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Lake Mead National Recreation AreaRock Art at Lake Mead
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Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Birds
Wildlife Researcher watching for a bird

Nps Photo

Although a desert region, more than 240 different kinds of birds have thus far been recorded. This is due to the varied habitats available, and the fact that we are on a north-south migration route for many birds.

The creation of Lakes Mead and Mohave has made a vast change in the local bird life. Originally, the water habitat was restricted to the Colorado River and its tributaries. With the building of Hoover and Davis Dams, vast bodies of water came into being that immediately attracted many kinds of water and shore birds. The vegetation that developed around the shores became fine feeding grounds for numerous insect-eating birds.

 
Hoover Dam In Take Towers  

Did You Know?
Lake Mead was named in honor of Dr. Elwood Mead. As Commissioner of Reclamation from 1924 - 1936, he drafted new specifications for a giant project that would dam the Colorado River and create the world's (at that time) largest artificial lake.

Last Updated: July 10, 2009 at 17:32 EST