By capturing a snapshot of cuckoo occupancy across the entire range for the first time, our ongoing analyses will fill critical gaps in knowledge for the species and inform conservation and recovery plans.
The dedicated members of the Desert Thrasher Working Group are still hard at work conducting range-wide U.S. surveys, expanding research into Mexico, and tracking movements of these elusive and declining desert birds.
Despite years of study, the migratory behavior of the Vaux’s Swift still holds many secrets. Learn about what’s been discovered so far and help Vaux’s Happening find the answers!
Every year, an incredible journey binds the Arctic with the Sonoran Desert coasts 6,000 km away, where a network of beaches, estuaries, and wetlands provides some of the most important stopover and non-breeding habitat for migratory birds.
Birds arrive on their migratory journeys to Estero La Cruz in different time windows, creating a succession of diversity throughout the season.
With strong legs and large feet, rails are superbly adapted to their secretive, marshy habitat. Little did we know that these birds are also capable of migratory feats and using desert habitat, changing the game plan for species recovery efforts.
Occurring patchily and rarely, the secretive habits and cryptic plumage of the desert dwelling Bendire’s Thrasher make it difficult to detect. Facing steep population declines and a lack of knowledge about its life history, researchers are working together to learn more about their migratory pathways to aid conservation efforts.