News
Colorado wildlife officials search for person who shot bald eagle with ball bearing
3+ week, 2+ day ago (209+ words) First thing you should know, right after seeing that jarring photo, is that the eagle in question is expected to recover and fly again. Next thing you should know, if you've seen anyone wandering near... Colorado wildlife officials search for…...
Mountain lion sightings northeast of Durango raise concerns
4+ week, 1+ day ago (368+ words) Residents have reported spotting three mountain lions on multiple occasions since mid-December in the Edgemont Meadows subdivision northeast of Durango. Resident Stephanie Kirk said she has not seen the big cats but feels more uneasy since the sightings began. "It's…...
Department of Wildlife hopes to make New Mexico Big Year for birding
1+ mon, 7+ hour ago (771+ words) New Mexico is home to 550 bird species, and the newly named Department of Wildlife is celebrating that by challenging bird enthusiasts to make 2026 their New Mexico Big Year. The department kicked off a friendly competition Jan. 1, encouraging everyone 13 and older…...
A pair of snowy owls spotted along Lake Michigan beach draws crowds in Chicago
2+ mon, 3+ week ago (298+ words) Word of the two owls has circulated on birder forums in the nation's third-largest city for about a week, according to the Chicago Ornithological Society. While snowy owls aren't rare in Chicago, their frequency varies widely each winter. Generally, a…...
SJMA’s Trees for Conservation celebrates 13 years
3+ mon, 1+ week ago (574+ words) Many are familiar with the San Juan Mountains Association's Christmas tree lot. We offer wild, locally sourced trees and wreaths " along with farmed trees " to brighten your home for the holidays. But have you ever wondered how a local nonprofit…...
Birders going ‘cuckoo’ after unexpected sighting in New York City area
3+ mon, 2+ week ago (315+ words) A bird sighting on New York's Long Island has avian enthusiasts flocking to the region in hopes of spotting a feathered friend that has never been seen before in the state. The information eventually was shared with the Cornell Lab…...
Repeal of the Public Lands Rule endangers the West’s lands and livelihoods
3+ mon, 2+ week ago (283+ words) For those of us living in the West, public lands are deeply woven into our culture. They offer habitat for wildlife, access to rivers, recreational trails, cattle grazing, and oil and gas development. What ties these uses together " and drives…...
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies loses federal grants over mysterious ‘DEI’ accusations
3+ mon, 3+ week ago (395+ words) A revered Brighton-based wildlife conservation group more accustomed to thinking about diversity of species is suddenly in the crosshairs of the federal campaign against using resources for diversity in human interactions. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, expert in bird banding,…...
‘Fix our Forests’ is a faux fix
3+ mon, 3+ week ago (197+ words) During my time as a student at Fort Lewis College in the late "70s, I came to cherish the beauty and spirit of Durango and its surrounding forests. It"s heartening to see such thoughtful journalism emerging from the area, especially…...
Rethinking the ‘Fix Our Forests Act’: Prioritizing science and the public, not just logging
4+ mon, 3+ day ago (380+ words) Here in Western Colorado, we don't need another summer of smoke to remind us that wildfire season isn't what it used to be. Communities across the Western Slope need scientifically sound, effective action that actually helps protect our forests and…...