SAVE THE TREES...RECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTER ELECTRONICALLY!
Due to rising printing costs and our philosophy towards conservation, we will begin distributing our statewide newsletter via email. We will still produce four issues each year and will alternate the printed issues with the electronic issues. This allows us to reduce our paper use and save trees! We encourage you to receive our newsletter online and stay up-to-date with Audubon’s education programs, citizen science and public policy work, outreach activities, the Randall Davey Audubon Center, and staff.

Please add your name to our growing list of email subscribers! Contact Nancy Spei at nspei@audubon.org to add your name!

NEW MEXICO BIRDS MOVEMENTS REVEAL GLOBAL WARMING SHIFT
Dedicated Audubon Volunteers Document Trends
Forty years of data compiled from Audubon’s citizen scientists clearly reflects that New Mexico is witnessing ecological disruption as a result of global warming. Audubon’s findings have been complied into the National Audubon Society’s Birds and Climate Change Report, which documents a trend of northward and inland movement of North American birds over the past 40 years.

In New Mexico, many birds that commonly winter here are declining in numbers and show that their range is retracting north. For example, the Pygmy Nuthatch’s average range has shifted 265 miles to the north, with a 90 percent decline in its New Mexico population.

Additionally, New Mexico is now seeing birds that were never seen here before and birds that historically did not move northward from the south. For instance, twenty years ago it was unheard of to see the Common Yellowthroat wintering in New Mexico, but now these birds winter regularly in Las Cruces and sometimes up the Rio Grande corridor towards Albuquerque. Audubon’s report documents the 109 mile northward movement of the Common Yellowthroat and an increased occurrence in New Mexico since 1968.

Dedicated volunteers, known as citizen scientists, have contributed their time and efforts in bird watching to collect the data reflected in the study. During the Christmas Bird Count, groups of volunteers visit and revisit sites where they have surveyed bird sighting for years.

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) may be the largest, and longest running wildlife survey used to assess continental patterns of distribution and abundance of any class of animals in the world. Currently, more than 2,000 counts are conducted annually during a three-week period between mid-December and early January, with the participation of over 30,000 volunteer observers across the country.

As a result of this data collection it has been determined that many birds are shifting their patterns. Audubon based our analysis on the 40-year time period from the winter of 1966-67 through the winter of 2005-06. Although the CBC began in 1900, we choose 1966-67 as a starting point because by that year we believed the CBC survey methods had become standardized and sample sizes, particularly in the western part of the survey area, were sufficient for statistical analyses.

Here are some more specifics for New Mexico birds that are good indicators of changes due to global warming. More information is needed for many other species.
• American Tree Sparrows are a good example of a species whose southern range is reached in New Mexico and numbers of these birds are dropping off dramatically. In the last two decades, their presence on CBCs in the southern half of the state has dropped off and they are now considered very rare in that area.
• Birds such as the Steller’s Jay, Cedar Waxwing, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Townsend’s Solitaire have all have shifred their habitats northward (up to 265 miles north) with declining populations in New Mexico, although their populations may be increasing in other states.
• Townsend’s Solitaire is an example of a species which is found in New Mexico throughout the year but gets an influx of birds during the winter months. Their decline may well mean that birds that would normally winter in New Mexico are staying to the north.
• Cedar Waxwings are nomadic birds in winter; notorious for being all over the place one year and not to be found the next. Still a decline over a 40 year period may well be an indicator of global warming.

You can read the full report and its findings on the Audubon website at: http://www.audubon.org/news/pressRoom/bacc/pdfs/Report.pdf

Or better yet, visit wuw.birdsandeimate.org, an Audubon-linked site we’ve created containing a petition that you can sign about global warming, an interactive quiz, and an educational webcast by Audubon’s Dr. Greg Butcher, describing his findings in the report.

Audubon New Mexico continues to join efforts across the country to combat climate change through a national campaign that seeks to educate the public about the effects on our environment, our wildlife and ourselves. This Audubon report also underscores the importance of our work on bird and habitat protection. We hope that you will get involved!

We ask you to talk to your elected officials to support strong legislation to:
* Reduce global warming pollution 80 percent by 2050;
* Repower America by moving us toward a 100 percent clean energy future;
* Reduce our dependence on oil by half; and
* Support conservation efforts that protect and restore essential bird habitat.

“This Audubon report on birds and climate change shows that the effort and time of volunteers spent watching, listening and recording birds through Christmas Bird Counts continues to be critical to scientists in identifying habitat changes. Now, all New Mexicans need to take immediate, concerted action to stop global warming and protect birds and our environment,” emphasized Karyn Stockdale, Executive Director. Individual participation in “citizen science” allowed us to see these disturbing trends and it is going to take citizen action to find the solutions to this climate crisis.

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S NEST
The question I am most often asked these days is “how are you [Audubon] doing?” Of course, declines in the market challenge our state office with decreased revenues just as I am sure you are feeling the effects of this downturn in the economy We’re cutting costs and having to stretch our dedicated staff a little more. And to clarify the work of Audubon New Mexico is not financially subsidized by the National Audubon Society, who is also facing some financial difficulty However, I’m proud to say that, with your support, we have many exciting .programs and events in coming months across the state and at our Randall Davey Audubon Center. We are also cautiously optimistic that you, our dedicated supporters, will continue to be inspired by our work, which in turn inspires others.

New birding classes every month at the Audubon Center, expanded programs for teens in our Summer Camp, our membership gathering in April at Bosque del Apache, a new member to our Board of Directors, the First Annual Randall Davey Wildlife Art Invitational in May, and continued excellence in education and conservation work are some of the exciting happenings you’ll notice in this newsletter. Our whole staff extends an invitation to you to join us.

With the findings that birds are already affected by global warming (cover story) and the economic challenges we all face these days, I know that the coming year is critical to our long-term future. This is a time of living within our means — both for the health of our environment and the stability of our office and programs underscores the importance of the work we are doing together.

Thank you for all of your help and support!
Karyn Stockdale
Executive Director

P.S. We recently said goodbye to Flannery Davis, our former Office Manager, and we wish her the best in her new endeavors. Over the last two years, Flannery helped our office through a roller coaster of staffing transitions and took on numerous responsibilities as needed to compensate for vacant positions. She always impressed us with her wonderful sense of humor, respectful approach to everyone she worked with, and great patience in dealing with the many changes.

GOOD NEWS, YOU DID IT!!
Thanks to the incredible show of support for Audubon New Mexico with gifts from so many members and friends, we matched our challenge grant by the end of December 2008!! You may recall that two anonymous donors challenged us to raise $10,000 in gifts from new friends and increased gifts from current friends in our annual appeal for donations. Thanks to all of you, we succeeded in raising a little over $15,000. We so appreciated all of you who answered our year-end letter and sent in your generous donations. Because of your commitment to Audubon, you made every dollar almost double, (actually raising just over $25,000 because of the challenge grant!), and we sincerely thank you!

AUDUBON NEW MEXICO WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER: MARGARET “PEG”MADDEN
Audubon New Mexico welcomes Margaret “Peg” Madden as a new member of our Board of Directors. “Of all the environmental and conservation groups, I felt that this was the best one and I wanted to be part of that effort, “ explained Madden regarding her interest in servicing on Audubon New Mexico’s Board. She is also an avid birder and looks forward to birding again in Santa Fe, where she relocated 14 months ago from Phoenix, Arizona.

Currently an independent consultant in education, development, management and science, Madden was formerly Head of Phoenix Country Day School in Anzona. Active in community affairs throughout her professional life, Madden has served in various capacities on boards and planning committees of local and national science and educational organizations, which included serving as Trustee of the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden; Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Arizona Nature Conservancy; Director of the Phoenix Zoo Board; Chair of the Board of Directors of the Educational Records Bureau; and Trustee of Bloomfield College. Mrs. Madden received a BA degree from Vassar College, and an MS degree from New York University in field biology.

During her short tenure with Audubon, Madden has begun work on the strategic plan and is looking ahead at the “big picture” for the future course of Audubon New Mexico.

Madden explained that she is motivated and excited by “what it [Audubon] stands for and the conservation of land and how it related to birds and us as human beings.”

BIRDATHON 2009
Support nature education and conservation in New Mexico by pledging a donation for BIRDATHON 2009! Sponsor our team members in Audubon’s annual bird watching competition to see the most number of bird species in a 24-hour period the first weekend in May. Sound like a fun way to show your support of Audubon New Mexico without leaving your nest? Pledge $1.00 per species or more and your contribution will help our education and conservation programs soar! Call Nancy Spei at (505) 983-4609 to support our eager Birdathon teams.

LEOPOLD EDUCATION PROJECT
Audubon New Mexico and Partners Host Leopold Training in Silver City
In partnership with Pheasants Forever and the U.S. Forest Service, Audubon New Mexico’s Dana Vackar Strang will host a facilitator training workshop using Aldo Leopold’s conservation ethic and writings on April 18-19, 2009 in Silver City The Leopold Education Project (LEP) curriculum, Lessons in a Land Ethic, is an innovative, interdisciplinary conservation ethics curriculum targeted for grades 6-12. The LEP increases student’s awareness of the land, and informs them of how to make responsible choices for our planet, while simultaneously teaching important social, collaborative and critical thinking skills. The LEP is unique in that it uses a classic environmental literary work, Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac to reach students with a conservation ethics message that strives to instill an appreciation for the land community.

To register on a first-come, first-serve basis, fax or email your registration form found at http://nm.audubon.org to: Dana Vackar Strang, Education Manager, fax 505-983-2355, dstrang@audubon.org

THANK YOU WHOLE FOODS!
Whole Foods Natural Grocer in Santa Fe has been very generous in their support of Audubon by providing food and beverages for our special events. Please support the businesses that support us and shop at Whole Foods. If your business would like to make in-kind contributions to Audubon New Mexico, please contact Nancy Spei at nspeiaudubon.org

AUDUBON NEW MEXICO’S EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WELCOMES AMY ROBERTS
Education Intern Amy Roberts has been working with Randall Davey Audubon Center since September 2008. Amy has contributed greatly to the education staff by both implementing current programs and developing new ones. For instance, Amy has organized programs that meet badge requirements for the Girl Scouts organization. Over the winter, Amy has also contributed to the design and layout of our newsletters, helped with the upcoming “All Audubon” gathering planned in April, as well as other tasks associated with the Center. Amy will continue her outstanding contributions to the education department this spring by leading programs, as well as contributing to curriculum development as the staff revamps one of its popular bird curriculum and teacher resources.

Amy’s enthusiasm is based on her personal connection to the natural world and the many outdoor activities she enjoys with her daughter All. She has previous experience as a participant in the National Outdoor Leadership School and as leader of outdoor adventures camps. Amy received her B.A. from Tufts University and previously enjoyed a career in journalism and marketing. Amy’s passionate concern for the planet and desire to contribute to meaningful outdoor experiences for children has led her to Audubon and the pursuit of a Master’s degree in environmental education at Prescott College.

SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP
Can you believe that it is nine to start thinking about summer already? The 2009 Randall Davey Audubon Center’s Summer Adventure Camp brochure is ready and available online at http://nm.audubon.org. We have a variety of fun, educational, hands-on camps planned for our Summer Adventurers.

Online camp registration will begin Saturday, March 14th at 9:00AM. We will also have in-person registration at the Randall Davey Audubon Center on the 14th for those who do not have access to a computer. In person registration is done through the same online registration system, no priority is given to in-person registrants.

There are a few changes for the summer of 2009, make sure you take a look!
• Half-day camps for our “Fledglings” (post-kindergarten to 7 years old) - a perfect introduction to nature for our youngest campers.
• Free Family Nights for our “Towhees” (7 to 9 year olds) - mark your calendars NOW!
• Leadership Camps I and II - This is a new addition this year for our middle school and high school friends. These camps focus on responsible trips into nature using the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping and hiking.
• Randall Davey Audubon Education and Scholarship Fund — help us provide experience to those who might not otherwise be able to attend our wonderful camp.

If you have questions, please contact Jeremy Philipp, Summer Camp Director at 505.983.4609 or jphillip@audubon.org. We are excited to see everyone again this summer!

BIRD CLASSES AT RDAC - The Bountiful Birds of Santa Fe
Randall Davey Audubon Center is offering an intriguing and informative year-long series of classes on birds and birding. Both beginning and experienced birders will benefit from our monthly classes that explore seasonal birds and birding behaviors. Learn about spring migration, summer nesting, hummingbirds in July, and fall and winter birding and feeding—as well as the basics on bird identification, binocular use and the most helpful field guides for birding fans.

The classes are offered monthly on the 3” Thursday of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm followed by the 3”’ Saturday field sessions at 8:30 am. This series will begin on March 19 & 21, with “Beginning Birding,” and continue throughout the year. The cost is $15 for both the Thursday evenings and Saturday field sessions.

For more information or to register, please contact Linda Newberry, Randall Davey Audubon Center Manager at 505-983-4609, ext. 29.

Schedule of classes
MARCH 19 & 21: Beginning Birding—the basics on equipment, books & how to identify birds
APRIL 16 & 18: Spring Migration—those amazing warblers & their friends
MAY 21 & 23: Spring Migration Continues—more migrators, including the fascinating flycatchers
JUNE 18 & 20: Summer Nesting Birds—nesting birds, the different kinds of nests, as well as how & where to find them
JULY 16 & 18: Humming- birds—those beautiful, speedy pollinators & what flowers they enjoy
AUGUST 20 & 22: Riparian Birds—how to hear & find these interesting river-related birds
SEPTEMBER 17 & 19: Fall Migration—looking for those seed & nut eaters who are still moving through
OCTOBER 15 & 17: Owls (& bats)—these amazingly adapted stealth-hunters
NOVEMBER 19 & 21: Winter Birds & Feeding; how to feed these feathered friends
DECEMBER 17 & 19: Winter Birding—the wonderful birds that stay with us over the winter in Santa Fe

COST: $15 each month (includes Thursday & Saturday).

All classes are offered at the Randall Davey Audubon Center: 1800 Upper Canyon Road

All proceeds go towards the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary programs & conservation activities. Classes are sponsored by Randall Davey Audubon Center and Wild Birds Unlimited of Santa Fe.

RDAC WELCOMES NEW GROUNDSKEEPER, THOMAS WILLIAMS
Thomas Williams joined Audubon in September 2008 as the Randall Davey Audubon Center’s Facilities Maintenance Coordinator aka Groundskeeper. Thomas brings decades of inspired experience in creating landscapes and gardens, landscape design, education and outreach, and a genuine desire to promote Audubon’s mission at our public center.

Thomas moved to Santa Fe in 2005 to turn his ten years of landscape design education and experience into a business. Originally from California, Thomas has a BS and MA, two years of graduate-level theology work and multiple years of landscape design education in England and the states. Missing the hands-on aspect of working with soil and plants, he welcomed the opportunity to take the position as our Groundskeeper. Realizing sustainable landscapes that respect the forest and riparian environment with consideration to the historical nature of the Randall Davey Audubon Center is a chief objective for Thomas.

Audubon New Mexico welcomes Thomas’ knowledge and passion for creating diverse, water wise landscapes and gardens that respect the habitats of the wildlife and birds.

CURB GLOBAL WARMING BY REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION
This chart below shows that energy efficiency can have a dramatic effect on our carbon emissions. Save money and energy by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and maximize your use of natural sunlight for daytime lighting needs. Reduce excessive use of home heating and cooling and weatherize your home. Buy energy efficient appliances such as those that are “Energy Star” compliant.

HOW IS GLOBAL WARMING AFFECTING BIRDS, OTHER WILDLIFE, AND THEIR HABITATS?
There is mounting scientific evidence that global warming is already having profound effects on birds, broader biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and ecosystems. Here are some of the ways that global warming is affecting wildlife:

Geographic range
The ranges of many plants and animals are moving toward higher elevations or northward. Nearly 60% of bird species that winter in North America have moved northward or inland, with climate playing a likely role in shifts that can exceed hundreds of miles.

Reproduction timing
Egg-laying, flowering, and spawning are occurring earlier for many species, in some cases disrupting delicate cycles that ensure that insects and other food are available for young animals. For example, Tree Swallows across North America have advanced egg-laying by as many as nine days from 1959 to 1991.

Migration timing and patterns
Spring migration is occurring earlier and fall migration later in many species. For example, 25 migratory bird species are arriving in Manitoba, Canada, earlier than they did 63 years ago; only two are arriving later.

Frequency and intensity of pest outbreaks
Global warming increases droughts in some areas; in the Southwest, a series of hot and dry years ended a 17-year run of relatively moist conditions killing some trees outright and leaving many more severely weakened. Drought set the stage for droves of pine beetles to attack the debilitated trees. The swarms were the southernmost flank of an infestation by several species that occurred — and in some places is ongoing — from New Mexico up the Rockies to Alaska. And a mere 1.5 degrees E increase has helped to wipe out nearly all mature pinyon trees at Bandelier National Monument.

Information compiled by National Audubon Society and Craig Allen, a scientist with the US Geological Survey, through an interview with the Christian Science Monitor/January 8, 2009 edition by Moises Velasquez-Manoff