Mason Valley WMA

39.09109 , -119.09981

United States of America (USA)

This large collection of wetlands and shallow ponds,managed for hunting and fishing, is located in the Mason Valley, just barely in the Walker Rivershed, and about 15 minutes from Yerington. The location has attracted a number of unusual waterbirds over the years, including most notably a Ruff, American Golden-Plover, and Least Tern. The surrounding habitat is largely farm fields with some sagebrush and other low plants, with a few patches of cottonwoods and some riparian by the headquarters. Mason Valley is one of the most reliable locations for a number of locally uncommon specialties, especially Black Tern, American Bittern, Blue Grosbeak, and Ash-throated Flycatcher.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 39.0911/-119.0998 (2020-11-22 12:39:32 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Mason Valley WMA" (2020-11-22 12:39:32 )

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:37:45
This large collection of wetlands and shallow ponds,managed for hunting and fishing, is located in the Mason Valley, just barely in the Walker Rivershed, and about 15 minutes from Yerington. The location has attracted a number of unusual waterbirds over the years, including most notably a Ruff, American Golden-Plover, and Least Tern. The surrounding habitat is largely farm fields with some sagebrush and other low plants, with a few patches of cottonwoods and some riparian by the headquarters. Mason Valley is one of the most reliable locations for a number of locally uncommon specialties, especially Black Tern, American Bittern, Blue Grosbeak, and Ash-throated Flycatcher.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea)

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) was added by Esme Rosen (2022-01-13 02:45:42)

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) was added by Esme Rosen (2022-01-13 02:45:30)

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) was added by Esme Rosen (2022-01-13 02:45:15)

  • Timing and strategy

The best season is April-November, in part due to closures during the winter months. Most birders start at Sierra Lane and drive through most of the best areas in order to minimize driving, which in order are Miller's Marsh, the headquarters, the Wetlands loop, and then the North pond. In the summer, it is worth leaving via Miller Lane on the other side, in order to check for Blue Grosbeaks. On a good day, the whole site takes a morning to cover, though in the winter it can be only 2-3 hours. Usually, the roads are fairly good, but sometimes after rain they become a bit rutted and can require a high clearance vehicle. Very rarely, the roads deteriorate so much that the entire WMA is closed.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:41
The best season is April-November, in part due to closures during the winter months. Most birders start at Sierra Lane and drive through most of the best areas in order to minimize driving, which in order are Miller's Marsh, the headquarters, the Wetlands loop, and then the North pond. In the summer, it is worth leaving via Miller Lane on the other side, in order to check for Blue Grosbeaks. On a good day, the whole site takes a morning to cover, though in the winter it can be only 2-3 hours. Usually, the roads are fairly good, but sometimes after rain they become a bit rutted and can require a high clearance vehicle. Very rarely, the roads deteriorate so much that the entire WMA is closed.
  • How to get there

From alt 395 coming from Carson City turn left on Sierra/Miller Lane and then turn onto Lux lane (right on Sierra, left on Miller). You should then see a hunter check in and a sign for the WMA.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:42
From alt 395 coming from Carson City turn left on Sierra/Miller Lane and then turn onto Lux lane (right on Sierra, left on Miller). You should then see a hunter check in and a sign for the WMA.

See the notes on the specific locations.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:42
See the notes on the specific locations.
  • Other attractions

Hunting, fishing.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:43
Hunting, fishing.

There are a couple of scattered porta potties. The area is quite rugged and remote, so birders should be prepared for few services before Yerington.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:44
There are a couple of scattered porta potties. The area is quite rugged and remote, so birders should be prepared for few services before Yerington.

Always be aware of hunters

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:45
Always be aware of hunters
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

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Mason Valley WMA - Orniverse