Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society
Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society
Programs - 2010
NESTING ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION
OF THE FERRUGINOUS HAWK

Mike Neal, our featured program speaker for February, is a Research Biologist and Southwest Monitoring Coordinator for HawkWatch International and coordinates HWI’s five long-term migration projects in NM, AZ and TX. Mike is currently developing a research project working with southwest New Mexico’s Common Black Hawk. Learn about the natural history of the Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) in the heart of its historic range. Mike’s presentation will focus on the biology, nesting ecology and the threats faced by this magnificent raptor of the high desert and plains, as the species seeks to cope with the rapidly expanding? development of natural gas resources. See how biologists, land managers, extractive industries, and conservation organizations have struggled for 30 years to mitigate the growing demand for continental natural gas resources and conservation needs of this species of concern. This topic is timely and relevant to the conservation needs of this species in New Mexico.
Friday, FEBRUARY 5, 2010

7:00pm
Harlan Hall at WNMU
(upstairs room)
12th Street at Alabama
Field Trips - 2010
CITY OF ROCKS State Park
Led by Larry Malone, meet at 8:30am at WNMU Fine Arts building, south parking lot, then carpool to meet Larry at Hwy 180 and State Hwy 61 at 9am at the big gravel parking lot. We will have easy walking among boulders and paths through the grassland. Mostly looking for sparrows but with any luck may get hawks and owls. Restrooms available at the park. There is an entrance fee per car. Wear good walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the current weather. Wearing a hat is a good idea. Bring binos, water and any snacks that you may need. More info: 544-3683.
Saturday, JANUARY 16
8:30am - WNMU Fine Arts south parking lot
LAKE ROBERTS
Led by Roland Shook, Meet at 8:30 am at WNMU. Long drive but easy, short walks at the lake. Looking for ducks and eagles. Restroom facilities are available at lake. Wear good walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the current weather. Wearing a hat is a good idea. Bring binos, water and any snacks that you may need.
More info: 388-3441.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 20
8:30am - WNMU Fine Arts south parking lot
SPRING CANYON
Led by Larry Malone, this canyon is in the Florida mountains, near Rockhound State Park. Hiking can be moderate to strenuous. Restroom facilities available at the park. Meet at 8:00 am at WNMU Fine Arts building, south parking lot to carpool for meeting Larry at Burger King on Gold Street on Deming at 9:30 am. Wear good walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the current weather. Wearing a hat is a good idea. Bring binos, water and any snacks that you may need.
Saturday, MARCH 20
8:00am - WNMU Fine Arts south parking lot
Annual Bird Counts - 2009 / 2010
RAPTOR COUNT
Since the early 70s, members of the Southwestern Audubon Society have conducted a raptor survey of the southwestern corner of New Mexico. Routes are found from Mule Creek south to Antelope Wells, and from the Arizona border east to Interstate 10. The survey consists of driving assigned roads and noting all the raptors seen. In addition, Loggerhead Shrikes, Greater Roadrunners, and Great Horned Owls are also counted. Interested in being assigned a route or participating? Please call Roland Shook at 388-3441. Or, EMAIL
DECEMBER 5, 2009
Click to Open

Raptors - 11 years - Excel file
Raptors - 11 years - Web page
Christmas Bird Count - Silver City
Count is within the town limits, centered at the Golf Course. Call Rinda Metz for info at 534-0160.
Saturday
DECEMBER 19, 2009

2005 Count Results
Christmas Bird Count - Gila River
Members of the Southwestern Audubon Society conduct a Christmas Bird Count along the Gila River centering of the town of Riverside near Cliff, New Mexico. Since most of the land surveyed on this CBC is private, it is important for me to obtain permission for counters to access this private land. If you are interested in participating or leading a route, please contact Roland Shook at 388-3441.
Saturday
JANUARY 2, 2010
2005 Count Results
Migration Bird Count
Both the Christmas Bird Count and the Migration Count take place over a single day and are annual events. The main difference between the two (besides time of year) is that the migration count covers the entire county, not just the 7.5 mile radius circle counting area of the CBC. Because of this we need more birders to cover more area. All birders are welcome to take part. Contact Jerry Bird 575-534-4940 or email silvercitypearl@yahoo.com.
Date TBA, MAY 2010
2008 Results - Excel File
2008 Results - Web page
2009 Results - Excel File
2009 Results - Web page
Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
This Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology led count is free and participants are encouraged to count birds anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. All birders can report the common birds they see in their yards or neighborhoods, while more experienced birders can report birds seen at birding hotspots or field trips. Count birds from wherever you are and enter your tallies online at www.birdcount.org. Observers count the highest number of each species they see during at least 15 minutes on one or more of the count days. The website provides helpful hints for identifying birds. Participants can compare results from their town or region with others as checklists pour in from throughout the U.S. and Canada. They can also view bird photos taken by participants during the count and send in their own digital images for the online photo gallery and contest. Each tally helps us learn more about how our North American birds are doing and the future of our environment.
Date TBA, FEBRUARY 2010