Birding In New Mexico Migration Gary Saint John

Birding in New Mexico

The Turkey Vulture arrives in Spring

The Ash-Throated Flycatcher arrives in Spring

Article and Photos By Gary Saint-John

Another winter has come and gone in New Mexico, and the arrival of spring fills the air with the promise of migrating birds.

The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology explains migration and a lot more on its All About Birds website (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/): “Birds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations.”

Scientists around the world have studied—and continue to study—this migration marvel and can answer some—but not all—questions about this behavior (which is not limited to birds).

As winter wanes and nature transitions from cold and snowy and windy (depending on where you live in New Mexico) to another cold and snowy and windy (depending on where you live in New Mexico) spring, birders anticipate the arrival of Turkey Vultures, swallows, warblers, sparrows, and hummingbirds, among others.

An additional bonus with the advent of spring is that many species of these migrating birds have molted (or soon will molt, which means they replace their feathers) and assume more colorful plumage to help attract a mate in the annual let’sraise-some-youngsters frenzy. This enhanced color also can help birders identify the age of the bird, because it may take a couple of years or more for a bird to reach and maintain its adult plumage.

These early migrants—and other birds that arrive later in April into May—herald the slow-but-sure shift of nature that involves increased daylight hours, warmer temperatures, nest building, egg laying, and the nurturing of young hatchlings.

But not all migrating birds will remain in New Mexico. Some birds that winter in the state will head north in the spring, while other birds that winter in Mexico or Central America or South America will spend time in New Mexico then continue north and out of state to breed in far-flung destinations such as Alaska and Canada.

Those migrants that remain in New Mexico will breed and raise their young in the state’s diverse habitats, including deserts, big cities, small towns, mountains, and plains.

And keep in mind that not all birds migrate, generally because they are able to find suitable supplies of food all year round. Non-migrating birds in McKinley County include the Common Raven,

MIGRATION

House Finch, and the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay.

Birds that migrate to and breed in McKinley County include Black-chinned Hummingbird, Cliff Swallow, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Grace’s Warbler. Note that all these birds are avid insect eaters, although they may eat other food as well. And if the majority of their diet includes insects, you can understand why they migrate south during the colder, limited-insect months in northern climes.

Although it’s timely to mention spring migration because it is happening in New Mexico right now, these summer breeders (and those birds that spend part of their migration in the state), will reverse course as autumn approaches, heading south for the winter. Many of those southbound migrants will settle in New Mexico—such as Whitecrowned Sparrows—while others will continue to warmer climates in Central or South America. It’s interesting to note that not all birds follow the same migration path. Some birds that pass through the state on their way north may not enter New Mexico as they travel to their winter territories, and vice versa. Migration—during both spring and autumn—is something Relax in the Pines birders embrace and enjoy because this magical phenomenon provides another glimpse into the fascinating world of birding. Gary Saint-John is the pen name of an Albuquerque-based writer and birder.Kamp Kiwanis Kamp Kiwanis is just 18 miles Kamp Kiwanis south of Gallup off Hwy 602. Kamp Kiwanis is just 18 miles south of Gallup off Hwy 602. We rent our We rent our facilities for:

Kamp Kiwanis is just 18 miles south of Gallup off Hwy 602. We rent our facilities for weddings, family reunions, meetings, picnics Kamp Kiwanis Relax in the Pines Southwest District Kiwanis Foundation facilities for: • weddings • family reunions • meetings • picnics • weddings • family reunions • meetings • picnics www.kswdfoundation.org Facilities include: lodge and kitchen, dorms for 160, nature trails, chapel, picnic area, and much more! Facilities include: lodge and kitchen, dorms for 160, nature trails, chapel, picnic area and much more! Southwest District Kiwanis Foundation www.kswdfoundation.org Contact Krista McDonald for a tour or reservations at 505-778-5764

The Ring-Necked Duck Flies north in Spring

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