David is a biologist and naturalist who has spent nearly two decades studying the flora and fauna of New Mexico. His work spans a remarkable breadth of avian research, including long-term surveys of wintering grassland birds, riparian communities, Bendire’s Thrashers, and extensive raptor monitoring—most notably focused studies on Aplomado Falcons. He has also conducted breeding and nest-site research on Gray Vireos and completed numerous raptor surveys across the state.
David carried out the first in-depth breeding bird surveys of the Organ Mountains, initiated a study of seasonal movements and nest-site selection in Band-tailed Pigeons, and investigated the ecology of Yellow-eyed Juncos—ultimately documenting the first known instance of their hybridization with Dark-eyed Juncos. For his graduate work, he authored a comprehensive Status and Conservation History of the Peregrine Falcon in New Mexico.
A broad naturalist at heart, David has deep knowledge not only of birds but also of New Mexico’s reptiles, amphibians, mammals, butterflies, and plants. He is an explorer by nature and is especially drawn to the state’s lesser-known “Sky Islands”—including the Big Burro, Alamo Hueco, Animas, Peloncillo, and Organ Mountains—where he seeks out overlooked habitats and under-surveyed areas.
David’s commitment to conservation and community engagement is equally extensive. He served for five years as President of the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society, where he advocated for bird conservation, led field trips, and organized educational programs. His additional roles include advising New Mexico Game and Fish on the Gray Vireo Recovery Plan, serving as an invited instructor for the Doña Ana County Master Naturalist Program, assisting with banding at San Andres NWR, coordinating the Las Cruces Christmas Bird Count, and leading advanced ornithology field trips for New Mexico State University.
Outside of birding, David is an avid cyclist and bikepacker. He has volunteered as a children’s bicycle mechanic, youth bike-safety instructor, and race marshal—reflecting the same enthusiasm, patience, and generosity he brings to the field as a guide.
