Pinyon Jay Monitoring Program for New Mexico

Home , Datil Mountains, Jay, Oscura Mountains, Oscura Peak, Pinyon jay, Pinyon pine

Photo Nathan Petersen

Nathan Petersen, Kristine Johnson, and Jacqueline Smith Natural Heritage New Mexico, UNM Biology Department

Natural Heritage New Mexico Publication No. GTR-14-382

December 2014

Contents Table of Figures ...... 3 Abstract ...... 4 Introduction ...... 5 Methods...... 6 Data Mining ...... 6 Field Work ...... 10 Results ...... 11 Data Mining ...... 11 Colony Search ...... 12 Protocol Assessment ...... 15 Discussion ...... 16 Protocol Assessment ...... 16 Survey Results ...... 17 Protocol for Monitoring Pinyon Jays ...... 19 Introduction to Pinyon Jay Biology ...... 19 Procedures for Field Surveys ...... 24 Appendix 1. Monitoring Sites Located in 2014 ...... 25 Bear Mountains ...... 25 Cooney ...... 30 Crow Mesa ...... 32 Driveway ...... 34 El Calderon ...... 36 Mesa Penistaja ...... 38 Point of Rocks ...... 40 Rawhide...... 42 Appendix 2. Pinyon Jay 2014 survey sites, site rank, and survey results...... 44 Acknowledgments...... 45 Literature Cited ...... 45

Table of Figures

Figure 1. Summary of eBird sightings of Pinyon Jays, 2004-2013...... 8 Figure 2. Pinyon Jay observations on BBS routes,1997-2013...... 9 Figure 3. Pinyon Jay definite and probable colony sites...... 13 Figure 4. Pinyon Jay potential colony areas and areas of interest for future survey...... 14 Figure 5. Pinyon Jay nest showing nest depth and substantial construction...... 21 Figure 6. Pinyon Jay nest showing juniper bark lining...... 21 Figure 7. Western Scrub-Jay nest showing shallow cup and grass/root lining...... 22 Figure 8. Northern Mockingbird nest showing smaller size and less substantial structure...... 22 Figure 9. Northern Mockingbird nest showing less substantial structure and thin, rootlet lining. 23 Figure 10, American Robin nest showing incorporation of grasses, fur, paper, mud...... 23 Figure 11. Bear Mountains colony site...... 27 Figure 12. Cerro Colorado colony site...... 29 Figure 13. Cooney colony site...... 31 Figure 14. Crow Mesa colony site...... 33 Figure 15. Driveway colony site...... 35 Figure 16. El Calderon colony site...... 37 Figure 17. Mesa Penistaja colony site...... 39 Figure 18. Point of Rocks colony site...... 41 Figure 19. Rawhide colony site...... 43

Abstract

To develop a monitoring program for Pinyon Jays in New Mexico, we gathered data on recent Pinyon Jay occurrences. Data sources included word of mouth from agency biologists, researchers, people with feeders, and birdwatchers; BBS data; eBird data; New Mexico Ornithological Society data; and specimen data from the Museum of Southwestern Biology. We assigned priority ranks to potential Pinyon Jay colony sites, based on multiple sightings during the breeding season, plentiful public land, ease of access, and location.

During April and May 2014, we surveyed the highest-priority colony sites. In addition to locations that were identified for searching beforehand, we searched other areas opportunistically. When driving to or from a predetermined search area, or when time permitted, we also searched suitable habitat on public land. We found nine definite Pinyon Jay colonies, four probable colony sites, eight potential colony sites, and five areas of interest where Pinyon Jays likely nest. We tested our survey protocol using known colonies and concluded that three visits to each known colony site are usually sufficient to detect an active nesting colony.

Based on these surveys and our experience studying Pinyon Jays in the field, we created a monitoring protocol for Pinyon Jays in New Mexico, included in this report. We recommend that experienced Pinyon Jay researchers conduct monitoring and any inexperienced surveyors receive thorough training in detecting breeding behavior, finding nests, and distinguishing Pinyon Jay nests from those of other species.

Introduction

The USGS Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) reports that Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) populations survey-wide and in New Mexico have been declining steadily for over 40 years (Sauer et al. 2014). Due to concerns about the species’ status, the Pinyon Jay is currently classified as a New Mexico BLM Sensitive Species, DoD Partners in Flight (PIF) priority species (DoD PIF 2011), New Mexico PIF Level 1 Species of Concern (NMPIF 2007), and New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need (New Mexico Department of Game and Fish 2006).

Pinyon Jays are year-round residents in pinyon-juniper (Pinus edulis, P. monophylla, P. cembroides, Juniperus spp.) habitats across the southwestern US. They also occur in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and central Oregon, where they inhabit woodlands and scrublands containing ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), juniper, and chaparral vegetation (Balda 2002). They nest colonially and breed (sometimes cooperatively) on traditional nesting grounds. Pinyon jays are omnivorous, taking pine seeds, acorns, juniper berries, arthropods, and small vertebrates, but they especially depend on the seeds of pinyon pines. With their ability to carry up to 50 pinyon seeds at a time, Pinyon Jays are the main long-distance seed disperser for pinyon trees. In return for seed dispersal services, the trees provide mast crops of abundant, highly nutritional seeds. Cached seeds sustain Pinyon Jays over winter, support successful nesting, and strongly influence the bird’s population viability (Marzluff and Balda 1992). Due to its unique mutualism with pinyon trees (Ligon 1971, 1974, 1978), the Pinyon Jay is likely the most important avian indicator of pinyon and pinyon-juniper woodland productivity.

Concerns about the status of Pinyon Jays are based not only on documented population declines, but also on the anticipated impacts of climate change to its preferred habitat and the pinyon trees with which it is coevolved. “Global change-type drought” has been associated with recent regional die-off of P. edulis (Breshears et al. 2005, Williams et al. 2010) in the Southwest. A 2002-2004 drought in northern Arizona pinyon-juniper woodlands reduced canopy cover by 55% (Clifford et al. 2011). Between 2004 and 2012, average vigor of P. edulis trees at a Pinyon Jay nesting area in the Oscura Mountains declined significantly, and Pinyon Jays moved their nests away from areas of low vigor to areas of higher vigor (Johnson et al. 2014). Increased temperatures in the decades between 1974 and 2008 have also been associated with declines in pinyon cone production in New Mexico (Redmond et al. 2012). In central New Mexico, mast production of juniper, pinyon, and oak decreased from 1997-2004 due to drought (Zlotin and Parmenter 2008). Under climate change, the range of pinyon-juniper habitat is predicted to contract significantly in the Southwest (Thompson et al. 1998) and in southern New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, and to expand in northern New Mexico and Colorado (Cole et al. 2007). Continued warming and associated vapor-pressure deficits are predicted to cause drought stress in the Southwest more severe than the strongest megadroughts since at least CE 1000 (Williams et al. 2012).

Pinyon Jay populations in pinyon-juniper habitats are likely to suffer from these climate-related impacts to pinyon trees. The species’ population declines over the past 40 years could be partly a result of low fledgling production for many years without pinyon crops. Drought-induced

5 reduction of canopy cover could further impact reproductive success by increasing nest predation and decreasing protection from temperature extremes.

Finally, as Pinyon Jay populations decline, pinyon woodlands lose the ecosystem services provided by this bird, the only seed disperser able to harvest, carry, and cache enough seeds to re-establish woodlands destroyed by drought, insects, disease, or fire. Without their main seed disperser, quality and quantity of pinyon woodlands will likely decline as well, and other wildlife species that depend on this habitat will be impacted.

By surveying the same routes each year, the BBS provides a long-term overview of breeding bird populations at state and regional scales. However, BBS results for Pinyon Jay can vary from year to year (Sauer et al. 2014), in part due to features of the bird’s biology. Pinyon Jays are highly social, flocking in winter and nesting colonially. They typically have very large home ranges (Balda 2002), over which flocks move widely, particularly in winter, when they may range far outside their home ranges in search of food. Hence, flock locations are usually temporally and spatially variable and unpredictable. Pinyon Jays have been known to nest in most months of the year (Ligon 1971, 1978), when a mast crop of pinyon seeds is ripe or has been cached; thus, breeding could be missed by BBS surveys, which occur in May and June. Finally, even when a flock is nesting at a traditional colony during the typical season from April to June, it is possible to walk through a colony of nesting Pinyon Jays and not detect nesting birds because groups of males visit the colony only briefly to feed incubating and brooding females.

As a consequence of Pinyon Jay natural history, a more reliable method to monitor Pinyon Jays would be to survey at traditional colony sites during nesting, when and where they can most predictably be found. Several visits to a colony site might be required to rule out nesting, and several hours of quiet watching and listening could be necessary before nesting birds are detected. The monitoring protocol we suggest involves finding a set of traditional colonies to survey and making several visits each year during the breeding season, each visit possibly requiring several hours.

Methods Data Mining

In the winter of 2013 and spring of 2014, we gathered information on Pinyon Jay sightings throughout the state. Data sources included word of mouth from agency biologists, researchers, people with feeders, and birdwatchers; BBS data; eBird data; New Mexico Ornithological Society data; and specimen data from the Museum of Southwestern Biology. Information from biologists and researchers, while useful, was limited. Citizens provided many winter sightings at feeders but few definite breeding season observations. Specimen data from the Museum of Southwestern Biology, while numerous, were often more than a decade old. BBS data, current to 2012, was a useful source, as all records occur during the breeding season. The eBird web site (ebird.org) provided many records and was easy to search.

Using the eBird ‘download data’ function, we acquired all Pinyon Jay sighting data for New Mexico during the breeding season (March - July) since 2004. We used these data in ESRI

ArcMap to make a map that indicated the number of total Pinyon Jays and the number of surveys at each survey location (Figure 1). Locations that were accessible to the public and that had the most Pinyon Jay sightings were given the highest priority for colony survey. Contiguous public land such as National Forest and BLM land received higher priority than small or fragmented public land such as open spaces or parks.

We downloaded data for BBS occurrences of Pinyon Jays in New Mexico using the BBS raw data Online Retrieval System (https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/RawData/). Only sightings since 1997 were downloaded, as older data may not be as useful for locating active colonies. We also downloaded data pertaining to the location of each BBS route. Using ArcMap, we created a map that represents BBS routes by the number of Pinyon Jay sightings on the route. Further, we broke the 25-mile-long route into one-half mile survey points and labeled each according to the number of Pinyon Jays detected there (Figure 2). This allowed us to see at which points along the route Pinyon Jays were detected. BBS routes on public lands that had multiple Pinyon Jay sightings were given highest priority for our colony search effort.

Public outreach in the form of a talk at the NMOS meeting and an announcement in the Central New Mexico Audubon Society newsletter led to the Pinyon Jay sightings provided by private individuals. David Ligon and Margaret Darr collected additional sighting information from the public for our use. The vast majority of these observations were feeder observations in the nonbreeding season on private property. The few observations that occurred during the breeding season were either also feeder observations from private property or were at locations where access was restricted.

Figure 1. Summary of eBird sightings of Pinyon Jays, 2004-2013. Color indicates number of positive surveys; size of circle indicates number of jays counted at the site.

Figure 2. Pinyon Jay observations on BBS routes,1997-2013. Size of purple circle indicates number of Pinyon Jays per route; color of small dots indicates number of jays per stop.

Field Work

We tested the survey protocol at five known colonies Natural Heritage New Mexico has been studying in the Oscura Mountains (White Sands Missile Range), Manzanita Mountains (Kirtland Air Force Base), Crow Mesa, and Rawhide Canyon (the latter two at BLM Farmington Resource Area). All were active in 2013. The protocol required visiting each traditional colony site from one to three times during the nesting season to determine if birds were nesting at old sites. On each visit, we spent 2-3 hours at each site in April, during the morning hours when the jays are most active. If after three or four visits we did not find a nesting colony, we abandoned surveys.

The goal of the first year of the monitoring program was to increase the number of colony sites for survey. Limitations on funding and the length of the breeding season necessitated that 2014 surveys be focused on the most promising locations for finding nesting colonies. We avoided surveying areas where jays were observed in the nonbreeding season, unless evidence suggested locations where they were also present in the breeding season. To maximize the number of sites we could visit within the narrow window of Pinyon Jay nesting, we visited each potential site only once or twice. The protocol for monitoring prescribes up to three visits to each site (see protocol, below). We visited Rowe Mesa twice because several BBS surveys had detected Pinyon Jays there in the breeding season but our first survey was negative. We re-visited four sites to search for additional nests, where our first visit had revealed at least one nest (Bear Mountains, Point of Rocks, El Calderon, and Driveway Colonies).

Using the results of the data mining effort, we ranked the most promising locations to search for Pinyon Jay colonies. Multiple sightings during the breeding season, plentiful public land, ease of access, and location were all important variables when deciding priority. Areas that shared all of these traits, such as the Zuni and Magdalena Mountains, were given priority over other locations such as the Gila National Forest, for which there were notably fewer sightings during the breeding season. The reliability of the data also played a role in setting priorities. Current breeding season sightings from scientists and researchers were given the highest priority, as they are likely the most reliable and detailed of all the data sources. In addition to locations that were identified for searching beforehand, other areas were searched opportunistically. When driving to or from a predetermined search area, or when time permitted, we also searched suitable habitat on public land.

We performed all colony searches in the morning hours, when Pinyon Jay activity peaks. Morning surveys ended when activity declined to a level that made the birds difficult to detect. When possible, we resumed the surveys in the late afternoon and early evening hours as the birds again became more active. We decided if surveying was worthwhile based on the activity of the Pinyon Jays at each site, regardless of time of day.

While driving, we approached all areas with suspected Pinyon Jays or areas of suitable habitat slowly, with the windows down and the radio off. Pinyon Jays are very vocal and can be heard over road and engine noise if driving slowly. We also remained alert for medium-sized blue birds, especially those traveling in groups. However, only birds close to the road can be detected using these cues. In suitable habitat on public land, we stopped and exited the vehicle approximately every one-half mile to listen for vocalizations.

When we detected Pinyon Jays, we remained in the area long enough to assess their behavior. By following the vocal and visual cues of the birds, we determined if further investigation was warranted. Often, the birds would simply be flying over while giving contact calls. If this was the case, we followed the jays if possible to collect more information. We stopped following jays that were foraging and showed no breeding behavior after 20-30 minutes of observation. If we observed breeding behavior such as begging calls, jays collecting nesting material, or flight indicative of nest attendance, we spent additional time to determine if birds were nesting nearby.

If we observed breeding behavior, we remained in the area for at least one hour or until nesting was confirmed. We monitored the birds from a distance to avoid disturbing them and altering their behavior. A high vantage point or the edge of an open area affords the best views for monitoring Pinyon Jay activity. If necessary, we followed the jays to keep them in sight, remaining careful not to disturb them. We noted any clues to potential nest locations, such as fledglings begging, females begging from the nest, or jays flying into a tree with nesting material. If a nest tree was suspected, we approached the tree only if we felt that we could do so without causing undue stress to the Pinyon Jays.

When we found a nest, we marked its location by creating a GPS waypoint. If the nest was occupied, we created the waypoint while standing a distance from the nest and recording the true location, in relation to the waypoint, in our notebooks (e.g., Nest X is seven meters to the north). Binoculars are useful for examining a nest from a distance. If the site is revisited when breeding is not occurring, the nest location can be corrected by taking a waypoint at the nest. Often, when searching an area for active nests, we would also find nests from previous years, which we marked in the same manner. Once a nest was found, we searched the site for additional nests for 1-3 h. At most sites we visited, more search time would lead to the discovery of additional nests in the future.

At several colony locations we visited, jays had finished breeding and the young birds had fledged. The presence of fledglings is another good indication that a colony site is nearby. Pinyon Jays will often remain in the vicinity of the nesting colony until the fledglings are strong enough to fly with the flock. If we saw fledglings, we searched the area for nests, keeping disturbance to a minimum. We focused our search in the vicinity of the fledglings, or once we found a nest, radiating outward from the nest.

Results Data Mining We found 610 eBird locations for Pinyon Jays during the non-breeding season (August through February) and 395 locations during the primary breeding months (March through July), since 2004. The BBS provided 27 routes that detected Pinyon Jays since 1997. Of these, we ranked 10 as high priority for survey based on the number of Pinyon Jays detected and land ownership. Of the 10 high priority sites, time permitted survey of six.

We received 44 responses from private individuals, none of which was used as guidance on the location of nesting colonies. We received four observations from scientists and three of these

11 pointed to potential nesting colonies. We found the Mesa Penistaja colony west of Cuba after NM Game and Fish Biologist Rick Winslow told us that he had observed Pinyon Jay breeding behavior in the area. We explored the Rowe Mesa and McGaffey BBS routes at the suggestion of Christopher Rustay and Steve Cox, respectively. We observed numerous Pinyon Jays at these locations but observed no breeding behavior. The Tres Montosas site recommended by David Ligon is on private property. Colony Search We classify sites in three categories:

1. Definite colony sites had active 2014 nests and birds showing courtship or breeding behavior. These sites and surrounding areas should be surveyed each year. If nesting is not confirmed in at least three protocol visits, the site can be assumed to be inactive. 2. Probable colony sites are areas where we observed breeding behavior or where birds have been reported consistently during the breeding season but where we did not find active nests in 2014. These sites should be visited at least three times to establish them as definite colony sites and, if Pinyon Jays are nesting, they should be surveyed annually thereafter. 3. Potential nesting areas are areas where we observed Pinyon Jays during the 2014 breeding season; however, we saw no breeding behavior. These sites should be revisited in the future to continue to look for breeding colonies. 4. Additional areas of interest are areas where we did not receive enough information on potential colony sites to focus surveys in 2014 but where Pinyon Jay habitat is abundant, the jays occur during winter, and they almost certainly nest. We recommend additional data mining, followed by surveys where indicated, for these areas. It is important to establish monitoring sites in additional areas to provide more complete coverage of the species’ range within the state.

Figure 3. Pinyon Jay definite and probable colony sites.

Figure 4. Pinyon Jay potential colony areas and areas of interest for future survey.

During spring 2014 surveys, we located seven new active Pinyon Jay colonial nesting sites (Figure 3). Three colony sites are located in the Cibola National Forest, Magdalena Ranger District, one in the Cibola National Forest, Mt. Taylor Ranger District, one on New Mexico state land adjacent to the Magdalena Ranger District, one in El Malpais National Monument, and one on BLM land west of Cuba, NM. Two additional colonies, located northeast of Aztec and on Crow Mesa northeast of Nageezi, are on lands managed by the Farmington BLM office. We have studied colonies at the Aztec and Crow Mesa sites since 2012 and 2013, respectively.

In addition to the active colonies, we also located four probable colony sites (Figure 3). The presence of breeding behavior suggests that nesting likely occurred nearby, if not in the immediate area. Two of the probable colony sites were located in the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest, one was at Rowe Mesa in the Santa Fe National Forest, and one was on the Chain of Craters Road in El Malpais National Monument. These sites should be visited again to establish presence of a colony.

During the spring 2014 surveys, we located eight potential Pinyon Jay nesting areas (Figure 4). Three potential nesting areas were located in the Zuni Mountains of the Mt. Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest, one in the San Mateo Mountains of the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, two in the Magdalena Ranger District, one in the Cebolla Wilderness of the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office, and one location encompassing a broad area on the Navajo Nation south of Gallup. These areas should be explored further as time and funding permit.

Examples of additional areas of interest include the Gila National Forest near Silver City, multiple locations from Santa Fe to Taos, and the Manzano Mountains (Figure 4). The southern portions of the Sacramento Mountains of Otero County are also of interest. This region likely represents the southeastern extent of the Pinyon Jay range, although according to eBird, the last record of a Pinyon Jay in the southern Sacramento Mountains was in 2007. We studied active nesting colonies in the nearby Oscura Mountains from 2006-2013. Protocol Assessment

We surveyed for nesting Pinyon Jays at previously-studied, traditional colony sites at North Oscura Peak (one colony), Kirtland Air Force Base (two colonies), Rawhide Canyon (one colony), and Crow Mesa (one colony).

We visited North Oscura Peak on April 7, 14, and 29 and May 26, 2014, at a site where Pinyon Jays have nested since at least 2006. Pinyon Jays were present in a small flock on the first visit, a flock of 44 birds on the second visit, and in small groups on the third visit. On the fourth visit, we detected two adults foraging and a possible fledgling. We concluded that the flock that traditionally nested in the area was present during the breeding season but that most did not nest or those that nested moved their colony far from the old colony sites.

On April 4 and 11 and May 6, 2014, we visited the Receiver Site at Kirtland Air Force Base, where Pinyon Jays nested in 2012 and 2013. Pinyon death was widespread and dramatic at this site in 2014, such that we were unable to find intact patches of trees suitable for nesting. We estimated that 90% of trees were dead. We heard a few Pinyon Jays calling southwest of the old colony site on the April 4 visit and saw one pair move through the site on two visits. After three 15

visits, we concluded that birds were not nesting there in 2014 because the habitat was much too degraded for nesting.

We surveyed at the Office Site at Kirtland on May 5 and 8. On both visits we searched thoroughly for nests. We found no new nests and saw no Pinyon Jay nesting activity. We heard a few Pinyon Jay calls below the colony site but neither saw nor heard jays in the colony areas that were occupied in 2012 and 2013. Tree mortality was significant in the lower elevation area where jays nested in 2012, although not as high as at the Receiver Colony site. Other field commitments precluded a third survey at the Office Colony. Based on two surveys, we are confident that Pinyon Jays did not nest at the Office Site in 2014 because we conducted a thorough nest search in the area occupied in 2013. We thought it possible that the Office Colony birds nested in juniper habitat surrounding the old colony site, but two surveys at the nearby Winch Site revealed only old Pinyon Jay nests.

We surveyed at Crow Mesa on April 14 and 22. On the second visit we found a flock of about 6 pairs and four new nests, one active.

As part of a habitat study for BLM, we visited the Rawhide Colony from two to four times each month from April through October 2014. Of relevance for monitoring is that we detected Pinyon Jays on our second visit on April 15 found four nests the next day.

In summary, we confirmed nesting in two visits at two sites, rejected nesting in three visits at one very degraded site, rejected nesting at one site in four visits, and tentatively rejected nesting at one site in two visits.

Discussion Protocol Assessment

We believe that three protocol visits to a known colony site by experienced surveyors provide reasonable confidence of colony activity or inactivity. Nesting could be missed in fewer than three visits but several actively nesting pairs of Pinyon Jays can usually be detected within three visits. Limited time and funding will usually preclude many repeat visits. If more surveys were feasible, they would add to confidence in negative surveys but would probably not greatly increase the probability of finding nesting birds that were not detected in the first three visits.

An unanticipated result of the surveys at established colonies was that only two of the five groups of Pinyon Jays that we have studied for 2-7 years were definitely nesting in 2014. Of the three colonies where we found no nesting activity, two had significant tree mortality. At the third, North Oscura Peak, a flock of Pinyon Jays had previously moved their colony twice, apparently in response to declining pinyon condition (Johnson et al. ms. in prep.). We believe they either moved again in 2014 or most pairs failed to nest. The three colonies that apparently did not nest are all farther south than the Farmington BLM colonies, and we have observed tree mortality and vigor declines at all three of the southern colonies.

Survey Results

Our 2014 surveys suggest that New Mexico still supports many flocks of Pinyon Jays. Areas that still harbor abundant Pinyon Jays include both sides of US 550 north of Cuba, the Magdalena Ranger District from Magdalena to Datil, the Zuni Mountains of the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, portions of the Navajo Nation south of Gallup, Rowe Mesa of the Santa Fe National Forest, and multiple areas within El Malpais National Monument. Based on habitat and reports of wintering Pinyon Jays, the Gila National Forest and Taos/Santa Fe areas likely also harbor large numbers of jays, but we were unable to find information pointing to potential colony sites on public land there.

We found Pinyon Jays at all high priority areas we surveyed and active nests at seven locations, approximately 45% of the sites where we spent more than 30 minutes. We found nests at 64% of the locations where we observed breeding behavior. Finding an initial nest was usually fairly easily accomplished by following the cues of the birds. However, finding additional nests at colony sites proved more difficult.

Our experience studying known colonies indicates that nests in a large active colony, or even an old colony of moderate size, are typically more numerous than they were at several 2014 survey sites. Our failure to find more nests in 2014 may simply indicate the need for more survey effort per site, or it may suggest that only a portion of the population was attempting to nest. A Pinyon Jay flock does not necessarily attempt to nest every year if conditions are poor (Ligon 1978). Pinyon Jays are relatively long-lived for small birds. Balda (2002) reports a male that lived to age 16 in the wild, and a female aged 14. Although these are notable exceptions (average lifespan is 5-6 years), the point is that a Pinyon Jay faced with poor food conditions can profitably avoid the stresses of nesting and wait to nest another year. However, if faced with several years of poor food, pairs may fail to replace themselves and populations will decline. Future surveys should consider not only presence of jays and evidence of nesting, but the proportion of a flock that is actively nesting. In the face of climate change, new data on Pinyon Jay nest success are needed, as the nest success and survivorship data collected by Balda and his students are now over thirty years old (Marzluff and Balda 1992 and references therein). Nest success could be different in pinyon-juniper habitat than in the ponderosa pine habitat of that study, and nesting success in any habitat could have declined with habitat quality under climate change.

Another potential reason that we did not find more nests at each colony site may be that the Pinyon Jays prefer to nest near a reliable water source. Several of the colony sites that we found in 2014 were located in very close proximity to a water source, usually a cattle tank. The Driveway and Cooney Colonies are named after the nearby cattle tanks of the same name. The habitat at some of these sites was often less than ideal for a large number of Pinyon Jays to nest successfully. These sites had sparse trees, sparse canopy, and small patches of habitat. Perhaps the jays were trading nesting habitat quality for proximity to a reliable water source. Further search effort may find additional small clumps of nests in the vicinity.

In summary, although Pinyon Jays are currently present in New Mexico, their habitat is being impacted by climate change and is predicted to continue decreasing in quantity and quality. Their

17 populations have been declining for over 40 years. In addition, a natural tendency of Pinyon Jays to postpone nesting under unfavorable conditions, or reduction of nest success relative to historical rates could be exacerbating population trends. Monitoring data and information on Pinyon Jay nest success will further our understanding of the causes of Pinyon Jay decline and the prospects for the species’ future.

Protocol for Monitoring Pinyon Jays

Introduction to Pinyon Jay Biology

Pinyon Jays are highly social, non-migratory residents of the western US. They nest mainly in pinyon-juniper habitats and less frequently in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa, Balda 2002) and juniper savanna (Johnson et al. 2012). They may also forage in riparian or sagebrush habitats (K. Johnson pers. obs.).

Pinyon Jays are omnivorous, taking arthropods, juniper berries, and pine seeds. They prefer pinyon pine (Pinus edulis, P. monophylla) seeds, which they eat, feed to nestlings and fledglings, and cache for later retrieval. Pinyon Jay population viability is impacted by the availability of these seeds (Marzluff and Balda 1992). In a pinyon mast year, a large flock of Pinyon Jays could cache several million seeds, qualifying the bird as the tree’s primary long-distance seed disperser (Ligon 1978). The jays gather and cache the ripe seeds in the fall, starting in August and September and continuing until a crop is exhausted. Pinyon Jays will also open and harvest seeds from green cones, typically present in August and September.

Pinyon Jays have been reported breeding every month from February through October (Ligon 1978). A population near Magdalena, NM nested in the fall in years with large mast crops (Ligon 1971, 1974) but autumnal breeding has not been reported in other populations. More commonly, they will nest as early as February in the spring after a large cone crop has been cached (Ligon 1978). After a small or nonexistent cone crop, nesting typically occurs from late March or early April to July.

Pinyon Jays are socially monogamous, and pairs typically stay together for many years. In early spring, Pinyon Jays begin courtship behavior while the flock is still together. At this point, a flock may still travel through the home range but begins to spend more time in and near the traditional colony site. Pairs gradually peel off from the flock and begin to nest. Hence, early in the nesting season, it is common to see a flock of jays foraging at or near a colony site, with courtship behavior occurring between pairs still moving with the flock. At the same time, other pairs may be constructing nests or have active nests.

A flock of Pinyon Jays preparing to breed is a very active, even chaotic affair. Impending nesting is indicated by increased frequency of rattle calls, females begging to their mates or prospective mates, courtship feeding, group display flights, silent sitting, stick manipulation, and pairs prospecting for nest sites (see Balda 2002 for descriptions of these behaviors). During incubation and brooding, small groups of males come into a colony about every one-half to one hour to feed their mates. Females come off their nests and beg (usually quite conspicuously) to be fed, males feed them and leave, while females return to their nests.

Pinyon Jays nest in loose colonies containing a few to 30 nests in a colony (Marzluff and Balda 1992, K. Johnson unpublished). Pinyon Jay nests in the same colony may be as close as 10 m from each other or as far apart as 600 m (Marzluff and Balda 1992). Pinyon Jay nests can be constructed in pinyon, juniper, or ponderosa trees, although in New Mexico pinyon and juniper trees are by far the most common nest trees. Nests may be placed at any aspect relative to the 19

trunk but most nests are on a southern aspect, near the center of the tree. Nests in New Mexico are typically supported by three to five medium- (3-10 cm) or small-diameter (< 3 cm) twigs and, unlike Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) nests, are rarely found sitting lengthwise atop a single large branch.

Nests are typically quite deep, at least half as deep as they are wide (Balda 2002), and the lining is thick. The twigs comprising the nest are of pinyon and/or juniper, and the inside of the nest is lined with a fine material such as grass, rootlets, or juniper bark. The lining is generally substantial, 1-2 cm thick.

Shape and lining help to distinguish Pinyon Jay nests (Figures 5 and 6) from those of Western Scrub-Jays (Figure 7) and Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos, Figures 8 and 9), which are found in the same habitat and have similar nests. Western Scrub-Jay nests, while similar in diameter to Pinyon Jay nests, are not nearly as deep, appearing much more flat in profile. Although the twigs used in nest construction may be identical in size to those used by the Pinyon Jay, Western Scrub-Jay nests are generally sparsely lined in the bottom. The nest of the Western Scrub-Jay is also much more likely to be found on a lateral branch, farther from the trunk of the tree. The nest of the Northern Mockingbird may also be found in pinyon-juniper habitat. While it consists of the same sized twigs as both the Pinyon Jay and Western Scrub-Jay nest, the mockingbird nest will appear slightly smaller and less substantial. In addition, the Northern Mockingbird nest is often lined with rootlets, not juniper bark like the Pinyon Jay nest. The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) nest can also be similar in size to the Pinyon Jay nest but almost always consists of smaller twigs and has grasses and mud incorporated into the main structure (Figure 10).

After nesting is complete, a flock typically stays around the nesting colony until the fledglings are flying well. The flock then begins to move through the home range, which can be 3000-5000 ha in area (Johnson et al. 2011 and references cited therein, K. Johnson unpublished data). The flock will move through the home range harvesting seeds until they have exploited most of the cones, then move to a new area. In years with no cones, they eat alternative foods and may travel outside the colony home range in search of pinyon seeds or other foods. This pattern continues through the winter, until they return to the traditional colony site in the spring. A flock may move its colony site slightly between years, but colonies are usually in the general vicinity of previous nesting areas. In the spring after a particularly poor cone crop with little other food available, a flock or many of its pairs may not nest at all.

Figure 5. Pinyon Jay nest showing nest depth and substantial construction.

Figure 6. Pinyon Jay nest showing juniper bark lining.

Figure 7. Western Scrub-Jay nest showing shallow cup and grass/root lining.

Figure 8. Northern Mockingbird nest showing smaller size and less substantial structure.

Figure 9. Northern Mockingbird nest showing less substantial structure and thin, rootlet lining.

Figure 10, American Robin nest showing incorporation of grasses, fur, paper, mud.

Procedures for Field Surveys

Surveys should begin at locations of known or suspected Pinyon Jay nesting colonies. For monitoring, the same set of traditional colony sites should be visited each year (although new ones can be added to compensate for any sites abandoned by the birds over the years). Surveys in years following a pinyon mast crop should begin in late February or early March. Following non- mast years, courtship will begin in March and nesting will be underway in early April.

Surveys should be conducted in the morning, when the jays will be most active. In early spring when days are still cool, the birds may forage after dawn and show courtship behavior later in the morning. If weather is cold or snowy, courtship often pauses until conditions improve. The jays typically become much less active by midday; surveys should be completed by noon or when the birds become inactive.

1. First look and listen for Pinyon Jays. If a flock is present, find a vantage point (or use a truck cab as a blind) and watch and listen for courtship behaviors. 2. Record number of birds in the flock, behaviors, and movement patterns. 3. Note any pairs that seem to be moving independently of the flock, and note any courtship vocalizations, courtship feeding, carrying sticks, prospecting for nest sites, or nest construction. Watch for small groups of males coming to feed their incubating or brooding mates. If a pair’s activities are centered at one spot and it is possible to approach the area without disturbing the pair, it is OK to search briefly for their nest. 4. If a flock is showing breeding behaviors and is staying in an area, search the area for active or old nests, if it is possible to do so without disturbing nesting birds. If not, take GPS coordinates and return to look for nests at a later time. 5. If birds are not nesting at a survey site but old nests are present, search the surrounding area for active nests and evidence of breeding behavior. A search radius of 500 meters around an old colony is a reasonable distance to find a colony site that has moved slightly, although old colony sites have been found up to 750 meters from active nests. 6. When an active or old nesting colony is located, search the area and record data for all nests found. 7. Nesting may be established in one visit, but to establish that birds are not nesting at a previously-occupied colony site, three to four visits, seven to ten days apart, are required. 8. The most important guideline for searching for nesting Pinyon Jays is to let the birds be your guide. Several hours of watching or following courting birds may be required to find the location of a nesting colony. 9. Do not approach active nests within 20 m and do not stay in the vicinity of an active nest for more than a few seconds. Take GPS points away from active nests and record the approximate distance and direction to the nest from the waypoint. 10. Be aware of nest predators in the area, especially ravens. Do not closely approach nests if you can see or hear ravens. 11. Fill out a data sheet for each site visited. 12. Record all information from each survey in the Access database provided with this report.

To find Pinyon Jay nests, we use a search image gained from experience. We search potential nest trees based on tree size, canopy, foliage density and the presence of surrounding trees (see

Johnson et al. 2014, report in prep. for nest-scale modeling results). However, nests can occur in almost any tree, as we have seen nests in very sparse trees, as well as trees that are only 2 m tall. It is useful to search for “typical” nests trees when exploring a new potential colony site, but once a nest is found, we search nearly all trees in the area. We also have a search image for the nest itself, generally a clump of sticks or darker patch among the tree branches. Completely circling large trees is often necessary to examine all sides. The sun shining through the tree can illuminate clumps and make nests more visible.

When we find a nest, we estimate its age based on several factors. We consider a nest to be from the current nest year if the nest is occupied or still has a fresh, un-weathered appearance. The condition of the nest lining is a good clue to the age of a nest. Lining of current-year nests is typically 1-2 cm thick and made of uncompressed, fresh juniper bark or grass. We have noticed that spiders will often create webs above newer nests, perhaps to take advantage of the presence of nest parasites. Old nests will appear weathered and gray and will often start to fall apart, ultimately falling out of the tree. These nests should be examined closely, as a degraded Pinyon Jay nest may start to look more similar to a Western Scrub-Jay nest.

Because of the difficulty in surveying for Pinyon Jays and interpreting their behavior, we strongly recommend that anyone conducting Pinyon Jay breeding season surveys for purposes of monitoring be trained by experienced Pinyon Jay researchers. Pinyon Jay nests are not easy for the uninitiated to find and can be confused with Western Scrub-Jay, Northern Mockingbird, or American Robin nests. In addition, nests may persist for several years. Because this protocol relies on finding nests, it is particularly important that surveyors have training and experience finding, identifying, determining activity of, and estimating age of nests.

Appendix 1. Monitoring Sites Located in 2014

The following information resulted from our spring 2014 colony search. This information does not represent all of the nests at a colony site, only what we found in the limited time (1-3 hours) spent searching each area. Further effort would almost certainly lead to the discovery of additional nests, both active and old. Directions to the colony, site descriptions, and recommendations are given for each colony. Bear Mountains

The Bear Mountains Colony (Figure 11) is located north of the town of Magdalena in the Bear Mountains of the Cibola National Forest, Magdalena Ranger District. We found three nests likely utilized in 2014 and six old nests in this north-south valley between large hills. The habitat at the colony site is sparse pinyon-juniper dominated by single large trees in a fairly open landscape. The sparseness of this colony site makes it atypical for Pinyon Jay nesting habitat, which is usually characterized by higher tree density.

Due to the sparseness of the trees at this colony site, nest search coverage was probably more thorough than at other sites. We searched the majority of the area in the valley where the nests were found, although not every tree could be examined. Pinyon Jays were present throughout the valley when we visited on May 13, 2014. Medium-sized flocks of 20-30 birds were foraging

25 together on the ground and in the trees. Pale birds and begging calls were present, suggesting that breeding had occurred earlier in the spring and fledglings were flying with the flock. At least 75 Pinyon Jays were present at this site. However, when we returned June 4, 2014 to search for more nests, Pinyon Jays were not present in the area.

To reach the Bear Mountains Colony site, turn right onto N Main St. in the town of Magdalena. After 0.1 mi, turn right onto FR 354. Follow FR 354 for 6.2 mi and turn left onto a two-track, where parking space is available. Follow the two-track/drainage west to reach the colony site.

Figure 11. Bear Mountains colony site.

Cerro Colorado

The Cerro Colorado colony (Figure 12) is located in the Zuni Mountains of the Cibola National Forest, Mt. Taylor Ranger District. We found two nests likely utilized in 2014 and nine old nests, on both sides of FR 480 at the western edge of Zuni Canyon. Patches of pinyon and juniper trees are found at this colony site, with the area along FR 480 mainly open. A large cliff face is located to the north and east of the colony site, limiting the search area in these directions. Abundant pinyon-juniper habitat occurs throughout this entire area.

Search effort at this colony was focused on the flat areas on both sides of FR 480. We also searched the small hills and surrounding trees to the west of FR480 where we found the 2014 nests. Further search effort should begin by focusing to the north and south of the known old nests on the east side of FR 480, along the base of the canyon wall. On April 30, 2014, more than 60 Pinyon Jays were present at the Cerro Colorado Colony site. There were at least three fledglings present, suggesting that some birds had finished nesting. However, the fledglings were not flying well and had probably only recently left the nest. We found no active nests at this colony site.

The quickest way to access the Cerro Colorado colony site is to take I-40 west to exit 81, just east of Grants. Turn left onto NM 53 W and after 0.3 mi turn right onto Zuni Canyon Road. After following Zuni Canyon Rd. for 10.9 mi, turn right onto State Route 57/FR 480. The colony site will be less than 1.0 mi ahead, on both sides of FR 480. This colony can also be reached from the south by taking Paxton Springs Rd to FR 480 from NM 53 near Bandera Ice Cave.

Figure 12. Cerro Colorado colony site.

Cooney

The Cooney Colony (Figure 13) is located on New Mexico state land, just east of the Withington Wilderness in the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. During the 2014 colony search, we found one new nest and three old nests at the Cooney Colony site. This site is dominated by sparse juniper trees on a north-facing slope with negligible pinyon pine present. All nests were in large, isolated juniper trees, atypical for a Pinyon Jay colony.

The 2014 search effort covered nearly all trees on the north-facing slope where nests were located and the trees nearest to FR 56, to the south of the road. This colony area consists of a small clump of juniper trees surrounded by open grassland. Typically, we would not search an area like this due to its fragmented nature and lack of canopy cover. However, the presence of Pinyon Jays led us to this site. A nearby water source to the south, the Cooney Tank, may be a reason why the jays decided to nest in this small, sparse group of trees. Perhaps additional search effort in other areas near the water source would turn up similar, small groups of nests. On May 14, 2014, at least 30 Pinyon Jays were present in the vicinity of the Cooney Colony site. One Pinyon Jay fledgling hid in a tree and did not flush, which suggests that this bird had just recently left the nest.

Access to the Cooney Colony site is most direct from the east. From Magdalena, travel west on US 60 to NM 107 S, which is only about 0.5 mi from the center of town. Follow NM 107 for 17 mi and turn right onto FR 52. After 3.3 mi on FR 52, turn left onto FR 56. The colony site will be just ahead in the junipers on the left.

Figure 13. Cooney colony site.

Crow Mesa

The Crow Mesa Colony (Figure 14) is located between Counselor and Nageezi on lands managed by the BLM Farmington Resource Office. In the course of a habitat study for BLM, we have found 15 Pinyon Jay nests at Crow Mesa during multiple visits over two years. In 2014, we found eight nests: three old, five recent, and one active. On April 22, 2014, five or six pairs of Pinyon Jays were present at Crow Mesa.

Over the past two breeding seasons, we have searched for nests over the majority of the pinyon- juniper habitat on top of Crow Mesa. Future search efforts should focus on following the cues of the Pinyon Jays to determine nesting locations.

To access Crow Mesa, travel north and west from Cuba on US 550 N for about 40 mi. Approximately 2 mi after passing the Lybrook Gas Processing Plant, turn right onto CR 337. As a landmark, at the intersection of US 550 and CR 337, there is a sign for a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Follow the main dirt road, CR 337, for about 3 mi and turn left onto an unnamed road (13N 267245, 4016605). Parking can be found ahead at either the oil well or the abandoned pad at the end of the road. The colony site is south and west from here.

Figure 14. Crow Mesa colony site.

Driveway

The Driveway Colony (Figure 15) is located west of the Datil Mountains in the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. The spring 2014 colony search turned up two active nests, one nest likely active in 2014, and two old nests. All nest trees were pinyon pine in this pinyon-juniper habitat dominated by small clumps of trees.

Search effort at the Driveway Colony was focused on both sides of FR 63 within a 300 m radius of the nests found. The vicinity of Driveway Tank, a cattle tank to the west of the colony site, would be a good place to search in the future. On May 16, 2014, a flock of at least 30 Pinyon Jays was foraging near the colony site. We found two active nests with nestlings on that day. Upon returning to the colony site for further search effort on June 3, 2014, we saw a flock of 20 Pinyon Jays, including several fledglings.

The Driveway Colony is located south of US 60 on the western edge of the Magdalena Ranger District. From Datil, drive 17.7 mi west on US 60 and turn left onto FR 63. Follow FR 63 for 1.8 mi and park on the road or at the user created campsite on the left.

Figure 15. Driveway colony site.

El Calderon

The El Calderon Colony (Figure 16) is located in El Malpais National Monument, near the El Calderon volcanic crater. Our 2014 search effort found three active nests and two nests likely utilized in 2014. We also found two old nests in this pinyon-juniper habitat with scattered ponderosa pines. Because this property is managed by the National Park Service, a permit is required to do research at this colony site.

Search effort at the El Calderon Colony site was focused in the pinyon-juniper habitat near the nests. Abundant good habitat exists nearby, and expanding outward from the known colony area would be advisable for future search efforts. Some private property to the south of the known colony should be avoided unless landowner permission is granted. On April 29, 2014, we detected six or seven pairs of Pinyon Jays in the colony area. On that day, we found two nests containing laying or incubating females. Another pair of jays at this site was collecting nesting material, suggesting that nesting was in its earlier stages. On May 13, 2014, we found two more nests near those found on April 29. Farther west, we found another recent nest and two old ones.

The El Calderon Colony site is located southwest of Grants and south of NM 53. From I-40 W, take exit 81 and turn left onto NM 53 W. Follow NM 53 W for 20 mi and turn left onto a dirt road for the El Calderon Area, which is marked by a National Park Service sign. Keep right at the El Calderon trailhead parking to continue down a jeep road. Nests found at this colony site are located from 1.5-2.0 mi farther down the sometimes rough road.

Figure 16. El Calderon colony site.

Mesa Penistaja

The Mesa Penistaja Colony (Figure 17) is located near Mesa Penistaja, west of Cuba on BLM land managed in the Rio Puerco Resource Area. We found two active nests and nine old nests in two locations at this site. Of the active nests, on April 23 one nest was under construction and the other contained an incubating female. An old colony area comprising eight nests is located about 750 m west of these active nests.

Search effort at this colony site was focused south of Mesa Penistaja and the adjacent private property. The two 2014 nests are located just outside this private property. Abundant good pinyon-juniper habitat is located on top of the mesa and likely contains additional Pinyon Jay nests. Additional old nests will also likely be found by searching in the interior of the mesa bottom bowl where the old colony site was located, as we only searched the bowl perimeter. On April 21, 2014, approximately eight Pinyon Jays were present in the vicinity of the Mesa Penistaja Colony. That evening, we observed a flock of at least 40 Pinyon Jays about 1.0 km south of the colony site. The presence of a large flock 1.0 km away suggested that many jays had not started nesting yet or that another colony was located nearby.

Access to the Mesa Penistaja Colony site is from US 550 near Cuba. Just to the south of Cuba, turn left onto NM 197 S. Follow NM 197 S for 9.2 mi and turn right onto CR 57, West Valle San Ysidro. After 5.2 mi, turn right onto an unnamed road (13N 303250, 3981312), just before W Valle San Ysidro crosses a sandy wash. Continue on the main dirt road/two-track for 3.2 mi, always staying to the left on the more traveled road. After 3.2 mi, continue straight onto the two- track and park to access the old colony area, a short walk to the west, or continue another 0.2 mi to the right for access to the newer nesting site.

Figure 17. Mesa Penistaja colony site.

Point of Rocks

The Point of Rocks Colony (Figure 18) is located on the western edge of the San Mateo Mountains in the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. We found three nests likely active in 2014 at this pinyon-juniper dominated site. On May 15, 2014, a pair of Pinyon Jays was constructing one of these nests.

The 2014 search effort was primarily within 400 m of FR 220. Given that we found only three recent nests and no old nests, it is likely that additional nests exist in the area. Sargent Tank, a cattle pond to the west of the colony site, is likely the main water source for the Pinyon Jays in this area. Future search effort to the west, in the direction of the water source, may prove productive. On May 15, 2014, we found at least eight Pinyon Jays at the colony site. One pair was constructing a nest. Two of the jays present may have been fledglings, which suggests that the timing of nesting was quite variable at this location, with early and late nesters or re-nesting. On June 2, 2014, upon returning to this site to search further, we found that the nest that had been under construction on May 15 was empty, indicating nest failure. Five Pinyon Jays were present during this second visit, including likely fledglings.

Access to the Point of Rocks Colony is from US 60 between Magdalena and Datil. From Magdalena, travel 20 mi west on US 60 and turn left onto NM 52 S. Continue on NM 52 for 10.3 mi and turn left onto FR 476. Follow FR 476 for 2.8 mi and turn left onto FR 220. The colony area will be 1.0 mi ahead, with all known nests north of the road.

Figure 18. Point of Rocks colony site.

Rawhide

The Rawhide Colony (Figure 19) is located northeast of Aztec, about 4 mi south of the Colorado border on lands managed by the BLM Farmington Field Office. Over two years of research and multiple site visits for a BLM project, we have found 37 Pinyon Jay nests at the Rawhide Colony, including 12 in 2014.

The colony area at Rawhide has been searched quite thoroughly over the past two years. In 2014, the majority of the colony moved across the canyon, to the north of the 2013 nesting area. Future search effort should be guided by Pinyon Jay behavior. On April 23, 2014, we found an incubating female during a nest search. In June 2014, we observed a crèche of about 12 fledglings at the Rawhide Colony.

To access the Rawhide Colony, travel east on US 550 N from the intersection of N Aztec Boulevard and N Main Avenue in Aztec, NM. After 4.1 mi on US 550, turn right onto County Road 2770 / Hart Canyon Road. This right hand turn will be just after a large metal building with a tall flagpole out front. After 6.6 mi, take the left fork to continue on CR 2770. Continue on the main road for 7 mi, going straight at any forks, and turn right onto an unnamed road (UTM 252771, 4093397). Take the left fork after 1.3 mi. The colony site will be ahead on either side of the canyon.

Figure 19. Rawhide colony site.

Appendix 2. Pinyon Jay 2014 survey sites, site rank, and survey results.

UTM Rank Name Zone Easting* Northing Management Notes 1 Bear Mountains 13N 295414 3785831 Cibola NF - Magdalena RD 3 new, 6 old nests 1 Cerro Colorado 12N 771253 3889844 Cibola NF - Mt. Taylor RD 2 new, 9 old nests 1 Cooney 13N 279472 3754776 State of New Mexico 1 new, 3 old nests BLM - Farmington Field 1 Crow Mesa 13N 266927 4016058 Office 15 total nests 1 Driveway 13N 224651 3794560 Cibola NF - Magdalena RD 3 new, 2 old nests El Malpais National 1 El Calderon 12N 771769 3872686 Monument 5 new, 2 old nests BLM - Rio Puerco Field 1 Mesa Penistaja 13N 302879 3986000 Office 2 new, 9 old nests 1 Point of Rocks 13N 258101 3756223 Cibola NF - Magdalena RD 3 new nests BLM - Farmington Field 1 Rawhide 13N 255115 4093442 Office 37 total nests Santa Fe NF - Pecos-Las Flock of 70-90 2 Barbero Canyon 13N 442011 3912742 Vegas RD foraging Chain of Craters El Malpais National Flock of 20-30 2 Rd 12N 762654 3874807 Monument foraging 28+ PIJA foraging in 2 Muleshoe 13N 290469 3761737 Cibola NF - Magdalena RD area 2 Sargent Canyon 13N 257155 3753503 Cibola NF - Magdalena RD Flock of 20+ foraging PIJA on steep mesa 3 Bluewater Creek 12N 760368 3901996 Cibola NF - Magdalena RD side 3 Bonita Canyon 13N 227629 3880629 Cibola NF - Mt. Taylor RD many PIJA calls, pairs Cebolla BLM - Rio Puerco Field 3 Wilderness 13N 231792 3848260 Office Flock of 250+ foraging 3 Datil Well 13N 224753 3794991 Cibola NF - Magdalena RD PIJA pairs flying over 26+ PIJA foraging in 3 FR239 13N 269342 3917395 Cibola NF - Mt. Taylor RD area PIJA along FR 49 -La 3 FR49 12N 769059 3888098 Cibola NF - Mt. Taylor RD Jara, 3 Navajo Nation 12N 694697 3909213 Navajo Nation many PIJA in area 3 Private 12N 768591 3895266 Cibola NF - Mt. Taylor RD Up to 100 PIJA in area Nice habitat, eBird 4 FR100 13N 234486 3789161 Cibola NF - Magdalena RD sightings 4 Gila 12N 754657 3638431 Gila NF - Silver City RD feeder sightings Cibola NF - Mountainair 4 Manzanos 13N 379636 3848331 RD feeder, eBird sightings Carson NF - Camino Real year-round feeder 4 Rancho de Taos 13N 449309 4023520 RD sightings Randall Davey Audubon 4 Randall Davey 13N 419664 3950108 Center multiple sightings *NAD 83

Acknowledgments

We thank the scientists and many citizens, too numerous to list here, who provided Pinyon Jay observation information. This project was supported by The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Literature Cited

Balda, R.P. 2002. Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus). In The Birds of North America, A. Poole and F. Gill, editors. Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA and American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington DC. Breshears, D.D., N.S. Cobb, P.M. Rich, K.P. Price, C.D. Allen, R.G. Balice, W.H. Romme, J.H. Kastens, M.L. Floyd, J. Belnap, J.J. Anderson, O.B. Myers, and C.W. Meyer. 2005. Regional vegetation die-off in response to global-change-type drought. Proceedings National Academy Sciences 102:15144-15148. Clifford, M.J., N.S. Cobb, and M. Buenemann. 2011. Long-term tree cover dynamics in a pinyon-juniper woodland: climate-change-type drought resets successional clock. Ecosystems 14:949-962. Cole, K.L., K. Ironside, S. Arundel, P. Duffy, and J. Shaw. 2007. Modeling future plant distributions on the Colorado Plateau: an example using Pinus edulis. Pp. 319-330 in: the Colorado Plateau III; Integrating research and resources management for effective conservation. C. van Riper III and M. Sogge, eds. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ. DoD Partners in Flight. 2011. DoD priority PIF species. Department of Defense Partners in Flight Program. Accessed 19 Jan 2012 at: http://www.dodpif.org/downloads/factsheet11_priority-species_hi.pdf. ESRI 2011. ArcGIS Desktop: Release 10. Redlands, CA: Environmental Systems Research Institute. Johnson, K., L. Wickersham, T. Neville, J. Wickersham, J. Smith, M. Baumann, and C. Finley. 2012. Habitat use at multiple scales by pinyon-juniper birds on Department of Defense lands: landscape scale. Natural Heritage New Mexico Publication 11-GTR-360. Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. Johnson, K., L. Wickersham, J. Smith, G. Sadoti, T. Neville, J. Wickersham, and C. Finley. 2014. Habitat use at multiple scales by pinyon-juniper birds on Department of Defense lands III: Landscape, territory/colony, and nest scale. Natural Heritage New Mexico Publication 14-GTR-381. Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. Johnson, K., L. Wickersham, J. Wickersham, J. Smith, and N. Petersen. In prep. Nesting habitat use by Gray Vireo and Pinyon Jay in the BLM Farmington Resource area 2014. Draft final report to NM Department of Game and Fish. Report in preparation. Johnson, K., G. Sadoti, and J. Smith. In prep. Pinyon Jay behavioral response to declining pinyon condition. Manuscript in preparation. Ligon, J.D. 1971. Late summer-autumnal breeding of the Pinyon Jay in New Mexico. Condor 73:147-153.

Ligon, J.D. 1974. Green cones of the pinyon pine stimulate late summer breeding in the Pinyon Jay. Nature 250:80-82. Ligon, J.D. 1978. Reproductive interdependence of pinyon jays and pinyon pines. Ecological Monographs 48:111-126. Marzluff, J.M. and R.P. Balda. 1992. The Pinyon Jay: the Behavioral Ecology of a Colonial and Cooperative Corvid. T. and A. D. Poyser, London. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. 2006. Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for New Mexico. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Santa Fe, NM. 526 pp. + appendices. New Mexico Partners in Flight. 2007. New Mexico Bird Conservation Plan, version 2.1. C. Rustay and S. Norris, compilers. Albuquerque, NM. Redmond, M.D., F. Forcella, and N.N. Barger. 2012. Declines in pinyon pine cone production associated with regional warming. Ecosphere 3:1-14. Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, J.E. Fallon, K.L. Pardieck, D.J. Ziolkowski, Jr., and W.A. Link. 2014. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Results and Analysis 1966 - 2012. Version 02.19.2014, USGS Patuxant Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. Thompson, R.S., S.E. Hostetler, P.J. Bartlein, and K.H. Anderson. 1998. A strategy for assessing potential future changes in climate, hydrology, and vegetation in the western United States. USGS Circular 1153, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Williams, A.P., C.D. Allen, C.I. Millar, T.W. Swetnam, J. Michaelson, C.J. Still, and S.W. Leavitt. 2010. Forest responses to increasing aridity and warmth in the southwestern United States. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 107:21289-21294. Williams, A.P., C.D. Allen, A.K. Macalady, D. Griffin, C.A. Woodhouse, D.M. Meko, T.W. Swetnam, S.A. Rauscher, R. Seager, H.D. Grissino-Mayer, J.S. Dean, E.R. Cook, C. Gangodagamage, M. Cai, and N.G. McDowell. 2012. Temperature as a potent driver of regional forest drought stress and tree mortality. Nature Climate Change 3:292-297. Zlotin, R.I. and R.R. Parmenter. 2008. Patterns of mast production in pinyon and juniper woodlands along a precipitation gradient in central New Mexico (Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge). Journal of Arid Environments 72:1562-1572.