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Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) proudly participated in the XXII Congreso para el Estudio y Conservación de las Aves en México [XXII Congress for the Study and Conservation of Birds in Mexico] (CECAM), held in Ensenada, Baja California, from September 28 to October 2, 2025. The congress, convened by the Sociedad para el Estudio y Conservación de las Aves en México [Society for the Study and Conservation of Birds in Mexico] (CIPAMEX), Mexico’s leading ornithological society, carried the powerful theme: “Birds Connecting Borders and Knowledge.”

This international gathering brought together over 280 participants, including ornithologists, researchers, students, community bird monitors, and birding enthusiasts from across Mexico, the U.S., and Latin America. Hosted jointly by the Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada [Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada] (CICESE) and the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), the event was a milestone for the region and a celebration of collaboration across sectors and countries.

 

WFO’s Role and Representation

This year’s CECAM marked the beginning of a stronger connection between WFO and the Mexican ornithological community. Hiram Rafael Moreno Higareda, a member of the WFO Board of Directors, played a pivotal role as the local host and organizer. A doctoral candidate at CICESE and faculty member at UABC, Moreno was instrumental in bringing the congress to Ensenada, a vision first shared at CECAM 2024 and made real through months of dedicated coordination.

WFO also supported one of the keynote speakers, Dr. Enriqueta Velarde, who gave a powerful presentation on Elegant Terns (Thalasseus elegans) and Heermann’s Gulls (Larus heermanni). Her talk highlighted long-term, large-scale population trends and surprising discoveries—such as the emergence of new Elegant Tern colonies in Southern California and nesting strategies of Heermann’s Gulls. The session sparked engaging discussion and reinforced the importance of cross-border conservation science.

Another standout moment came during the opening keynote, where Philip Unitt, curator of the Department of Birds and Mammals at the San Diego Natural History Museum and editor of WFO’s Western Birds, presented his decades-long work on the Gray Vireo (Vireo vicinior) in Baja California. In recognition of his contributions to binational ornithology, WFO members presented him with artwork created by young artist Jorge Figueroa and a wood-burned Marsh Wren by Ernesto Woods.

 

Citizen Science and Cross-Border Collaboration

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the vital role of citizen science in bird monitoring and habitat conservation. Sessions featured community-led monitoring groups, urban bird programs, and academic-citizen partnerships—all demonstrating how local action contributes to global knowledge.

Jennie Duberstein, coordinator of the Sonoran Joint Venture, delivered a keynote focused on binational conservation efforts between the U.S. and Mexico. She shared tools, strategies, and challenges—especially around balancing habitat protection with the expansion of conservation projects and community engagement.

Equally inspiring was the presentation by Osvel Hinojosa Huerta (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), who outlined 20 years of work restoring the Colorado River Delta. His new Coastal Solutions Fellows Program calls for regional-scale innovation in shorebird conservation—inviting emerging leaders across the continent to apply in 2026.

Among them was Gustavo Figueroa, who introduced the Audubon on Campus initiative—an innovative program that empowers university students to take part in conservation through bird-focused action and education. With a strong presence in the U.S., the program is now exploring ways to expand into Mexico, starting with pilot efforts at Baja California universities. Figueroa’s vision of student-led conservation resonated with young attendees eager to become active stewards of their local birdlife.

During the congress, Hans Sin, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, delivered an inspiring talk on binational collaborations between Mexico and the U.S., highlighting joint efforts for the conservation of at-risk species that inhabit both sides of the border, particularly between California and Baja California. His presentation emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional and scientific partnerships to address shared challenges in biodiversity management.

Similarly, Rafael Rueda Hernández, from Wildlife Acoustics México—one of the other sponsors of the congress alongside WFO—presented his bioacoustics project along the East Coast migratory route, showcasing how cutting-edge technologies are transforming bird research and conservation. His work highlighted the growing value of acoustic tools for understanding migratory patterns and promoting data-driven conservation strategies based on precise, high-resolution information.

 

Looking Ahead: IOC 2026

The connections made at CECAM are just beginning. WFO will continue to engage deeply with Mexican ornithology, especially as we look toward the XXIX International Ornithological Congress (IOC), to be held in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, from November 29 to December 4, 2026.

Organized by the International Ornithologists’ Union in partnership with CIPAMEX, this upcoming IOC will bring the global ornithological community to one of the most biodiverse regions in the Americas. WFO is proud to continue building bridges with our colleagues in Mexico and beyond.

Stay tuned as we expand our international presence and support the exchange of knowledge, conservation efforts, and lasting friendships.

 

November 2025 | Hiram Rafael Moreno Higareda, Board Member