Archives: Festival Events

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)

In Owl, award-winning photographer Paul Bannick uses his intimate yet dramatic images to illustrate four different nesting owl species—Northern Pygmy, Burrowing, Great Gray, and Snowy—throughout the course of the year in four distinct habitats. Each stage in an owl’s life is chronicled: courtship, mating, and nesting in spring; fledging and feeding of young in summer; dispersal and learning independence in fall; and, finally, winter’s migration. Unusual irruptions and the everyday struggle to survive are also covered. In addition to the four featured owls, the fifteen other species of North American owls are generously depicted throughout the book; Bannick’s startling images reflect their shared behaviors as well as some surprising exceptions and adaptations. More than just a backdrop, the four featured owl habitats—forest, grassland and steppe, boreal, and Arctic—reveal wildly rich stories of their own. Owl is a stunning follow-up to Bannick’s bestselling title, The Owl and the Woodpecker, giving bird lovers yet another gorgeous photographic tribute, engaging natural history, and a compelling call to preserve the habitats that sustain these most iconic of birds. (Limit of 100)

Burrowing Owl by Paul Bannick.

Colombia is the bird capital of the world, but for its ancient civilizations, our feathered friends were more than mere flying wonders. They were messengers, guardians, and even deities. This presentation explores the deep-rooted relationship between Colombia’s avian diversity and its rich indigenous folklore through the eyes of 5 iconic species and where we can find them. Sponsored by Icaro Birding. (Limit of 60)

Golden-fronted Whitestart by Greg Lavaty