DEMING – Western New Mexico University faculty and students are joining local naturalists to track birds across seven habitats in southwest New Mexico, building a record that researchers hope will show how bird populations change over time.
The Southwest New Mexico Bird Survey began in January and is hosted by the Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico. Volunteers conduct monthly counts at locations ranging from City of Rocks to San Vicente Creek and the Gila River area. At each location, they count birds for 15 minutes at two designated points and record conditions including weather and vegetation.
Organizers say the project fills a gap in local bird records. Winter efforts such as the Christmas Bird Count have a long history, but consistent counts during the spring and summer breeding seasons have been harder to find.
“We realized we needed a standardized, year-round monitoring effort to see what is happening over time—whether bird numbers are declining or increasing, and how species are responding to habitat shifts,” said WNMU biology professor William “Bill” Norris, one of the survey’s organizers.
The volunteer team combines the experience of longtime birders with the eyesight and hearing of younger participants, skills that can be especially useful when identifying birds by distant calls. WNMU students and professors take part outside their regular coursework.
The survey includes species of concern such as the yellow-billed cuckoo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Bell’s vireo and common black hawk. Organizers plan to compare their findings with larger public databases, including eBird.
Bird Alliance president Linda Moore said new volunteers are welcome, whether they are experienced birders or simply enjoy being outdoors. Many of the survey sites require only short walks.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News, LLC – John@Bravomic.com
