New Mexico Wildlife Federation:

As New Mexico becomes increasingly warmer and drier, biologist Shayne Halter is working on ways to gauge the health of hummingbirds that move through the state.

New Mexico is the summertime home of populations of black-chinned and broad-tailed hummingbirds, among others. Late in the summer, Rufous and calliope hummingbirds will pass through the state. All of the different types head south to Mexico during the winter.

Hummingbirds feed on plant nectar and insects. Changes in climate and land use are resulting in fewer blossoming plants in many areas. That can leave the birds facing hard times in New Mexico.

Halter is working on a Ph.D. in biology at the University of New Mexico. His research focuses on assessing hummingbirds’ body fat, measuring their metabolic rate and looking at how they use torpor – a sleeplike state during which their body temperature drops – to control their energy consumption.

Halter is the featured speaker at the New Mexico Wildlife Federation’s free “Wildlife Wednesday” presentation for October. His talk will start at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 9, at Marble Brewery’s Northeast Heights Taproom, at 9904 Montgomery, Blvd., NE, Albuquerque.

For more information on Halter’s work, click HERE.