Mourning Cloak at Cienega Canyon. Photo by Author.
July Wings
Summer is thriving in New Mexico and July is buzzing with exciting natural events and wildlife activity. Birds, butterflies, and plants are all putting on their best show. Just picked up a new feeder? Caught the bird watching bug this season? Here are some tips and highlights to keep in mind.
Enjoying Your New Feeder
Morning Magic: Birds are most active during the cooler morning hours, making it the perfect time to watch for visitors. Hang your feeder where you can see it well to maximize your enjoyment.
Cleanliness Counts: Keep your feeders clean to prevent disease. Regular washing is key. Check out this helpful WBU video for tips on easy feeder sanitizing.
Patience Pays Off: It might take a little while for birds to find your new feeder, so don’t get discouraged. Think of it like a new restaurant. No one wants to be the first to try it out!
Apps to ID Birds
Bird ID apps are a game-changer for nature enthusiasts! They make it easy to identify birds in real-time using photos, sounds, or descriptions, turning every outing into a learning experience. These apps often include range maps, bird song, and seasonal tips helping you connect with nature while expanding your knowledge of local wildlife. Perfect for beginners and seasoned birders alike!
Merlin Bird ID
The Merlin Bird ID app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is a free user-friendly bird identification tool for birders of all experience levels. It helps users identify birds using simple methods like answering a few questions, uploading a photo, or recording bird sounds. The app provides detailed bird profiles, range maps, and bird calls, along with a customizable life list. With regularly updated regional bird packs and offline functionality, it’s a versatile companion for identifying and learning about birds worldwide.
Sibley Birds v2
The Sibley Birds v2 app is a comprehensive digital guide to North American bird species, based on David Allen Sibley’s renowned field guide. It features detailed illustrations, range maps, bird calls, and descriptions to aid in bird identification and learning. The app allows users to browse by species or search with filters like size, shape, color, and habitat. It's a must-have for birders of all levels, offering quick, offline access to expert-level resources.
Watch for Rufous Hummingbirds
July marks the start of Rufous Hummingbirds passing through on their way from their northern breeding grounds. These feisty hummers are on the return and they’re not shy about making their presence known. Known for their territorial behavior they dominate feeders chasing away anyone else trying to feed. Try having multiple feeders spaced apart to ensure all your feathered visitors get a chance to dine.
Keep your feeders filled with fresh nectar (a mix of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, no red dye needed) to help them refuel for their journey. Hummingbird feeder solution should be changed every 2-3 days in hot weather (85°F or higher) to prevent spoilage and mold growth. In cooler weather, it can last up to 4-5 days. Always rinse the feeder thoroughly with hot water during refills to ensure it's clean and safe for the birds.
Butterfly Love
Did you know New Mexico ranks among the top three states for butterfly diversity, with over 300 species? Thanks to the state’s unique blend of mountains, deserts, and everything in between, it’s the perfect season to spot these colorful pollinators. From Mourning Cloaks, Admirals to Monarchs, butterflies add a delicate vibrancy to gardens and wildflower fields while playing a crucial role in pollination. Unfortunately, habitat loss and climate change are making it harder for butterflies to thrive.
Learn more about native plants that will thrive in the ABQ area and help butterflies and birds here. Discover the beauty of New Mexico's butterflies and see a full index at Butterflies of New Mexico here.
Birds and More Birds
July is prime time to spot baby Bullock's Orioles as they visit nectar feeders and bird baths. These cheddar cheese birds are learning the ropes from their parents and are a joy to watch as they explore life as a new bird.
Lesser Goldfinches are regulars at feeders this month often bringing their fledglings along. Stock your feeders with nyjer and sunflower seeds to keep these sweet yellow birds coming back for more.
Keep an eye out for Bushtits as they begin to form larger flocks. These birds are tiny! Think of a flying cotton ball with a stick for a tail. They're also social birds traveling in groups, flitting from branch to branch and filling the air with their soft, high-pitched calls. If confetti had a sound? It would be Bushtits peeping away.
Ladder-backed and Downy Woodpeckers are active this month and may surprise you by visiting your nectar feeders. They love nectar!
If you’re in the mountain areas, look for Black-headed Grosbeaks and their fledglings foraging for food. These colorful birds bring a splash of orange and black to the summer scenery and are often heard before they’re seen with their beautiful and melodic song. Have a watch here.
July Tips
- Keep Feeders Full: Support fledglings and adult birds by keeping your feeders stocked with nutritious food.
- Add a Splash of Water: If you haven’t already, set up a birdbath or water feature. It not only keeps birds hydrated but also attracts a greater variety of species.
Summer is a time of abundance in nature, offering endless opportunities to connect with the world around you. From fluttering butterflies to chirping birds and breathtaking landscapes, New Mexico’s summer magic is everywhere. Take a moment to immerse yourself in its sights, sounds, and wonders. You never know what delightful discovery awaits.
Share your sightings, photos, and stories with us. We’d love to hear how you’re connecting with New Mexico’s incredible wildlife and landscape. Email us at [email protected]. Connect with us on social media for more tips and happenings. WBUABQ on Instagram, Wild Birds Unlimited (Albuquerque, NM East) on Facebook and our YouTube Channel - WildBirdsUnlimitedABQEast.
Happy day,
PD StClair WBU Staff Member