Justin and Swiftbirder, we only received news of this today (see my post). We will do our best to keep everyone informed, as many people are making plans to visit during the winter, which is prime viewing season. Indeed, The American Birding Association is planning a meeting in Albuquerque during that time. I have confidence that some arrangement to provide an alternate placement of the feeder is possible. The feeders may only be placed on disturbed land, which is why they were permitted at the Crest House.
There had originally been two additional feeders in use just to the south of the building, also on disturbed land. They were readily visible from the lower parking lot and of course were not as convenient for viewers as the one on the deck. These two feeders were removed partly because they posed maintenance problems in deep snow conditions, and they "diluted" the rosy-finch flocks anyway. Their placement also caused birders to congregate at windows in the merchandise area, creating security concerns and inconvenience to shoppers and staff.
Perhaps this fact may be the starting point for finding alternative placement other than on the deck of the building.
Locked
