SKY Look Up and Feel Your Place in Something Larger
Experience Tahoe Star Tours
Spooner Lake / Northstar Explore planets, galaxies, mythology, poetry, and the night sky through guided telescope experiences.
Join a Tahoe Institute for Natural Science bird walk or nature event
Throughout the watershed Learn to recognize local birds by their movement, habitat, and calls.
Explore Black Rock Desert’s dark skies
Gerlach: Beyond the watershed...Experience the profound darkness of Nevada’s open desert and consider what is lost through light pollution. Take a Ten-Minute Sky Sit
Anywhere Put away your phone, watch the clouds, notice the wind, and identify the direction from which weather is arriving.
Belonging question: What changes when you look at the sky as part of your habitat not merely the background?
This is only the beginning.
The 8 Worlds of Wonder is a living, community-curated map of experiences that help people connect with and care for the Tahoe / Truckee /Pyramid watershed.
Are you a student, guide, artist, scientist, culture bearer, local organization, or resident with an experience to contribute?
The vision is alive. Here is the doorway where your knowledge, community, or organization can help it grow: (click buttons below)
The Lake Tahoe Basin is home to over 320 documented bird species that either live in, travel to, or pass through the region. Because of the elevation gradient and diverse habitats—ranging from lake shores to mountain peaks—Tahoe acts as a major hub for migrating and resident birds. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Despite this high number, only about 20% of these species are year-round residents. The rest are seasonal summer breeders or passage migrants stopping over during spring and fall. [1, 2]
Common Year-Round Residents
Common Waterfowl & Birds of Prey
Seasonal Migrants
Depending on the time of year, you can spot transient species like the Western Tanager (bright red and yellow), various warblers, and occasionally even rare seabirds that end up in the basin. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Despite this high number, only about 20% of these species are year-round residents. The rest are seasonal summer breeders or passage migrants stopping over during spring and fall. [1, 2]
Common Year-Round Residents
- Mountain Chickadee: The most common bird in the basin, known for its black cap and "cheeseburger" whistle.
- Steller’s Jay: A vibrant blue bird frequently seen in wooded areas near human activity.
- Dark-eyed Junco: One of the most abundant and easily recognized small birds in the basin.
- Woodpeckers: Look for Hairy Woodpeckers, White-headed Woodpeckers, and Red-breasted Sapsuckers in local pine forests. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Common Waterfowl & Birds of Prey
- Canada Goose & Mallards: Frequently spotted paddling along the lakeshore and in local marshes.
- Osprey & Bald Eagles: Majestic predators that can be seen diving for fish or perched around the lake. [1, 2, 3]
Seasonal Migrants
Depending on the time of year, you can spot transient species like the Western Tanager (bright red and yellow), various warblers, and occasionally even rare seabirds that end up in the basin. [1, 2, 3, 4]
NABA Butterfly Count
Calling all Butterfly Enthusiasts!
The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Count Program is a long-term citizen-scientist project, involving thousands of volunteers throughout North America.
Join us July 15th as we explore a 15-mile diameter count circle in South Lake Tahoe and conduct a one-day census of all butterflies sighted within that circle! Knowledgable participants will be assigned diverse sections of the circle, but others will simply focus on learning the basics and enjoying these important animals. Beginners, photographers, and butterfly enthusiasts of all ages are welcome!
For more information, contact Will at [email protected] or by phone at 775.298.0067.
The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Count Program is a long-term citizen-scientist project, involving thousands of volunteers throughout North America.
Join us July 15th as we explore a 15-mile diameter count circle in South Lake Tahoe and conduct a one-day census of all butterflies sighted within that circle! Knowledgable participants will be assigned diverse sections of the circle, but others will simply focus on learning the basics and enjoying these important animals. Beginners, photographers, and butterfly enthusiasts of all ages are welcome!
For more information, contact Will at [email protected] or by phone at 775.298.0067.
Birding in Tahoe
Get to know the local sky travelers with Kirk Hardie at: Red Tail Adventures redtailadventures.com
While you have to be an early bird to see them, the Village Green in Incline,
Mt Rose Meadow (Hwy 431), Spooner Lake (Hwy 28) and Tailor Creek (South Shore) are favorite bird watching places. Or join a guided hike with one of our local experts and learn while you view.
While you have to be an early bird to see them, the Village Green in Incline,
Mt Rose Meadow (Hwy 431), Spooner Lake (Hwy 28) and Tailor Creek (South Shore) are favorite bird watching places. Or join a guided hike with one of our local experts and learn while you view.
