lesson in Great Basin geography.

To reach Great Basin National Park take US 50 southeast of Ely to State Route 487. At Baker, continue on State Route 488 to the park boundary. The park is 65 miles from Ely.

Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway

Lamoille Canyon lives up to its nickname, the Yosemite of Nevada, on this drive into the heart of the Ruby Mountains. Late spring and autumn are the best times to see wildlife against backdrops of snowcapped peaks or burnt-orange aspen groves. Sage grouse, yellow-bellied marmots, and Lewis' woodpeckers are commonly spotted along the roadway. Many beaver make their homes here, and their lodges dot the upper section of Lamoille Creek. Hikers may find Himalayan snowcock and pikas-small, rabbit-like rodents-along the alpine trails.

Uinta Chipmonk © Cynthia Delaney Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is 20 miles southeast of Elko via State Route 227. The road is paved and 12 miles in length.

Jarbidge Wilderness Area

The Jarbidge Mountains receive seven to eight feet of snow annually, and this moisture creates a forested wonderland. The wilderness area is one of the least-used in the country and teems with wildlife. Sometimes you can see herds of Rocky Mountain elk near streams and lakes along the main road. Coyotes, burrowing owls, golden-mantled ground squirrels, and hunting red-tailed hawks also frequent the area.

Bear Creek Summit Road is the best route for seeing wildlife. From Elko drive 55 miles north on State Route 225, turn right on County Road 746 and drive 27 miles to Charleston Reservoir. Continue north on County Road 748. You will climb the summit and drop down into the small town of Jarbidge .

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Western Grebe © Cynthia Delaney Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, also known as the Ruby Marshes, encompasses 37,632 acres at the eastern base of the Ruby Mountains . The 17,000 acres of marshland attract many species of birds. The hillsides are dotted with piñon and juniper trees, offering nesting sites for many colorful songbirds. During a short visit you are likely to see species such as American avocet, black-necked stilt, eared grebe, great blue heron, ruddy duck, sandhill crane, yellow headed blackbird-the list goes on.

You may see mule deer and the ever-comical muskrats who build their mound homes in the middle of the brackish waters. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the trumpeter swans that nest here. The refuge is located 63 miles southeast of Elko via State Routes 227 and 228 off Interstate 80.

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