Extremely Rare Bird 'Checks In' at the Bellagio in Las Vegas
A rare bird spotting in Las Vegas has tourists flocking for an unusual reason. Guests near the Bellagio hotel saw a Yellow-Billed Loon swimming near the hotel and casino, prompting the hotel to release a statement about their "exclusive" guest.
The news was so big that it was reported on a recent episode of ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.
As the Muir explained in a clip of the broadcast that was shared online, the Yellow-Billed Loon was found in the hotel's "famous fountains."
Related: Rare Yellow-Billed Loon Shuts Down Famous Show at Vegas Casino
"Swimming right there in the waters. A very rare bird, a Yellow-Billed Loon, one of the ten rarest birds in the United States," he said.
The National Parks Service told the news outlet that the young bird is not quite an adult yet and was most likely "migrating and got off-course seeking shelter in Vegas from a storm," Muir explained.
The Bellagio released a statement about their surprise visitor on X.com on March 5 and joked that they were "happy to welcome the most exclusive guests."
We are happy to welcome the most exclusive guests.
The Fountains of Bellagio are paused as we work with state wildlife officials to rescue a Yellow-billed Loon, one of the 10 rarest birds in the U.S., that has found comfort on Las Vegas' own Lake Bellagio. https://t.co/3ENRZURDxp— Bellagio Las Vegas (@Bellagio) March 5, 2024
The hotel said they'd "paused" the fountains while they worked with state wildlife officials to save the animal.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), which was involved in helping save and relocate the bird, said that the "Bellagio fountains pose no harm to the bird."
"We have instructed the hotel that the fountains can continue to operate without risk to any wildlife," CNN reports they said in a statement.
The bird was ultimately captured on March 6 and was placed in a remote location that was more suitable for it. Thankfully the bird appeared to be in good health.
More About Yellow-Billed Loons
So what makes a Yellow-Billed Loon so special? Aren't they just normal birds that fly south for the winter? Not exactly. As previously stated, they are incredibly rare. Most people don't get a good look at Yellow-Billed Loons, making this a really exciting sighting.
Yellow-Billed Loons are closely related to the Common Loon, but are larger and more northernly. They'll spend their summers on the high Arctic tundra, their winters on the wild northern shores, and will pop up in small numbers south of Canada. They're considered a species of conservation concern because of their small population size and habitat limitations. But bird watchers love Yellow-Billed Loons because of their large size, remote natural habitats, and rarity. Making them a treat for the bird enthusiast.
As for this Yellow-Billed Loon, the Bellagio later announced their fountains have resumed their normal schedule on March 6 after the bird was taken away.
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