Southeast Arizona is rich in flycatcher diversity, and some of the more common and conspicuous ones include Tyrannus kingbirds and Myiarchus flycatchers. Birders often struggle with the subtle features that differentiate them. In this talk, Chris Benesh will provide some helpful tips on features to focus on and a few shortcuts to help identify them correctly. (Limit of 100)
Cassin’s Kingbird by Lois Manowitz.
What if birding were a comic book full of origin stories, epic quests, elusive nemeses, and unexpected superpowers? Killian, ABA’s Young Birder of the Year and possibly the youngest to reach 700 species in the US, shares his journey as a graphic novel come to life. His path has been shaped by mentors, friends, and a birding community who have taught, inspired, and challenged him. Killian’s story shows how birding is more than a hobby – it is a shared adventure where every birder writes their own heroic story. (Limit of 60)
Five-striped Sparrow art by Killian Sullivan.
Hummingbirds can flap their wings up to 80 times a second, which can present quite the challenge for a photographer. This is the perfect opportunity to learn the specialized techniques needed to create stunning images of hummingbirds. We will cover ambient light, fill-flash and high-speed flash photography techniques. Join professional nature photographer Steve Vaughan for this fantastic opportunity to experience the joys of photographing these flying jewels. You can email Steve at StephenHVaughan@Gmail.com if you have questions. (Limit of 60)
Blue-throated Mountain-gem by Stephen Vaughan
Photographer Jeffry Scott shares a rare, close view into the lives of Cooper’s Hawks thriving across Pima County. Following four wild pairs over several seasons, he has documented courtship, nesting, hunting, and survival. The Cooper’s Hawk is the embodiment of quiet intensity and his photographs reveal the fierce beauty of this raptor living beside us. (Limit of 60)
Cooper’s Hawk by Jeffry Scott
Arizona hosts one of the richest bird populations in North America. Over many years, photographer Francis Morgan set out to photograph every regularly occurring species in the state, a project that became the book Arizona Birds: A Complete Photographic Record of the State’s Avifauna. This talk shares the challenges, field stories, and surprising encounters behind that effort, illustrated with photographs from across Arizona. (Limit of 100)
Costa’s Hummingbird by Francis Morgan
Doors Open at 7:00pm. Concert begins at 8:00pm
$30/person – Purchase Tickets HERE
Join us at nearby 191 Toole for a concert you won’t want to miss! Bonner Black is a songwriter and birder from Nashville, whose birding videos have over 15 million views and gained momentum in 2024 releasing her highly awaited debut album, “Hopeless RomANTICS.” Check out her website here. Purchase tickets directly through 191 Toole.
Author of more than 100 books for children and adults, acclaimed author Sneed B. Collard III traces his path from budding biologist to book author to passionate Boomer Birder. After sharing how his son, Braden, and he first fell in love with birds, he’ll share some of the joys and challenges of being a “birder of a certain age,” and how all birders can overcome obstacles to enjoy the world’s most rewarding and frustrating activity. Along the way, Collard will highlight recent birding adventures to the Middle East, Japan, Spain, Colombia and across the US. He’ll also describe his current project researching and writing about grassland birds, one of North America’s most fascinating—and imperiled—bird groups. Book signing before and after the presentation. (Limit of 100)
Join Rob Ripma of Sabrewing Nature Tours for an introduction to the remarkable birding and wildlife opportunities of Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting birding destinations. This program explores the country’s diverse habitats, from misty highland forests to lowland tropical reserves, home to an impressive array of endemic and range-restricted species. Discover specialties such as Gray-crowned Crocias and Vietnamese Greenfinch, along with notoriously elusive birds that are often easiest to observe in Vietnam, including Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Blue-rumped Pitta, and Siamese Fireback. Rob will highlight key birding areas, target species, and what makes Vietnam uniquely rewarding for birders. Beyond the birds, Vietnam offers exceptional wildlife encounters, outstanding cuisine, welcoming culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are planning a future trip or simply want to learn more about this emerging birding hotspot, this program will showcase why Vietnam deserves a place high on every birder’s travel list. (Limit of 60)
Bar-bellied Pitta, Sabrewing
The term raptor is derived from the Latin word rapere, meaning “to seize or take by force.” These birds are characterized by their keen vision that allows them to detect their prey during flight, as well as powerful talons and beaks. The size, speed, and variety of the species have impressed birdwatchers all over the world. Yet, the ability to successfully ID raptors is a challenge, especially among the species that can be found here in southeast Arizona. Homer Hansen will demonstrate how raptors can be identified through their behavior, wing shape, and flight influence. (Limit of 100)
Harris’s Hawk, Dan Weisz
Birding is often described as one of the most accessible ways to connect with nature, but field experiences can unintentionally center a narrow “default” participant. In this interactive workshop, we’ll examine how field trip design choices shape who feels welcome, prepared, and able to participate. We will also work through realistic birding scenarios that surface common barriers related to mobility, sensory processing, communication styles, stamina, and other barriers to access. Together, we’ll explore practical, field-tested adjustments that trip leaders can implement without needing specialized equipment or major structural changes. This session is designed for field trip leaders, volunteer guides, and anyone who would like to plan birding outings. Participants will leave with a simple planning lens they can apply immediately when writing trip descriptions or preparing for outings. Accessibility Information: This workshop will be held indoors in a seated format with small-group discussion. No outdoor walking is required. Printed materials will use large, high-contrast fonts, and digital copies can be provided. Participants may engage through speaking, listening, or writing. We aim to model flexible participation and encourage attendees to care for their own access needs. For specific accommodation requests, please contact the festival organizer in advance. (Limit of 60)