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PHOTO STORY: Albuquerque provides habitat for hundreds of bird species
December 2Albuquerque offers a wide range of bird habitat over a relatively small space. The Bosque ecosystem is home to riparian species, while the city provides habitat for more adaptive urban birds, and the Sandia Mountains provide a home to higher elevation species. Hundreds of resident and migratory birds settle in Albuquerque, according to the City of Albuquerque website. Albuquerque is one of 31 Urban Bird Treaty cities across the United States. UBT cities partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve birds and bird habitat, as well as provide educational and recreational opportunities in urban areas, according to the FWS website. The FWS highlights the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge as one of Albuquerque’s successes in bird conservation. The refuge is considered to be one of the “most ambitious urban conservation projects in the nation,” according to the FWS. In addition to Valle de Oro, birds can choose from many open spaces in Albuquerque that provide habitat, including the Bachechi Open Space, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and even the University of New Mexico’s campus. The Bachechi Open Space is one of 17 Bernalillo County Open Space properties, according to the Bernalillo County website. The space offers wetland habitat, which attracts geese, ducks and herons. The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park provides habitat for over 300 species of birds, according to its website. During this time of year, sandhill cranes find food in the fields, and spotted towhee and duck species gather by feeders at the pond. UNM’s main campus hosts a total of 212 species of birds at different times throughout the year, according to Birding Hotspots. Even with the current Duck Pond renovation, trees and green space provide habitat for robins and roadrunners. 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 X @paloma_chapa88
PHOTO STORY: Hurricane Helene’s impact on Western North Carolina, two months later
December 2It was the third-deadliest hurricane of the modern era, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida late on Sept. 26 before hitting Western North Carolina the following morning. The storm brought flooding, landslides and winds that damaged or downed 40% of the trees in Buncombe County, according to Asheville Watchdog. Two months after the storm, homes across Western North Carolina stood with broken windows and empty rooms. Spray-painted “X”s marked outside walls and garage doors, indicating complete FEMA searches, according to the Civil Air Patrol. Cars and trucks remained abandoned in rivers and under rubble. Residents’ belongings — clothing, curtains, childrens’ toys — sat in piles along the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers. Businesses were boarded up; roads and broken bridges were closed. A building on Riverside Drive in Asheville — located in Buncombe County — read “LOOTERS WILL BE SHOT” in red spray paint. But amid the rubble, residents of Asheville and nearby Swannanoa also spray-painted messages of hope. A statue in the River Arts District — a neighborhood of historic buildings transformed into art galleries and restaurants — stood above a sign that read “even when the creek rises.” A piece of wood in front of a gas station in Swannanoa featured text that read “UR strong” and a red heart. Efforts to rebuild persist. So does the knowledge that the road will be long. Lily Alexander is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on X @llilyalexander
PHOTO STORY: OPINION: Ellis trail, the Sandias’ winter wonderland
December 2The Ellis trail, a gateway to the stunning Sandia Mountains, offers year-round outdoor adventures. In the warmer months, hikers can explore the winding trails, taking in panoramic views of the city below and the rugged mountain peaks. The crisp mountain air and the serene forest setting provide a peaceful escape from the urban bustle. As winter arrives, the trail transforms into a winter wonderland. The snow-covered landscape invites cross-country skiers and snowshoers to glide through the silent forest. The trail winds through a picturesque forest, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, the Sandia Peak Tramway is at the end of the Ellis trail, providing access to downhill skiing and snowboarding at the Sandia Peak Ski Area. The Sandia Peak Tramway, a world-renowned aerial tram, offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Visitors can ride the tram to the summit, where they can enjoy dining and stunning panoramic views. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a winter sports enthusiast, the Ellis trail and the Sandia Peak Tramway offer something for everyone. Their stunning scenery, diverse terrain and convenient location make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Noah Laffler is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
