Finding birds, building community

Birds brought together beginners and longtime enthusiasts Aug. 1 as the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society welcomed about two dozen people to its monthly bird walk at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park. 

The free outing introduced participants to birds ranging from American kestrels and common nighthawks to Western tanagers and hummingbirds while offering lessons on bird identification, migration and the habitats that support wildlife across southern New Mexico. 

One of the morning’s liveliest moments came near a hummingbird feeder, where participants watched a feisty Rufous hummingbird repeatedly chase away other birds trying to feed. Laughter spread through the group as bird walk leader Dana Parsons, explained that despite their small size, hummingbirds can be surprisingly territorial. For Cheryl Fallstead, president of the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society, those moments are exactly what the organization hopes people experience. 

“While our three-monthly bird walks are just part of what the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society does, they offer an excellent opportunity to be introduced to the hobby of birding, meet other birding enthusiasts, learn about our local birds and get outdoors to appreciate nature,” Fallstead said. 

She said the walks often leave participants with a greater appreciation for both birds and the Chihuahuan Desert. 

“I hope that after participating in one of our bird walks, people gain a greater appreciation of the diversity of bird life in our area as well as an understanding that birds depend on appropriate habitats to survive,” she said. “Along with appreciating the beauty of birds, our role is to help conserve and protect the resources they rely on.” 

Fallstead said the organization has welcomed more young people, college students and first-time birders in recent years, helping challenge the stereotype that birding is only for older generations. 

“People often think that birders are just old people,” she said. “I’m happy to say that’s just not true.” 

Throughout the walk, Parsons regularly stopped the group whenever a new bird appeared, helping participants distinguish similar-looking species while explaining behaviors that often make identification easier. Participants paused to watch an American kestrel overhead before spotting a brightly colored Western tanager weaving through the trees, while the territorial hummingbird provided one of the morning’s most entertaining moments. 

Parsons said one of his favorite birding memories came when New Mexico’s first recorded tufted flycatcher appeared at Young Park, drawing birders from across the country eager to see the rare visitor. 

“It was really cool to see the birding community come together so fast,” Parsons said. 

He hopes anyone curious about birding will simply give it a chance. 

“You have nothing to lose, and you might find your next passion and see the natural world in a way you never had before,” he said. 

Jennifer Montoya, the society’s conservation chair, said the monthly bird walks often become someone’s first introduction to the organization. 

“People come because they’re curious and want more information,” Montoya said. “The bird walk is a welcoming mat to our organization.” 

Beyond its monthly walks, the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation and natural history organization serving Doña Ana, Otero and Sierra counties. The group conducts bird surveys, supports habitat restoration, offers educational programs and advocates for protecting birds and the habitats they depend on across southern New Mexico. 

The society hosts free bird walks throughout the year at locations including Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Sagecrest Park and Leasburg Dam State Park. Loaner binoculars are available, and participants of all experience levels are welcome. More information is available at mvasaudubon.org.