One of the enjoyable asides to the sport of fly-fishing is tying one's own flies. This is not only a relaxing way to wind down, but also a great way to stay in the game when you can't be on the water.

For those who are interested in learning how to tie their own flies, the Nevada Department of Wildlife will be having a free fly-tying workshop at 6 p.m. April 23.

Participants in this hands-on, entry-level course will learn the basics of tying fishing flies while covering such topics as equipment, materials, terminology and techniques for creating flies. All equipment and materials will be provided. The class will be at the NDOW office located at 4747 Vegas Drive (at Decatur Boulevard). For more information and registration, contact Ivy Santee at 486-5127 Ext. 3503 weekdays.

SOME ARE MIGRANTS

Six hummingbird species call area home

Hummingbirds are always on the go, but where do they go? Many hummingbirds don't migrate at all, but many that are seen in the Mojave Desert migrate both north and south. Migrants usually start arriving in Southern Nevada from their winter retreat in mid-March and leave the area toward the middle of September.

There are six species of hummingbirds that can be seen in Southern Nevada, according to Larry Neel, wildlife staff specialist for Nevada Department of Wildlife. Anna's hummingbird is a year-long resident, and broad-tailed, black-chinned and Costa's hummingbirds live here in the summer. Neel said the Calliope and Rufous hummingbirds are true migrants, and may be seen moving through the area in spring, summer and fall.

NDOW's publication, "A Checklist of Birds of Southern Nevada," also lists Allen's hummingbird as a rarely seen migrant through the area. Nevada is just outside of the Allen's migration route. The timing and pathway of migration will vary according to the different species, but all hummingbird migration is triggered by change in day length, which causes hormonal changes in the birds. In order to prepare for the journey, these little dynamos fill up on large quantities of insects and flower nectar. The energy required for such a small bird to travel long distances is difficult to supply. Wintering areas stretch from Southern Nevada and California all the way down to Panama. The Rufous hummingbird travels the longest distance, from British Columbia to Mexico.

You can spot hummingbirds by putting up feeders in your yard, or you may see them frequenting native desert flowers such as ocotillo, penstemons, sage, monkey flower, desert willow and Indian paintbrush. For more information on hummer whereabouts, there are range and migration maps at www.projectwildbird.org.

DEADLINE NEAR

State's big game tag draw closes April 21

Nevada's big game tag draw will close at 5 p.m. April 21. To apply online, go to www.huntnevada.com.

For those who wish to hunt mountain lion, the big game application process for online and paper applications now allows purchase of one mountain lion tag of the two tags allowed per year. The format of the online and paper applications was changed as a courtesy to hunters to allow easier access to mountain lion tags, which are also available over the counter at all license agents statewide, and online at www.huntnevada.com when they apply for deer, antelope, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat.

For those hunters who are not successful for deer, antelope, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat, please note that starting this year, refund checks will be issued by the state treasurer's office in the press and seal envelope format.