Archives: Festival Events

Based upon his new book, “Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers”, award-winning photographer Paul Bannick uses his intimate yet dramatic images, up-to-date science and first hand narratives to explore the lives of North American Woodpeckers through four seasons including; courtship, mating, and nesting in spring; fledging and feeding of young in summer; dispersal and learning independence in fall; and, finally winter movements and survival. His exploration of these impactful birds and their habitats includes the species from the Arctic through southern Mexico, including those of the Caribbean Islands. Bannick’s startling images reflect their shared behaviors as well as some surprising exceptions and adaptations. More than just a backdrop, the varied habitats—reveal wildly rich stories of their own. (Limit of 100)

Gilded Flickers by Paul Bannick

Birding is a joy and delight, a struggle and a journey. What if we take what we do as birders and re-imagine it as a deliberate practice akin to yoga or meditation? In this talk, author Ragan Sutterfield will draw on philosophy, religion, and stories from his 30+ years as a birder to explore how paying attention to birds can help us live into virtues like hospitality and friendship, patience and generosity. If you want to go deeper into the soul side of birding, this is the workshop for you.  (Limit of 60)

Northern Cardinal by Mick Thompson

Roadrunners and Cuckoos are members of the same odd family of birds. These species play a significant role in human culture for good reasons—they exhibit extraordinary behavior. With an emphasis on Arizona species, and a peek into this odd family worldwide, this interactive class will explore some unusual anatomy of these birds, what they eat, how they behave, and threats to their populations. (Limit of 100)

Image by Dan Weisz

It can be incredibly rewarding to photograph birds in flight. Equally, however, there can be nothing more frustrating than the very same thing. In this classroom talk professional photographer Krisztina Scheeff with KS Nature Photography will show you loads of birds in flight shots and teach you lots of tips and tricks, camera settings and more to help you get those fantastic in flight bird shots. Corresponding field workshop on Friday morning requires separate registration. To read more about Krisztina, please visit www.KSNaturePhotography.com. (Limit of 60)

Making comics is easy and fun, and it can enhance your birding experience and help you communicate conservation topics. Join author and cartoonist Rosemary Mosco for a workshop that’ll give you the basics you need to make your own comic. No artistic skill required; all levels of drawing and writing welcome!

Come join us for an engaging and enlightening program that takes a closer look at the captivating world of Arizona’s Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls. This program is a deep dive into the lives of these fascinating birds, shedding light on their biology, ecology, and conservation status. What sets this program apart is the invaluable firsthand observations of Steve Vaughan, a seasoned owl expert with decades of experience. For the past eight years, Steve has dedicated his efforts to studying these owls in southern Arizona. This means you’ll get a firsthand account from someone with an intimate knowledge of these remarkable creatures, going beyond what is readily available in published materials. Steve Vaughan’s remarkable career as both an ornithologist and nature photographer spans over 50 years of exploring the avian world. His stunning photographs, which have been published in outlets such as National Geographic and Audubon, capture birds in their most candid and captivating moments. Steve’s deep understanding of birdlife and his technical skill behind the camera allow him to tell powerful stories through his images, highlighting the beauty, fragility, and wonder of the natural world. (Limit of 100)

Image by Stephen Vaughan

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