Mountain lion, cougar, puma… three names for the same animal. You can see how using common names can be confusing. Two scientists speaking different languages might not be able to determine what particular species they are discussing if its common names differ. To solve this, each species has its own, …
July, 2020
June, 2020
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24 June
Is that selfie with wildlife really worth it?
In short, no, it’s probably not a good idea. Don’t get me wrong, though: I love to take selfies. If I go somewhere, I want to have a photo of myself at that place. My personal photo collection numbers in the six figures. I love to photograph nature and wildlife, …
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24 June
Flower or weed: It’s all about perception
Someone recently asked me what the difference was between a flower and a weed. The answer could be whom is looking at it and where. A very simple definition of a weed is a plant growing where it is unwanted. The term “weed” could be applied to grasses (enjoyed by …
May, 2020
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14 May
Stay bear aware: Protect yourself and bears by removing potential food sources
Human nature can lead us to believe that when we feed wild animals we are helping them. In reality we are causing them more harm than good. In the natural world, bears are very good at finding food sources on their own that help them maintain a balanced diet, without …
April, 2020
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28 April
Critter Camo
Have you ever been startled by walking right up on a rabbit or quail before it bolts out of its hiding spot and surprises you? You didn’t see the animal because it was using camouflage! Camouflage is an animal’s coloration that helps it go unnoticed. This coloration could conceal the …
February, 2020
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26 February
Share with Wildlife –Teaching Science and Leadership Skills
What is a food web? What kind of organisms are at the base of a food chain? How do decomposers fit in? What does the food chain of the gray vireo look like? What kind of management actions could be taken to improve the gray vireo’s status in New Mexico? …
July, 2019
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24 July
Creating a rapport with raptors
Tips for coexisting with urban birds of prey Summer is here and with it comes an increased chance of encountering an urban raptor. Raptors are a category of bird that includes all eagles, falcons, hawks, kites, owls, harriers, osprey and usually vultures. While some of these winged predators are present …
April, 2017
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13 April
Turkey vulture
Did you know…? Many people refer to this bird as a buzzard, which is incorrect. The term buzzard in the United States probably is the result of old western movies, but buzzard, in Europe, refers to a member of the buteo, or hawk family. The turkey vulture’s diet consists almost …
October, 2016
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28 October
Driving: protect yourself & wildlife
As the colors change and the temperature’s drop, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts are spending time outdoors and hunters are getting gear ready for time in the field. All are signs of fall, which also means the days are getting shorter and more vehicles will be on the road at times …
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28 October
Passion for outdoors
Share with Wildlife: Helping youth develop passion for outdoors To help students develop a respect for nature, one northern New Mexico program is trying to close the gap between classroom education and outdoor engagement. The New Mexico Wildlife Center in Española is hoping hands-on science activities will develop a generation …