Archives: Festival Events

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 of Field Guides 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.

Drawing is about looking deeply. Since the days of Audubon, art has been a way to understand birds on an intimate and detailed level. In this workshop, we will focus on the patterns found on birds of the Sonoran desert. First, we will enjoy some bird images from art history with a focus on charcoal drawing. Next, we will draw sample patterns using charcoal, a fun and forgiving medium that allows you to quickly render an image. Step by step, I will walk you through drawing techniques that make this process of creating patterns fun and accessible to beginners as well as more advanced participants. Finally, working from a photo, we will draw a Ferruginous Hawk using these simple techniques to create a charming charcoal drawing. All materials provided by The Drawing Studio.

Why do some animals develop bold and bright ornaments, while others do not? And what do those traits communicate? Ornamental traits are often seen as signs of strength or quality, but a growing body of evidence is showing that mothers can alter them before their young are even born, thus shaping how their offspring look and behave later in life. Matt Jenkins, a PhD candidate at The University of Arizona studying in Renée Duckworth’s lab will share recent findings from his dissertation where he studies the developmental links between sexually selected traits and behavior in bluebirds across Montana, Arizona and New Mexico. (Limit of 100)

Western Bluebird by David Quanrud

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

Darién is more than a remote corner of Panama—it’s one of the last true wild frontiers in the Americas and a rising star in global birding. Once considered difficult to access, this extraordinary region now attracts birders seeking rare species, intact ecosystems, and meaningful conservation experiences—including the chance to witness two of the Neotropics’ most powerful raptors: the iconic Harpy Eagle and the elusive Crested Eagle. But this talk goes beyond lifers—it’s about impact. The Harpy Eagle has become a powerful symbol of conservation in Darién, helping protect vast tracts of rainforest while generating direct economic benefits for Indigenous and local communities. Through responsible ecotourism, families that once viewed this bird with concern now see it as a source of pride and opportunity. Even better, Darién is now more accessible than ever, with expert local guides and well-organized logistics opening the door to this once-remote region. Join Carlos Bethancourt of the Canopy Family for an inspiring journey into Darién’s birds, culture, and conservation success stories. Discover how this region offers excellent opportunities for several shared endemics that are often more difficult to see elsewhere in South America—while directly contributing to their protection. (Limit of 100)

Image by Tyler Ficker

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