HIMALAYAN SNOWCOCK IN NEVADA!
I believe the most difficult bird to locate in the United States is the Himalayan Snowcock. Native to Pakistan, it was introduced to the Ruby Mountains in 1963 by the Nevada Game Commission to promote hunting and tourism. They are now considered “wild” as an established population of less than 1,000 of these pheasant-sized birds exist above tree-line at elevations greater than 11,000 feet.
The only way to see one is to helicopter through this rugged area (some of you may recall the harrowing scene in the “Big Year” movie) OR hike to a location where a spotting scope is needed to scan the distant ridges.
A 3am departure from our hotel followed by a 45 minute drive and 90 minute ascent from 7,000 to 9,000 feet put us at the only spot in America where one has a chance to view this creature. They tend to be most active at dawn as they descend from the remote ridges to lower level meadows to feed on plants and insects.
Within minutes of arriving at “the spot”, a leader from another bird group exclaimed there were three Snowcocks at the tippy top of the ridge. Too distant for binocular viewing, thankfully everyone managed good looks through scopes as the camouflaged birds scurried in and out of view amongst crevices of the craggy rock face wall.
A Georgia Audubon fellow (Thank You Adam!) did capture a ten second video of one. Look closely!
Incredibly satisfied, our WildSide tour group posed below for a team shot at 6:30am. #792!
birdtalesblog 
Wow!!!
Thks Mace. Could you see the video? I cannot from my phone or ipad. But when I hit the URL link at bottom of post, I can view. As is, GCW
Woody Woodcock! Above and beyond, my man. Well done!!
Thanks Jimbo! Yes, this was quite satisfying! Meanwhile we did hear of some interesting MLB moves out here. Fingers crossed. G
Fantastic!
Thanks Arlin! This does outrank most if not all other adventures……even my Tupper Lake visit:). Hope all is well. G
Hi George, This is the first time that I have heard of the snowcock. Best regards Bill
William L. Conrad Williamlconrad@gmail.com Cell: 610.952.4279
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Thks Bill. This was the Gold medal! Hope to see you soon.
Congratulations George! What a fun adventure! And you are so near 800!
Dawn
Dawn E Weisbord Acupuncture~Qigong~Herbal Medicine Narberth Acupuncture 201 North Narberth Avenue Narberth, PA 19072 215-850-0921 http://www.acupunctureandqigong.com
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Thks Dawn! Xxx
Dude !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So exciting.
Seeing this bird is more unlikely than me acing you:)!!!
George. Did you ever spend that much time looking for your lost date at a drive in. Drew
Sent from my iPhone
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Too young to know drive-ins:)
Wow! congratulations George and your team…….dbw…
Thanks Dorothy!