Searching for Birds on the Pecos
By Jennie MacFarland Mexican Spotted Owl, Frank Retes Tucson Audubon staff carry out lots of bird surveys in Southeast Arizona, but sometimes we go a bit further to search for specific species. This spring and summer we traveled to Pecos, New Mexico for a second year of searching for Southwestern Willow Flycatchers and Mexican Spotted Owls. We are trying to determine if these Threatened or Endangered species occur within Pecos National Historical Park to ensure management decisions consider the needs and habitats of these species. Willow Flycatcher, Mick Thompson In addition to myself, there were three staff members helping with these surveys over seven planned visits: Olya Weekley, Aya Pickett, and Jay Snowdon. We carry out specific protocol call-back surveys for Southwestern Willow Flycatchers and Mexican Spotted Owls that require special training and permits. Last year we did not detect either of the two target species in a shortened season, so we hoped to have better luck this spr
