SHOT Show 1

The 265-mile drive from Lake Forest to Las Vegas went splendidly… aside from the dearth of avian life. I saw all of two Rock Pigeons, three LBJs, four Turkey Vultures and 12 American Crows. Perhaps that’s to be expected between 1 and 5 p.m. on an interstate through the desert.

Along the way, I had to pay homage to the world’s largest thermometer in Baker. It stands 134 feet tall, and I think it might be broken. The numbers didn’t light up beyond the 40.

After getting into Sin City, I drove along Flamingo Road (naturally) to my off-Strip lodging and had to photograph the namesake hotel. Do many birders stay there? Or will they—especially owl advocates—prefer the just-opened Hooters Casino Hotel?