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Remembering Our Passed Members

SWNMA lost two influential figures with the passing of Eugene Lewis and Dale Zimmerman
within two days of each other. Gene on November 8, 2021 and Dale on November 10, 2021.

Gene Lewis, long time birder and touchstone for bird knowledge in our area, passed away on Nov 8, 2021. In 1991, he and Eulalia moved to Silver City, New Mexico.

They did a lot of traveling about the country and around the world until settling down to stay at home to get involved with the local Audubon, Native Plant Society, Town and Country Garden Club and its thrift store, the Silver City Museum, WILL classes, and Marine Corps League.

Gene was an avid birder and collected 21 years of bird data at the Tyrone Sewage Ponds and nearby area.

In The Ravens (PDF), learn more and what our past board members remember →

Dale Zimmerman, scholar, mentor, international bird expert, passed away on Nov 19, 2021. A world traveler and scholar, Dale published many ornithological works from birds in New Guinea and Africa, to the local “The Birds of the Gila Checklist” which continues to be a U. S. Forest Service Publication and produced in cooperation with Southwestern New Mexico Audubon.

Dale was an accomplished bird illustrator and the primary illustrator of his books. His paintings appeared in other works including the 1983 three-volume Audubon Field Guide to North American Birds. Dale was a generous teacher who touched the lives of many bird lovers though his studies, talks, and mentoring.

In The Ravens (PDF), learn more and what our past board members remember →

Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society 2021 Annual Picnic & Election of Officers

On Friday, September 3, 2021, Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society held its annual picnic at Little Walnut Picnic Pavilion in the Gila National Forest. Members and visitors enjoyed the beautiful site and perfect weather by socializing, bird watching and eating dinner. Covid-safe practices were observed.

A vote was taken approving Rachelle and Susan for two-year terms. Board-appointed positions were reviewed. Several positions remain open and we welcome anyone with interest, expertise and a desire to serve to apply to the SWNMA Board.

Officers:

• President-Vacant
• Treasurer/Membership–Rachelle Bergmann
• Secretary–Susan Slade

Appointed Board positions:

• Education–Myoshi Renard
• Conservation–Vacant
• Communications–Vacant
• Publicity–Vacant
• Programs, Field Trips–Megan Ruehmann. Emily Pollom will assist Megan and Vynce Bourne.
• Ravens Distribution–Russell Wiegman
• Ravens Editor–Patricia Taber

Twenty-one kids and family members took part in a Kids’ Bird Walk along the San Vicente Riparian Corridor.

Led by the events committee of SWNMA, the group met at the Hwy 90 overpass and had a quick orientation on binocular use. Our Chapter’s 10 pairs of binoculars that were purchased with the Audubon Collaborative Grant were appreciated and put to good use! We had a lovely stroll underneath the cottonwoods along the still lush riparian corridor of San Vicente. The creek was running fairly high and autumn colors were just beginning to show.

Though we didn’t spot any of the unusual species that are occasionally being seen this fall (Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Gray Hawk), a handful of our more common residents were around for us to study shapes and calls. One participant pointed out a Turkey Vulture catching thermals high above us; another found several different species of grasshoppers; someone made a boat out of fallen cottonwood leaves while providing details on forest gnomes; another latched a molted cicada shell on their parent’s sweater; someone else asked the difference between Ravens and Crows as they cawed overhead.

Back at the trailhead each child picked out a prize – nature books, butterfly and raptor guides were donated for the event by SWAG (they have a fantastic selection of books– go take a look and pass on your support!). Everyone loved taking part in this type of gathering and we hope to hold more Bird Walks in the future!