By Arin McKenna | For The New Mexican

1/4/2008

Photo by: Joe Maes/The New Mexican

Leaving that comfortable armchair for a winter excursion can take a lot of motivation. Volunteering can be a great way to make a commitment to "just do it."

Refuges throughout the state are always in need of donations of time as well as money. Opportunities range from staffing visitor centers to searching for nesting sites. Also consider doing some of that Christmas shopping at gift stores or online pages that support the refuges.

The largest volunteer birding effort of the year is the Christmas bird count sponsored by the National Audubon Society. Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, teams all over the country count every bird seen or heard within 15 miles on a designated day. The counts are compiled to study the long-term health and status of bird populations. Inexperienced observers are paired with seasoned birders, so anyone can participate. Those living within a designated area may also arrange to count the birds at a feeder. To learn dates and to sign up, call the organization you'd like to assist.

Hawks Aloft is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing issues of critical concern to native birds in New Mexico through research and education. Volunteers may be trained to work with non-releasable rescue birds for outreach programs or to assist scientists with field research. One such project, HOOT (Hawk & Owl Observation Tracking), is sponsored by Hawks Aloft and Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM). "Citizen scientists" report sightings of nesting raptors and other large birds. The information is used to help protect raptors and large migratory birds from electrocution by utility structures.

The organization's Web site has a wealth of information about both raptors and songbirds in New Mexico, including an "ask an expert" link where you can e-mail questions regarding our avian species. Educational efforts include "Living With the Landscape: Building the Future for Community and Wildlife," which teaches students about conservation through classroom training and field trips. The students develop and implement a conservation program unique to their communities.

The Wildlife Center, a rehabilitation center for indigenous New Mexican wildlife, also has a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including animal feeders, bird handler/program educators and office help. The group's Web site has a wish list of supplies to help keep the center functioning. Visiting hours are limited to Saturdays during the winter but offer a close-up experience with non-releasable rescue birds and other wildlife.

If you're concerned about the lack of outdoor activity for children, you may want to join the effort to launch "No Child Left Inside" in New Mexico schools. The Legislature has appropriated funds to develop the program, which has been very successful in getting kids outside in other states.