During the summer months in Albuquerque, New Mexico, many birds can be seen feeding, singing, mating, nesting and raising their young in urban areas.
Pictured in this story are woodpeckers, bushtits, migratory kingbirds, hummingbirds, doves, thrashers, hawks and a starling.
Mother doves can be seen building nests from twigs in trees and any place they find suitable. One dove pictured in this story found the electric pole to be a comfortable nesting spot. Another dove pictured chose to nest in an Ash tree.
Humming birds frequent nectar-filled flowers and hummingbird feeders, and the more shy yet loud Curve-billed thrashers often sing past sunset, coming to the feeders when other birds have gone to sleep.
Curve-billed thrashers primarily live in the desert brush outside the city, but if neighborhoods have native vegetation, these birds will move in. Thrashers are especially attracted to areas with cholla cactus, where they like to nest, according to Audubon.
Bushtits come to feeders in flocks. They have quiet, constant, high-pitch chirps, eat together and then leave together. They can also be found perching in the branches of shrub-like trees.
Hawks fly over neighborhoods taking advantage of the bird habitat and feeders, where feeding birds become easy prey.
Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06
Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @paloma_chapa88
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PHOTO STORY: Albuquerque No Kings march draws several thousand
March 29Major intersections were shut down for Albuquerque’s third No Kings protest, which drew approximately 50,000 participants to Montgomery Park and hosted multiple speakers, including former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Chants criticizing President Donald Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the war in Iran echoed throughout the crowd. Some participants highlighted Blackstone’s proposed acquisition of energy supplier Public Service Company New Mexico, chanting “Our home is not a sacrifice zone,” and carrying banners that read “Back off Blackstone." Radiance LaJeunesse, who marched with the crowd, said she attended because of “all injustices,” including (the Trump Administration) “pulling children away from their families and killing American citizens.” “It's got way out of hand, this little science experiment that Trump wants,” LaJeunesse said. “I won't lie. I do believe that Democrats are a little spineless. I am a Democrat. But because that's the only way I can vote in every single election, so I make sure to do that.” Leila Chapa is the social media and photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88
PHOTO STORY: Treasures of the Earth Expo
March 23The Treasures of the Earth Expo, presented by the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club, welcomed visitors of all ages with vibrant displays of minerals and engaging activities. From Friday to Sunday, March 20-22, at the Expo NM State Fairgrounds, guests were warmly greeted by volunteers. After buying their tickets, they could cast their vote in the gemstone display competition and entered a raffle for a chance to win prizes. Among the organizations competing for the standout displays were the San Juan College Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology and the New Mexico Mineral Museum. Their booths showcased gems and minerals accompanied by informative pamphlets containing historical and scientific facts. This year’s expo drew a lively crowd eager to explore the wide variety of gemstones, jewelry, fossils and unique mineral-themed products. In addition to the marketplace and display competition, the event featured a daily silent auction where attendees bid on coveted stones and gems to take home. Beyond raw gems and decorative jewelry, vendors offered mineral lamps, wine caps adorned with polished stones, gua shas, dinosaur teeth and an array of intricately carved figures including dragons, skulls, pirate ships, mushrooms and moon shapes. For those needing a break, The Taco Guy provided food options, and tables and chairs were available for guests to relax and recharge. Paulina Acosta-Marta is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
