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Important Bird Areas |
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NEW MEXICO'S IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM FEATURED
IMPORTANT BIRD AREA Site Description: The Otero and Cedro Canyons Important Bird Area consists of two canyons and associated ridges in the Manzanita Mountains. The slopes here contain excellent examples of mature pinyon-juniper woodland and, secondarily, ponderosa pine forest. A cottonwood and willow-lined perennial stream flows through the bottom of Cedro canyon, often collecting in pools and spilling over rocky areas. Ornithological Summary: During good cone-crop winters the slopes of this IBA provide excellent resources for some winter finches and Clark's Nutcracker. The perennial stream provides a consistent water source for migrants during both spring and fall. The primary importance of this site, however, is during the breeding season. Black-throated Gray Warbler relative abundance here far exceeds the highest abundance on any New Mexico Breeding Bird Survey route per point (1.9 birds vs. 0.16 birds). The area also contains high densities of Gray Flycatcher, Western Bluebird, Pygmy Nuthatch, Grace's Warbler and Virginia's Warbler - all New Mexico Partners in Flight priority species. Conservation Issues: Currently managed by the Cibola National Forest on the Sandia Ranger district there are no current major conservation concerns. Minor threats include the presence of some cowbirds, and rock-climbing on one cliff face within the area. Potential threats include increased firebreak activity which may reduce the canopy in pinyon-juniper woodland creating unsuitable conditions for Black-throated Gray Warbler and an increase in outdoor enthusiast use, especially mountain bikers and hikers going off trail. The site is relatively secure from encroaching development and concurrent habitat fragmentation. To
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