Events

Science on Tap: New Mexico’s Feathered Neighbors

Grab a beer, pull up a chair, and get ready for a wild night out.

Science on Tap is not your ordinary lecture series. Forget stuffy classrooms; we’re bringing top-tier scientists and subject matter experts to a relaxed environment where the conversation flows as easily as the brews.

This Month: Real Stories of NM Raptors

Join Gail Garber as she shares the fascinating life histories and "real-life" dramas of the birds of prey that call New Mexico home. This isn't just a talk—it’s an encounter.

Meet the Hawks Aloft Avian Ambassadors! Get up close and personal with live raptors to learn the secrets of their survival and the nuances of their plumage. You’ll meet:

• Hawks: Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks.
• Falcons: Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, and American Kestrels.

What’s on the Agenda?

Discover the unexpected behaviors and survival strategies of local species:

• The Juvenile "Pack": Learn how fledgling Cooper’s Hawks and American Crows form unlikely social groups.
• The Bat Hunters: Hear the stories of Swainson’s Hawks feasting on bats.
• Roommates or Rivals? Explore the tense dynamics of Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks sharing the same prairie dog towns—where one predator can quickly become another’s prey.

Event Details

• Friday, March 13, 2026 | Doors Open at 5:30 pm | Presentation at 6:00pm
• Location: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
• Admission: $12 per person
• Requirement: Must be 21+ to attend

This series is proudly co-sponsored by the University of New Mexico Nuclear Engineering and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

Buy Your Tickets Today

MEET OUR SPEAKER

Gail Garber

Gail Garber’s path to raptor conservation was as unique as the birds she protects. Her journey began in 1988 as a passionate volunteer, quickly transitioning into a professional role where she mastered everything from grant writing to training. In 1994, she helped found Hawks Aloft, where she has served as Executive Director ever since.

Under her leadership, Hawks Aloft focuses on a four-pillar mission:

• Conservation Education: Sharing the wonders of the avian world with the public.
• Avian Research: Contributing to the scientific understanding of bird populations.
• Raptor Rescue: Providing critical care for injured birds of prey.
• Collaboration: Working with diverse partners to ensure a future for New Mexico’s wildlife.

Beyond her work in New Mexico, Gail is an avid field researcher and lead guide for international birding and nature tours, taking enthusiasts to biodiversity hotspots like Peru, Panama, and Brazil. Her expertise is widely recognized; she has authored numerous peer-reviewed technical papers as well as engaging articles for the general public.

When she isn't in the field or the classroom, Gail leads a fascinating "other life" as an internationally renowned professional quilt maker, author, and judge. Whether she is piecing together a complex textile or a conservation strategy, Gail’s work is defined by precision, passion, and a deep love for education.