How Hawks Aloft Works to Preserve New Mexico's Wildlife and Landscapes

Hawks Aloft, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in 1994 and based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It works to conserve indigenous wild birds and their habitats through four main channels — avian research, raptor rescue, conservation education, and cooperation with other organizations — with the stated goal of preserving New Mexico's unique landscapes and wildlife populations for generations to come.

The Four Core Work Areas

The organization describes its mission as being carried out through these four activities:

These are presented as connected efforts rather than separate programs: research and rescue address birds directly, while education and partnerships extend the work to people and institutions.

Why Birds Are the Focus

Hawks Aloft frames its mission around indigenous wild birds and their habitats. Birds function as an indicator of landscape health — protecting the habitats they depend on also protects the broader ecosystems of New Mexico. The organization explicitly links this bird-centered work to preserving "New Mexico's unique landscapes and wildlife populations," so the benefit is presented as extending beyond birds alone.

Education and Public Engagement

Conservation education is one of the four named pillars, and the organization's public-facing activity reflects it. Its news and events include:

• The Inaugural NM Wildlife Conference Workshop & Symposium — November 6–7, 2026, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM
• BIRDS OF PREY: Photography Workshop — September 12, 2026
• Living with Landscape — an application-based program
• Field trips and travel programs, such as "Return to the Pantanal: Magical Wildlife of the Northern Pantanal" (July 23–Aug 2, 2027) and "Thrill to the Miracle of Migration • Return to Panama, A River of Raptors" (October 13–28, 2027)

These combine hands-on learning with travel and photography, giving participants direct exposure to wildlife rather than only classroom instruction.

How the Public Can Take Part

Beyond attending events, the site offers several ways to engage:

• Become a Member or Renew Membership
• Reserve a spot at the NM Wildlife Conference
• Buy raffle tickets — the 2026–27 Hawks Aloft Raffle Quilt features a Barn Owl; tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5, with the winning ticket drawn December 4, 2027
• Join trips organized with travel partners (the 2025 Pantanal trip was run with Holbrook Travel)

Membership and event participation are the primary routes the organization presents for public involvement.

What to Keep in Mind

• Hawks Aloft is a 501(c)3 non-profit, so contributions and membership support its conservation work rather than a commercial operation.
• Its scope is New Mexico–centered, though some trips and programs take participants farther afield (Brazil, Panama).
• Specific program dates and prices change; the raffle prices above are as listed, and event details should be confirmed on the organization's site before planning.
• The organization's impact is described in terms of its four work areas and its stated mission — for current research findings, rescue statistics, or program outcomes, check its news and publications directly.