Conservation Programs & Activities
Have you seen these birds?
Dale Zimmerman and Carol Ann Fugagli are seeking observations for documentation. If you see either of these birds, Phainopepla or Bullock's Oriole, at any location during the 2018 calendar year, please send an email to: Carol Ann Fugagli: email@example.com. Please report any sightings with: 1) locale, 2) date, 3) number of birds.
We appreciate your assistance!
With its erect crest and the male’s shimmering black cloak, the Phainopepla’s name was inspired by the Greek word meaning “shining robe.” Many readers may not know that this species tends to work overtime, with studies indicating the likelihood of breeding twice a year in two distinct habitats.
This long-tailed silky flycatcher can be found perched upright on top of a palo verde or mesquite tree in the Sonoran Desert early in the year from February through April. In May, when the heat at lower elevations begins to intensify and the mistletoe berries there dwindle, the birds move up slope into woodland canyons of Arizona, California, and New Mexico, where they breed again through July.
The male is glossy black except for broad white patches under the wings that are obvious in flight. The female is gray with some wing patches. Both sexes have red eyes, an obvious crest and long slender tail. The bill is short and slender. They can be 6.3 to 7.9 inches long. In recent years, the local movements of this conspicuous bird are believed to be shifting.
This breeding bird of our riparian forests and Silver City’s shade trees has been declining in recent years, and we would like your assistance in documenting its abundance and distribution.
Male Bullock’s Orioles are larger and more colorful with orange and black plumage, a distinctive white wing patch and a black throat and eyeline. The females have more of a dull yellow coloration with gray-brown underparts.
Western Rivers Action Network
The Gila River, New Mexico's last wild river, has been named one of the country’s most endangered by American Rivers. Healthy rivers are essential to our livelihoods and wildlife. Audubon New Mexico is working to improve river health and resiliency. We CAN help.
Help the Birds - Become a FeederWatcher
Every bird observation reported makes a difference. More than 20,000 FeederWatchers contribute their data by reporting the highest number of each species they see at their feeders during periodic two-day counts through early April. It is simple and a great activity for families and school groups.
More FeederWatcher Info . . .
Be bird, butterfly and bee friendly!
It’s easy to not harm swallows and other birds, as well as insect pollinators such as butterflies and bees! More →
Simply avoid using pesticides and harsh cleaning products, like bleach, anywhere outside of your house. Be aware that pesticides include all types of insect control (insecticide), rodent control (rodenticide) and weed control (herbicide) products. Stick to mild biodegradable soaps for outdoor cleaning of lawn furniture, etc. To make your own safe, homemade, insecticides see: treehugger.com/lawn-garden/8-natural-homemade-insecticides.