Birds of the US-Mexico Boderlands Publication

Pronatura Noroeste participated in the preparation and publication of this special edition of the scietific journal Studies in Avian Biology, published this fall of 2008, dedicated to the birds of the US-Mexico Borderlands. The edition, titled "Birds of the US-Mexico Borderlands: Distribution, Ecoloy, and Conservation" was the result of joint efforts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Cooper Ornithological Society and Pronatura Noroeste to present scientific information that serves as a base from which effective management and conservation actions for birds and their habitats in the region may be enacted.

The edition includes three articules from researcher of Pronatura and includes information on the status, tendencies, ecology and conservation of birds from the lower portion of the Río Bravo to the Baja California Peninsula, with emphasis on riparian zones, wetlands and pastures. For more information contact Dr. Osvel Hinojosa Huerta (ohinojosa@pronatura-noroeste.org) or Dr. Eduardo Palacios (epalacio@cicese.mx).

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Pronatura Noreoste and Sendero Mexico organize the First Bird Festival in Mazatlan / January 16th – 19th, 2009

www.mazatlanbirdfestival.com

By Dr.Miguel Ángel Cruz, Director of the Bird Conservation Program, Pronatura Noroeste, A.C.

Pronatura Noroeste, the regional chapter of Mexico’s largest and most prestigious conservation organization, together with Sendero Mexico, a company committed with quality nature tours, human and sustainable development aim to attract more birders to the Mazatlan, Sinaloa region to generate more local and international awareness to the wealth of birds in the region and the need for the protection of their varied habitats. More than 500 species of birds have been recorded in the state of Sinaloa including 35 west Mexican endemics. The 2009 Mazatlan Bird Festival will celebrate and highlight the spectacular Tufted Jay & efforts toward its conservation.

There are now hundreds of annual birds festivals, big and small, across North America and the Mazatlan Bird Festival promises to become the most important event of its kind in Latin America with fabulous tours to multiple nearby locations, varied ecosystems and protected areas, conferences by important guest speakers, workshops and exquisite bird art exhibits, all hosted in a city of warm hospitality. As the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, Mazatlan boasts beautiful beaches, great hospitality, accommodations, a lovely historical center with a thriving cultural life and great birding! The Hotel Playa Mazatlan will be the official venue of the Mazatlan Bird Festival next January.

Photos: Macaw, Alwin Van Der Heiden. Hummingbird, Roberto Carmona. Sandpiper and Pelican, Gustavo Danemann.

Since ancient times, man has admired and been facisnated by birds, especially for their ability to fly which inspires a feeling of freedom. More than 10,000 species of birds are found distributed throughout the confines of the world. In Mexico, almost 1,100 species are distributed across our territory, 50% of which are found in northwestern Mexico. This is also quite extraordinary due to the high level of endemic species present, some confined to islands, small sierras or desert habitats. 60% of ducks and geese winter in this region, representing a largest concentration of migratory birds compared with any other area of Mexico.

Birds contribute to pollination, the dispersal of seeds, and the control of rodent populations and are excellent indicators of the health of ecosystems. Avitourism is an important source for economic resources as birds inspire feelings of contentment, satisfaction and relaxation.

However, birds are disappearing: birds once common are increasingly scarce, as observed with endemic and exotic bird species declining at a dizzying pace. The northwest of Mexico has also suffered one of the largest extinction rates, from the extinction of the Mourning Dove on the islands of the Pacific to the extinction of the Imperial Woodpecker on the summits of the sierra.

Bird conservation has been one of the oldest projects for the Pronatura family as well as one of our principal strengths. The fundamental goal of this program is to work in coordination local people and communities to prevent the extinction and decline of bird populations. One of the principal initiatives of this program is the conservation sites where populations of migratory, endemic, colonial or island birds concentrate.

Technical Personnel of the Program

Dr. Miguel Angel Cruz Nieto / Program Director [CV]

Dr. Eduardo Palacios Castro / Associate Director [CV]

Roberto Carmona Piña / Advisor UABCS [CV]

Biól. Raquel Bolaños García / Project Manager, Bahía Magdalena, BCS [CV]

Biól. Bernardo Cruz Monfort / Project Manager, Bahía Magdalena, BCS [CV]

Lic. Juan Rivera / Project Manager, Delta del Río Colorado. Son [CV]

Ing. Alejandra Calvo / Project Manager, Delta del Río Colorado. Son [CV]

José Juan Butrón / Project Manager, Delta del Río Colorado. Son [CV]

M.C. Guadalupe Humberto Gurrola Lopez / Project Manager, Sinaloa [CV]

Biól. Juan Carlos Leyva Martinez / Project Manager, Sinaloa [CV]

Biól. Marco Antonio Gonzalez Bernal / Project Manager, Sinaloa [CV]

Biól. Raul Said Quintero Felix / Project Manager, Sinaloa [CV]

Biól. Hugo Manuel Espinoza Flores / Project Manager, Sinaloa [CV]