To know birds is to know our planet. The presence –or absence– of certain birds in a natural site can be an indicator of its ecological condition. A detailed analysis of the behavior of birds, especially migratory species that occupy our coasts and wetlands every year, helps us to understand their population status and the factors that threaten their habitat. Focusing our attention on birds allows us to focus on long-term conservation efforts.
Since our inception 32 years ago, bird conservation has been a priority. To create didactic material has been an ongoing effort for us, to be used by teachers, students and biodiversity scholars. The joint effort between Pronatura Noroeste experts and the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS) has proven to be successfulto an important collection of photographs. This has resulted in the creation of illustrated bird guides, with verified scientific information and a pleasing design.
Each of our guides presents interesting data, such as the variation in physiognomy between males and females, between adults and juveniles, and the change in plumage during the different seasons of the year, reflecting the adaptation of the species to its habitat. The labels used in the guides indicate whether a species is endemic, resident, a winter or summer migrant, a transient or an introduced species.
This ambitious outreach project was coordinated by Dr. Roberto Carmona, an expert collaborator from the UABCS Bird Laboratory, and his team, in collaboration with Pronatura Noroeste. Each of the guides was supported by organizations and companies; without their valuable contribution, this work would not have been possible. We would like to thank all of them for the success of this noble task.
The Guide to common birds in Bahias del Tobari and southern Sonora presents illustrations of the 110 most common species in the area. It was produced with the support of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) and the technical supervision of Pronatura Noroeste, the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS) and the Cipactli Forest Restoration Agency.
The Guide to the Identification of Mexican Shorebirds contains information on 60 species of birds throughout the country. Like the San Ignacio guide, it was prepared by Defenders Of Wildlife, with the collaboration of Teyeliz, UABCS and, of course, Pronatura Noroeste’s bird conservation team.
The Guide to the Identification of Mexican Shorebirds contains information on 60 species of birds throughout the country. Like the San Ignacio guide, it was prepared by Defenders Of Wildlife, with the collaboration of Teyeliz, UABCS and, of course, Pronatura Noroeste’s bird conservation team.
The Quick Guide to the Common Birds of Guerrero Negro, BCS, focuses on more than 100 birds of this coastal and marine area, distinguished by its marine lagoons, which are a natural sanctuary for whales and other marine mammals. Prepared by Defenders Of Wildlife, it received the support of Teyeliz, UABCS and Pronatura Noroeste, as well as the companies ESSA and Laguna Tours.
Lastly, the Guide to Common Birds of the Lagunas del Ecoparque Municipal de la Juventud exhibits attractive illustrations of more than 100 species of this artificial oasis in La Paz, Baja California Sur. It was produced with the support of the UABCS, the Cipactli Forest Restoration Agency and the municipal government of La Paz, which is in charge of the ecopark.
In a survey conducted with U.S. birdwatchers at conservation sites, it became evident that the use of specialized guides is one of their main needs for this practice, as well as solid information about the site they visit. The illustrated guides that we present here facilitate the relationship with the ecosystem by environmental promoters and the community itself, to better recognize the birds in their habitat.
We proudly share all the guides for free download. We are confident that these guides will be a contribution to strengthen the link between human beings and our environment.
