#ClimateCrisis Alert!
HUNDREDS of dead birds have been reported throughout the state of New Mexico over the past two weeks or so. Please read this thread and retweet! (1/9) #TeamBird #avian #ecology #conservation #migration #extinction

USFWS and NM Game & Fish have been alerted. We at NMSU are working closely with them and other local wildlife biologist to understand the cause of this mass mortality. (2/9)

We have been collecting dead birds (with appropriate permits) off the streets, on campus, at local golf courses, literally EVERYWHERE. (3/9)

We have noticed that the majority of species collected are insectivores and long-distance migrants, such as swallows, wood-pewees, empidonax flycatchers, and warblers. (4/9)

The birds seem to be in relatively good condition, except that they are extremely emaciated. They have no fat reserves and barely any muscle mass. Almost as if they have been flying until they just couldn’t fly anymore. (5/9)

Another interesting note is that resident species, such as Curve-billed Thrashers, White-winged Doves, and Great-tailed Grackles do not seem to be impacted at all. (6/9)

We have very little data, but suspect that the west coast fires, in combination with the local cold front we experienced last week, has altered the migration patterns of many migrants. On top of that, there is little food and water available here in the Chihuahuan Desert. (7/9)

Local news from the Las Cruces Sun: https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/2020/09/12/mass-deaths-migratory-birds-new-mexico-environment/5780282002/ (8/9)

If you start to see large numbers of dead birds in your area, especially the southwest (NM, AZ, even W. Texas) please report it to your state Game & Fish Agency or USFWS. Stay tuned for future updates on this horrible situation. (9/9)