Do you love nature? Do you own a camera? Then this class is for you! Join professional wildlife photography Jamie Cunningham of Sabrewing Nature Tours for tips and tricks to capturing great images, no matter what type of camera you are using! This class covers the basics from do’s and don’ts, when is the best time to shoot, composition, recommended gear, beginning editing and more! (Limit of 60)
Five-striped Sparrow by Jamie Cunningham
Many of us take pride in creating welcoming spaces for birds: hanging feeders, planting native vegetation, and adding water features to help wildlife thrive in our desert environment. These are all vital components of a bird-friendly yard, but true stewardship goes beyond providing food and water. With more birds navigating human-altered landscapes, ensuring safe passage has become an essential part of habitat. Join Olya Weekley, Applied Conservation Program Manager at Tucson Bird Alliance, for an eye-opening look at the hidden hazards birds face: from deadly window collisions and toxic rodenticides to open “death pipes” that silently trap wildlife. Discover how everyday choices can have a lasting impact on local birds and learn simple, effective ways to make your home and community safer for them. Drawing from her hands-on conservation work across southern Arizona, Olya will share practical steps we can all take to protect the birds we love. (Limit of 100)
In southern Mexico, Oaxaca unfolds like a great story—one that refuses to sit still. It begins thousands of years ago with the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations, whose influence still echoes across the valleys and mountains today. Ancient cities like Monte Albán don’t just sit quietly on the hills—they seem to watch over the region, as if making sure nothing important gets forgotten. And clearly, nothing has: traditions, languages, and ways of life remain very much alive. Then come the birds—and in Oaxaca, they come in spectacular fashion. This is the most biodiverse regions in Mexico, where landscapes shift quickly from misty cloud forests to sun-drenched coasts. Nearly 790 bird species can be found here, including a dazzling number of endemics that exist nowhere else on Earth. But the real show happens in the sky: migratory birds from across North America arrive after epic journeys, turning Oaxaca into a seasonal reunion spot. Thanks to its geography—just 218 kilometers between the Pacific and the Atlantic watershed—the region acts like a natural funnel, packing an astonishing variety of species into one place. For bird lovers, it’s less a destination and more a grand festival with feathers. And just when it feels like Oaxaca couldn’t offer more, the food arrives. Rich, bold, and unapologetically complex, Oaxacan cuisine is a celebration in itself. Moles with layers of flavor, heirloom corn in countless forms, and ingredients that tell stories of land and tradition—every meal feels like an event you didn’t know you were invited to, but are very glad you attended. In Oaxaca, history speaks, birds gather, and food delights. It’s not just a place—it’s an experience, full of color, flavor, and a touch of magic.
Orange-breasted Bunting by Greg Lavaty
Have you ever wanted to draw birds, but found it difficult to know how to start? Or maybe you already love drawing birds, but want to learn some new tips and tricks to enhance your practice? This bird drawing workshop is designed to break through the trepidation of the “white page” and get you drawing birds right away. We will learn simple but effective techniques to improve drawing and observation skills that can be easily practiced even alongside hectic daily schedules. Most importantly, this workshop is designed to convince you that drawing is fun and can be a practice to look forward to in order to improve your skills as an artist AND as a birder. While this workshop is geared toward beginners, all skill levels are welcome! Basic art materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own favorites. Hosted at The Drawing Studio, 2760 N Tucson Blvd. Limited to 15 participants.
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
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