You may have been wondering where I have been…or not. I recently took a trip out to Las Vegas, Nevada for business, with a small amount of pleasure mixed in as well. I stayed at the Suncoast and Casino located on Alta Drive. From Suncoast, you can take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, experience fine dining, and of course if it tickles your fancy, a lot of gambling. The hotel was very accommodating and works out nicely for visitors who would like to experience all that Las Vegas has to offer, but require accommodations elsewhere from the popular and crowded Las Vegas Strip and downtown area.
Mountain views from the Suncoast.
One of the entrances into the Suncoast.
Looking out from the Suncoast.
The J.W. Marriott is located close to the Suncoast and I could see a view of the Marriott from our room. While looking out of the window, I noticed on several occasions, many mallards Anas platyrhynchos, and Canada geese Branta canadensis flying toward the Marriott. I wondered where they were going. The building is quite attractive and it looked rather inviting. While taking a break in between meetings and other business, I had the opportunity to visit the Rampart Casino at J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa located on Rampart Boulevard. Visitors can expect to be greeted by well-manicured paths and beautiful gardens that feature flowers, palm trees, and bodies of water with waterfalls.
Entering the grounds of the Rampart Casino at J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa.
A view of the pond outside of the hotel.
The pond lined with beautiful palm trees.
Another view of the pond located outside of the casino.
Here, visitors can continue through to make their way down to the casino, restaurants, and shops. This is where we made our way through the doors to outside to experience the rest of the grounds.
Making our way out to see the pond and grounds.
I discovered here was the place where those mallards and Canada geese were flying past my hotel room window. I had the chance to take a few photographs of these birds, while they enjoyed their time in the water.
A raft of male mallards.
A swimming Canada goose.
Along with the birds, I also discovered that the pond had been stocked with beautiful koi.
An orange koi swimming in the pond.
This colorful koi was my favorite to look at and photograph.
I took quite a few photographs of this Canada goose and I ended up choosing this one. I believe this goose didn’t mind me being there and actually seemed to be posing for the camera.
I also loved photographing this handsome mallard.
We then decided to go into the hotel and have breakfast. I couldn’t resist taking a few more photographs before heading back inside.
A path lined with colorful flowers. Here is where I saw my first hummingbird of the season. It was too fast for me to get a photograph, but it was quite an exciting experience anyway. Back home, it has been too early for these birds to arrive yet and this was a nice sneak peek of things to come for the spring season.
Outdoor seating located at the hotel.
An arch of one of the outbuildings.
This was one of the many great-tailed grackles Uiscalus mexicanus we had seen out on the grounds. This one, in particular, was quite vocal and made sure we were paying attention.
Steps leading to the gardens.
Walking through the grounds.
Enjoying the views of the manicured gardens and pond.
Before leaving the grounds, I couldn’t resist taking a few more photographs of this Canada Goose. After a few shots, unlike the other Canada goose, I was getting a look of annoyance, so I decided to move on and give it its space and go enjoy some breakfast.
If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit to this wonderful this oasis in the desert.
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