The winter of 1996–1997 saw a major invasion of New Mexico by “winter” finches, particularly the Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) and Cassin’s Finch (Haemorhous cassinii, until 2012 known as Carpodacus cassinii). This event was well documented at Albuquerque (Bernalillo Co.) and Española (Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties). Concomitant with this invasion, perhaps because of it, there was an epizootic of salmonellosis and mortality of finches that included as well the House Finch (H. mexicanus) and, to a lesser extent, the Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra).