The Randall Davey Audubon Center Newsletter - Spring 2004
COUNTING BIRDS FOR DOLLARS! CAN WE COUNT ON YOU?
THOSE FASCINATING BIRDS: MIGRATION
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S NEST - Optimism and Excitement
WELCOME TO OUR NEW EDUCATOR EILEEN EVERETT!
HAPPENINGS OF AUDUBON NEW MEXICO AND THE RANDALL DAVEY AUDUBON CENTER
COUNTING BIRDS FOR DOLLARS! CAN WE COUNT ON YOU?
Most of you who are birders and bird lovers do so for the mere pleasure of watching the antics of our feathered friends or adding new species to your life list. But did you know that there are those who combine birding with flmndraising? Yes, we’re talking about the annual Audubon BIRDATHON!
Each spring thousands of Audubon members and friends head to the hills, valleys, fields and streams to count as many species as possible in a 24-hour period. In fact, Birdathon is one of the largest birding competitions and fundraising events on the planet. Team members at Audubon chapters, centers and state offices solicit sponsorships from relatives, friends and their auto mechanics who pledge money for each bird species sighted. All of us here at the Randall Davey Audubon Center and Audubon New Mexico are joining this annual happening.
The RDAC-ANM 2004 Birdathon Team will begin its quest for birds and bucks on Sunday afternoon May 2 at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro and finish in the Gila region of southwestern New Mexico near Silver City the following afternoon. Our team, made up of nine board members, good friends and staff, will be led by the incomparable Christopher Rustay. We hope to beat last year’s total of 114 species and last year’s goal of $8,000. Will you help inspire us to meet our goals?
All donors to this year’s Birdathon will be entered in a drawing for prizes donated by Audubon friends and will receive an entertaining report of our adventures and a complete list of all birds sighted by the team.
Where does the money go? All funds raised support the education, conservation and advocacy programs of Audubon New Mexico and the Randall Davey Center. This translates into free field trips to the Center for children from ‘low-income’ schools, additional habitat surveys and further protection of Important Bird Areas, and the work we do with many groups on drafting wise and sustainable environmental policies.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN BIRDATHON 2004?
• Clip and complete the coupon on Page 3.
• Pledge a tax-deductible amount per species or send a donation for a specific amount.
• Ask your family, friends, lawyer, banker and anyone else you know to join you as a sponsor — we’ll be glad to send you extra coupons!
• Know that you will receive our heartfelt gratitude!
THOSE FASCINATING BIRDS: MIGRATION
As the mercury in the thermometer rises and the snow and ice begin to melt, it is easy to see that spring is on its way. Birds in southern New Mexico, Central America, and South America will begin to migrate north this month. Following a migration corridor, birds move each fall to more temperate regions where food is more available. They head north each spring to breed and take advantage of the plentiful amounts of seeds and insects in the summer. Within a few weeks, the area around Santa Fe will come alive with the sounds of songbirds and the sights of raptors soaring overhead. The mechanism by which birds navigate during their annual migration is still unknown. Whether it is using magnetic or meteorological cues, birds such as Red- winged Blackbirds find the same nesting site year after year on the Santa Fe River. The ability of birds to fly such long distances is truly an amazing feat of nature. Species like the Arctic Tern complete a 20,000-mile migration each year!
New visitors will soon be arriving at the Center. Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Warbling Vireos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Western Tanagers, and many kinds of warblers will be among those flying to Santa Fe to reside here for the summer. Keep your eyes open for birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Osprey, Rough- legged Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks soaring over the Sangre de Cristos in March and April. Some of our winter guests such as Dark-eyed Juncos, White- crowned Sparrows, and Clark’s Nutcrackers will be heading north or moving up in elevation in late March. We’ll look forward to their return next winter. In the meantime, please join us for our birding walks on the first and third Saturdays at the Center to see who are the newest arrivals.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S NEST - Optimism and Excitement - David Henderson
As I sit here trying to gather my thoughts, we are just an hour away from the close of another session of the New Mexico Legislature. Those of you who know the legislative process know it would be difficult for me to say it was fun. However, with continued optimism, I believe that legislation may still pass which demonstrates a stronger commitment in this state to protecting one of our most cherished renewable resources — our wildlife — and the habitats in which they live.
At the Randall Davey Audubon Center and Audubon New Mexico we have a mission to understand and act on the conservation needs of this state. We have done this effectively over the years, resulting in our becoming respected environmental advocates and educators. We work hard to teach the public about how they can play an important role in protecting our state’s wildlife heritage. This year there were a couple of key initiatives that, if passed and signed by the Governor, will assist us in our mission.
Our priority piece of legislation was a House Memorial directing the Department of Game and Fish to study alternative ways, other than hunting and fishing license fees, of generating resources for use in non-game management, endangered species recovery, habitat restoration and, perhaps most important to us, environmental education. Another important bill would provide money to develop a new state park, the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, right on the Rio Grande near Las Cruces.
Why are these bills important to us? I will start with the second one first. In our ongoing effort to bring high quality environmental education to the citizens of New Mexico, and using the experience we have gained in education over 20 years at the Randall Davcy Center, we hope to develop a partnership with State Parks that brings a nature education center with quality programs to the new state park. The other bill is important because if we are successful in finding more resources for wildlife and education, Audubon is positioned to assist the state by offering our popular programs like Birds of the Bosque and Birds of the Prairie to kids throughout the state. And, we can be partners in identifying habitats that should be priorities for restoration.
It is clear that there are exciting times ahead.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW EDUCATOR EILEEN EVERETT!
Eileen Everett enthusiastically joined the Audubon Center in January as our Education Specialist. Eileen comes to us from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Albuquerque where she worked as an endangered species biologist. After completing a BA in Human Ecology with a focus on biology and chemistry from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, Eileen decided to thaw out in graduate school and completed an MS in Wildlife Science at New Mexico State University. Throughout New Mexico, she has assisted with field projects on a variety of wildlife species. Recently, Eileen was project leader on a study of the habitat of Jemez Mountains salamanders, a species of lungless salamanders endemic only to the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. Although she is really interested in all aspects of biology, her main focus is on amphibians.
Throughout her years working as a biologist, Eileen was involved in wildlife outreach and maintained an interest in making the public aware about the importance of wildlife and their habitat. When asked why she joined Audubon, she said, “1 really want to interact with kids about natural history topics. Working with kids is wonderful and I am really excited about taking students out on the trails and teaching about my passions: natural history and conservation.” In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking with her dog, and learning about natural history.
Summer will be here before you know it. And that means our popular Audubon Summer Day Camp is ready for another summer full of fun, science and learning. Full-Day Camps are available for children ages 5-11. This year’s topics include predators, botany, the elements, and other natural history topics. Days are filled with hiking, active play in the outdoors, crafts, art activities, and a whole lot of fun.
Registration begins March 8th, 2004. Please call Eileen @ 983-4609 to obtain a brochure or register. Youth Counselor and Youth Counselor in Training positions are also available for teens (12-18 years of age).
Slots fill up quick, so call now!
NEW RELEASE — A must-have for every birder’s bookshelf
Be sure to stop by and pick up a copy of The 500 Most Important BirdAreas in the United States. The American Bird Conservancy, among others, has compiled over 500 significant places for birds. The book focuses conservation efforts where they will matter most for North American birds, and draws the attention of the public to the need to protect these important habitats.
BIRDS NEED BIRDSEED!
Stock up on premium mixed seed, black oil sunflower and thistle. Need a feeder? We carry a variety of feeders to fit your habitat and birdfeeding needs.
REMEMBER - RDAC members always receive a 10% discount in our Nature Store!
As a volunteer coordinator, it’s a luxury to have a volunteer like Tom Kenny. He works in the Nature Store two afternoons a week, and he’s almost always available to fill in on short notice. Tom is always the first to volunteer his time for special events (especially if he knows there will be plenty of good food). And, Tom has taken it upon himself to see that the lucky birds at RDAC don’t go hungry — he fills the feeders as soon as he arrives, and he refills them before the end of his shift if they’re getting low.
Tom’s been a part of RDAC since 1997, and when asked what keeps him coming back, he replies, “When I’m at the Center, I feel my life is very harmonious. I find myself whistling as I drive down the dirt road at the end of each shift.”
Thanks, Tom. Your dedication to the Center and your wry sense of humor go a long way in making the Center an enjoyable place for all!
Become a VOLUNTEER! Call Lisa at 983-4609 to find out about our volunteer opportunities.
HAPPENINGS OF AUDUBON NEW MEXICO AND THE RANDALL DAVEY AUDUBON CENTER
NATURE TRAILS
Location: RDAC
Trails accessible daily from 9 AM - 5 PM
Fee: $2 Adults & $1 Children 12 and under
HISTORIC HOME TOURS
Location: Randall Davey Home & Studio Time: Every Monday at 2 PM (Meet in Visitor Center) Fee: $5 per person. No reservations required. Here is your chance to view the storied painting of Isabel Davey, and find out other stories and little-known facts about the life of bon vivant painter Randall Davey and his historic home.
GUIDED BIRD WALK
Location: RDAC 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 8:30 am
Time: 8:30—10 AM (Approx. end time) FREE — No Reservations Required
An experienced birder will lead an easy walk through the grounds of RDAC. Bring your binoculars or borrow ours. All skill levels welcome. Meet in the RDAC parking lot promptly at 8:30 AM.
Friday, March 5th
LECTURE - GEOTHERMAL POWER &THE VALLES CALDERA GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
Location: RDAC
Time: 7:30 — 9:00 PM FREE
Dr. Fraser Goff will review geothermal power generation and related environmental issues, and discuss the Valles geothermal system specifically. Dr. Goff has worked on approximte1j 1 ot1iffTm1 tW itrgNy 15 countries. He was hired by LANL in 1978 to conduct geothermal exploration and research projects for both conventional and hot dry rock geothermal energy; he has worked on geoscientific studies in the Valles Caldera ever since.
Monday, March 8th
Summer Camp Registration Begins
In-person registration @ 8:00 am. Light refreshments provided.
Wednesday, March 10th
SANGRE DE CRISTO AUDUBON SOCIETY CHAPTER MEETING
Otero Mesa: Chihuahua Desert Remnant
Speaker: Nathan Newcomer
Location: Unitarian Church in Santa Fe (at the corner of Galisteo & Barcelona streets)
Time: 7:30 PM
Members and Non-members welcome!
Nathan Newcomer, grassroots organizer for the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, will present a slide show on the threatened Chihuahuan desert grasslands of Otero Mesa. Otero Mesa, in extreme southern New Mexico, includes some of the last truly intact Chihuahuan desert grasslands in the United States. Home to Pronghorn, many species of wintering birds, and potential habitat for the Aplomado Falcon, Otero Mesa is threatened by energy development. Come and find out why these grasslands need to be protected.
Saturday, March 13th
FIELD TRIP - RIO GRANDE NATURE CENTER
Winter Birds
Location: Rio Grande Nature Center Time: 9:15 am
Leader: Linda Mowbray 989-8295
This half-day trip is good for beginning birders as well as more experienced birders. The nature center offers great views of ducks from their indoor observation room. We’ll be walking outdoors as well. There is an entrance fee. Meet at the Villa Linda Mall carpooling location at 7:30 am or at the Rio Grande Nature Center in Albuquerque at 9:15 am.
Friday, March 26th
SPRING SPECTACULAR FAMILY NIGHT!!
Location: RDAC
Time: 7:00 — 9:00 PM
Friends Members families $10 / non-member families $15
Spring is coming! Join Audubon educators and a Special Guest Presenter as we discover the wonders of spring. Learn about the spring night sky, listen to a special story about the coming season and explore the trails on a flashlight night hike. For families — please bundle up!
Friday — Sunda April 2nd — 4th
HIGH PLAINS LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN FESTIVAL
Location: Milnesand, NM
Join the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish in their annual festival celebrating the Lesser Prairie Chicken. Field trips to the leks, tours of area ranches, seminars on the issues. Registration required by March 20th. Call NM Game & Fish for more information, 476-8000.
Saturday, April 3rd
FIELD TRIP - SPRING MIGRANTS
Location: Espanola Time: 7:00 am
Leaders: Bernie & Dawn Foy, 820-1658
This area contains many excellent birding sites. This 3/4—day trip will introduce you to those areas suitable for birders of all skill levels. Considerable walking at a slow pace. Bring a lunch. Meet at the DeVargas Mall carpooling area at 7:00 am or at Big Rock Casino, 460 N. Riverside Drive, Espanola, at 7:45 am.
Wednesday, April 14th
SANGRE DE CRISTO AUDUBON SOCIETY CHAPTER MEETING
More About Hummingbird Identification
Speaker: Joan Day-Martin
Location: Unitarian Church in Santa Fe Time: 7:30 PM
Members and Non-members welcome! Sharpen your hummingbird identification skills for the summer as Joan Day-Martin, one of New Mexico’s hummingbird specialists, expands on the information she presented in her talk more than a year ago. In addition to local hummingbirds she will give a slide presentation that includes species from throughout the Southwest.
Sunday, April 18th
FIELD TRIP - SPRING MIGRANTS
Location: Cochiti Lake Time: 7:00 am
Leaders: Mary Ristow, 820-0906; Gail Szepatura, 471-4496; Lonnie Howard, 995-9799
This half-day trip is suitable for all levels of birders without much walking. Spotting scopes are useful. Meet at the Villa Linda Mall carpooling location at 7:00 am.
Saturday, May 8th – Full / Half Day
INTERNATIONAL SPRING MIGRATION COUNT
This is a team event: less experienced birders will be placed with more experienced birders if possible. Talk with a count leader at least one week before the 8th of May. Leaders: Santa Fe: Sheila Gershen, 988-3143; Los Alamos: Steve Fettig, 662-6785; Taos, Karen Epperson, 758-7035; Colfax: Dave Cleary, 375-2971, San Miguel: Bill West, 473-2780.
Sunday, May 23rd
FIELD TRIP - DIPPERS & WOODPECKERS
Location: Pecos Time: 7:00 am
Leaders: Karen & Gary Schiltz, 757-2212
On this full-day trip, we’ll explore the area from montane to riparian habitat. We’ll look for the American Dippers, Lewis’ Woodpeckers, and Three-toed Woodpeckers. Suitable for all birders with some walking. Bring a lunch. Meet at Chilaca’s Restaurant carpooling location at 7:00 am or at the Conoco Station on Hwy. 50 four miles east of the 1-25 exit #299 at 7:30 am
Thursdays, April 15th & April 22nd Saturday, April 24th Field Trip
Location: RDAC Time 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Instructor: Walt Teilmann
Cost; $40/$35 for Audubon members
Minimum of 8, Maximum of 15.
Registration required by April 11. This course is designed primarily for beginning-level birders and those with some experience who wish to increase their skills. It will focus on the identification of birds likely to be seen in the Santa Fe area, A field trip will follow the classes for “hands-on experience identifying birds in the field. Binoculars and current field guides provided if needed. For more information, call Mary Ristow at 820-0906 or e-mail mristow@newmexico.com.
Sunday, May 2nd
SPRING BIRDING CLASS - VERY COOL BIRDING ADVENTURES
Location: Las Vegas, NM area 6:30 am -- 3:00 PM
Leader: Bill West
Cost: $501$45 for Audubon members
Minimum of 6, Maximum of 10.
Registration required by April 25. This is a course for more experienced birders. We will explore special areas around Las Vegas. We will greet the returning neotropical migrants with a tour of Ruby Ranch, a private 20,000-acre ranch on Sapello Creek just north of Las Vegas, and possibly visit other nearby areas. Numerous songbirds and waterfowl visit the ranch in migration. If the trip is canceled due to inclement weather, the registration fees will be refunded in full. For more information, call Mary Ristow at 820-0906 or e-mail mristow@newmexico.com.
Audubon New Mexico
Randall Davey Audubon Center
P.O. Box 9314
Santa Fe, NM 87504-9314
(505) 983-4609 Phone
(505) 983-2355 Fax
Located at 1800 Upper Canyon Road, three miles east of the Santa Fe Plaza.
Nature Store Hours 10 a.m. to 4 pm.
Historic House Tours Every Monday at 2 p.m.
Audubon New Mexico Board of Directors
Steve Melander-Dayton - President
Peter Chapin - Vice President
Leslie Barclay - Secretary/Treasurer
Janie Bosworth
Ruth Burstrom
Tom Jervis
Larry Lattman
Ed Mayfield
Jeffrey Myers
Mary Kay Papen
Ray Powell
Nan Schwanfelder
David Vackar
Don Van Soelen
Audubon New Mexico Staff
David Henderson - Executive Director
Kim Straus - Development Director
Deanna Einspahr - Operations Manager
Lisa Boegl - Volunteer Coordinator
Ken Barragan - Education Manager
Eileen Everett - Education Specialist
The mission of the National .Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.