Southwestern New Mexico Audubon is proud to announce its publication of the new Checklist of Birds, authored by R. Shook and D. & M. Zimmerman. It follows the latest AOU & 51st Supplement in the order of listings.
Covering the area of Silver City, Cliff-Gila, Redrock, Lordsburg and the Gila National Forest, the 3-fold card identifies visitors and infrequent breeding birds and notes readily recognizable sub-species. There is space to record date and/or number of birds seen, and yet is small enough to fit in your shirt or pants pocket measuring only 3 3/4” by 4 1/4”.
Checklists will be available for 50 cents each or 5 for $2 and they will be available for purchase at our program meetings
[ 1st Friday of each month ] and on [ field trips ].
The Gila Conservation Education Center (GCEC) is all about creating opportunities for outdoor learning. SWNMAS is happy to partner with GCEC programs that instill a sense of stewardship and appreciation for our natural surroundings. Outdoor learning has become more difficult for schools and the community at-large in today’s overly technological society. Teachers have less flexibility for enriching learning events as they struggle to cover more material mandated by state standards and kids spend more time playing on computers, cell phones, and video games than ever before. The GCEC secured funds from New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Share with Wildlife program (SwW) to provide four Outdoor Days for all 4th grade classes of the Silver Consolidated School District. 
Jose Barrios, G.W. Stout and 6th Street Elementary schools all participated in learning stations covering native plants, birdwatching, Silver City watershed, and solar energy. The Outdoor Days took place at the schools, utilizing natural areas within walking distance to the schools. Jose Barrios visited the schools on-site butterfly gardens and the Silva Creek botanical gardens, Sixth Street took a “Naturalist walk” to the Big Ditch, and G.W. Stout studied birds and critters along Pinos Altos Creek. Harrison Schmitt is scheduled to visit the San Vicente outdoor classroom this spring. All events had great weather and wonderful volunteers and presenters. Some binoculars donated from a SWNMAS member were put to good use and Karen Beckenbach once again volunteered to lead the Fourth Graders for bird watching.
The SwW funds are also covering some expenses for this years 5th grade Children's Water Festival, which will take place on Friday, April 29, 2011 at The Nature Conservancy’s Lichty Center in Gila. This event provides many opportunities for volunteers to help present, set up, and escort children. GCEC is a non-profit that relies heavily on volunteer efforts.