Help Navopatia Field Station track migratory birds!
Mexico's Costera Pitayal in southern Sonora and northern Sinaloa is a special place. Here Organ Pipe Cactus, known locally as Pitaya, grow in the densest concentrations in their range. Navopatia Field Station is located in the heart of the Pitayal. Since 2004 we’ve studied the winter bird community as part of Sonora’s longest-running landbird monitoring program. Thanks to supporters like you our research and education programs include landbird area searches and banding, waterbird surveys, vegetation transects, training the next generation of scientists, and creating opportunities for local scientists and activists.
We've detected more than 260 species of birds in the Pitayal. Now you can help us go a step further. With your generous support, we can connect the Pitayal to the landscapes where our birds migrate through the Motus network.
Mexico's Costera Pitayal in southern Sonora and northern Sinaloa is a special place. Here Organ Pipe Cactus, known locally as Pitaya, grow in the densest concentrations in their range. Navopatia Field Station is located in the heart of the Pitayal. Since 2004 we’ve studied the winter bird community as part of Sonora’s longest-running landbird monitoring program. Thanks to supporters like you our research and education programs include landbird area searches and banding, waterbird surveys, vegetation transects, training the next generation of scientists, and creating opportunities for local scientists and activists.
We've detected more than 260 species of birds in the Pitayal. Now you can help us go a step further. With your generous support, we can connect the Pitayal to the landscapes where our birds migrate through the Motus network.
Motus is a collaborative wildlife tracking program. Birds wear small, lightweight transmitters like backpacks. Special antennae detect the transmitters when birds fly by. The more Motus antennae there are, the higher the likelihood of detection. Navopatia joined the motus network in December 2020 with the support ofMPG Ranch . When our station went up it was only the third in Mexico and the first in NW Mexico. We are thrilled to be a part of the Motus network and are excited to continue working with partners on both sides of the US Mexico border.
This winter we will deploy transmitters on Green-Tailed Towhees. These striking birds with rufous caps and bright green tails nest in arid brushy habitats throughout the American West. Although they are relatively common throughout their range, scientists know very little about their migratory movements. This is the first step in our Motus studies, which include plans to track other songbirds, as well as shorebirds that winter in the Agiabampo Bay. All research is conducted with the appropriate permits and authorizations. Please also let us know if you are interested in collaborating on research in the area!
This winter we will deploy transmitters on Green-Tailed Towhees. These striking birds with rufous caps and bright green tails nest in arid brushy habitats throughout the American West. Although they are relatively common throughout their range, scientists know very little about their migratory movements. This is the first step in our Motus studies, which include plans to track other songbirds, as well as shorebirds that winter in the Agiabampo Bay. All research is conducted with the appropriate permits and authorizations. Please also let us know if you are interested in collaborating on research in the area!
Each yellow dot is a motus station. Navopatia's motus station is circled in red.
ITSON Professor Luiz-Mendez Barrosso installing a Motus antenna at Navopatia.
Your donation will go directly towards purchasing tracking devices. These high-tech devices cost $200 each. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. All donors will receive a commemorative sticker designed by Tucson artist Ondrea Bell Levey. Any individual or group (friends can pool dontations!) donating at least $200 will get to name a tagged bird, as well as receive periodic updates from Navopatia Scientists about bird detections. Naming rights will go on a first come, first served basis, so donate now!
Co-organizers (2)
Mike Krzywicki
Organizer
Missoula, MT
Navopatia Field Station
Beneficiary
Sallie Herman
Co-organizer