ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is hosting its first-ever birding contest, open to all skill levels, running throughout 2026.

Curt Coffman from the department said, “New Mexico is number four in the nation for the number of bird species we have identified over 550 birds in this state.”

The contest, called the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year, began on Jan. 1. Participants can register online until April and must use the eBird app to log their sightings.

“Whether you’re a beginner or you are a seasoned, advanced birder. This is a contest for anybody,” Coffman said.

Coffman shared that someone has already spotted over 200 species in less than two weeks. The grand prize is still being determined, but the contest aims to encourage exploration of New Mexico.

Coffman mentioned that in Albuquerque alone, one could identify 50 to 100 species.

For details on how to join the contest, click here.

SANTA FE, N.M. — A New Mexico state lawmaker is introducing legislation to protect people in New Mexico from the “dangers of AI.”

Attorney General Raúl Torrez joined state Rep. Linda Serrato, D-N.M., to announce the proposed legislation. It is aimed at protecting people from the dangers associated with artificial intelligence.

“Generative AI has incredible potential, but it also poses serious risks when used to deceive, defame, or exploit individuals,” said Torrez.

Serrato emphasized the need for state-level action, saying, “The federal government has failed to provide leadership on this emerging technology.”

Key provisions include mandatory disclosure of synthetic content, free provenance detection tools, and penalties up to $15,000 per violation. Enhanced sentencing is also proposed for felonies involving AI.

The announcement of this legislation comes just days after NMDOJ agents arrested a man accused of using AI apps to turn innocuous photos of children into sexually-explicit images of them.

MORE: Man arrested for using AI apps to create child porn

During the 2025 session, Democratic state Rep. Christine Chandler introduced a bill to establish new regulations for certain AI tools, such as those that create “deepfake” images that falsely portray people in certain ways. The bill would require companies to disclose the use of those types of AI.

MORE: Regulation for artificial intelligence proposed at legislature

The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee recommended passing the bill – but it died in the House Judiciary Committee. Chandler pre-filed similar legislation for this year’s session: