JANUARY WINGS - HAPPY BIRD YEAR

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Photo Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Welcome to 2026! Winter in New Mexico is often the coldest month of the year. While we bundle up, birds are busy staying warm and finding food. This is a critical time to support our feathered neighbors given the days are shorter and food sources are harder to find.

In Albuquerque backyards, winter brings a variety of cute birds, including Juncos, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Mountain Chickadees and White-crowned Sparrows. High-energy offerings like suet are especially important now and help sustain woodpeckers, nuthatches, bushtits, and chickadees. Maintain clean and open water sources during the colder months with a heated birdbath.

At the Sandia Crest, all three species of rosy-finches: Black, Gray-crowned, and Brown-capped, can be found reliably through January. These alpine specialists take advantage of winter conditions and are often seen near rocky outcrops or feeders. There's an ongoing ecology study of these birds conducted by Rio Grande Bird Research Inc. Learn more about this project here.

Watch Birds for Science

One great way to get involved is through Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch, which runs from November through April. It's not too late join! Bird lovers across North America count the birds visiting their feeders, helping scientists track population trends and seasonal movements. It’s fun, easy, and meaningful way to contribute to bird conservation all while getting to know your backyard birds better. Learn more at Project FeederWatch.

Another exciting development for birdwatchers in 2026 is the first ever New Mexico Department of Wildlife statewide Birding Big Year. A Big Year challenges birders to spot (or hear!) as many bird species as possible within New Mexico over one calendar year. Whether you’re a seasoned lister or just love getting outside with binoculars, it’s a fun way to explore the state, sharpen your birding skills, and celebrate New Mexico’s incredible bird diversity. Visit New Mexico Department of Wildlife for full details and how to participate.

Conservation History

January also gives us a chance to reflect on conservation history. January 11 marks the birthday of Aldo Leopold, often called the father of wildlife conservation. A pioneering conservationist and author of A Sand County Almanac , Leopold shaped modern environmental ethics through his concept of the “land ethic,” which encourages people to see themselves as part of, not separate from, the natural world. New Mexico played a key role in his work. While living and working near Tres Piedras, Leopold helped influence the protection of wild landscapes. This includes the Gila Wilderness, the first designated wilderness area in the United States. His cabin near Tres Piedras, now known as the Aldo Leopold Memorial Cabin, remains an important symbol of land stewardship today. Learn more about Mr. Leopold's work and legacy here.

A Day Trip for Birds

For those willing to venture a bit farther, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge continues to be a wildlife hotspot. Large flocks of geese, ducks, and Sandhill Cranes share the landscape with raptors such as Bald Eagles, Merlins, and Northern Harriers, making it a rewarding destination any time of the year.

As winter settles in, providing food, fresh water, and a little observation time can
make a big difference, for birds and for us. Whether you’re counting birds for science, honoring conservation pioneers, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at your feeder, January is a powerful reminder of how connected we are to the natural world.

PD St Clair, WBU Staff Member