For the first time in my life, I flew from Salt Lake City to Reno, Nev. I snagged a window seat, and was able to see first-hand the formidably arid and rugged landscape of the Great Basin. The towering snowcapped mountain ranges provide a precious lifeline for birds and other wildlife, acting as natural reservoirs that distribute water each spring as temperatures rise. For the first half of the flight, while flying over the Great Salt Lake Desert and Salt Flats, I noticed a complete lack of water. But as we approached Reno, reflective pockets of water, reservoirs and lakes, dotted the landscape. I imagined myself as a migrating waterbird with the daunting task of crossing the Great Basin, and what it would be like to see one of these waterbodies through the reflection of moonlight. After flying hundreds of miles it must be nice to finally find a place to rest. I flew to Reno to attend a celebration of the Lahontan Valley Wetlands and their importance to birds. The Spring Wings...