LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) — Many people assume Las Vegas is just the Strip and the desert, but photographer Frank Kirkpatrick has spent the last two years documenting a different side of the valley.
Kirkpatrick reached out to share his perspective in hopes of teaching others about how unique the Las Vegas biome is.
“There’s a lot of water here, first of all. If you’re trying to find wildlife, especially, there’s always going to be wildlife around the water,” Kirkpatrick said.
While Kirkpatrick is still fairly new to Las Vegas, he has quickly found his focus on local wildlife.
“This, to me, is kind of like a magic telescope,” he said. “I can now show people things that they would not normally see.”
Bringing nature into focus
Kirkpatrick’s passion has developed over more than 15 years, most of that time spent in Washington state. Over the last two years, he has brought Las Vegas nature into focus in ways he never expected.
MORE ON FOX5: Henderson invites residents to join City Nature Challenge 2026 and document local wildlife
“The owls really stand out. You know, burrowing owls, great horned owls specifically, are pretty abundant and a lot easier to find here,” Kirkpatrick said. “Here you can be in the desert and then be at the top of Mount Charles. Totally different, you know, totally different landscape, you know, totally different environment. You know, that variety is just, it’s amazing.”
Kirkpatrick wants everyone to focus on the valley’s environment while spreading a message of conservation to help people understand how to keep these habitats healthy.
“If you could get out into nature, even if it’s only for a little bit of time every day, you’re going to be helping yourself immensely, even if you don’t realize it,” he said. “It’s really important. Like I said, it’s like nature in your own backyard.”
Kirkpatrick has taught classes for high school aged kids to spread the appreciation of nature to the next generation. He also follows the 10 minute rule, being out in nature for 10 minutes before deciding to call it a day.
If you want to learn more about Las Vegas nature and Wildlife, Frank recommends checking out the Red Rock Audubon Society, Get Outdoors Nevada and the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
