Arizona’s Sky Islands were the former home of one of only two native parrots in North America – the Thick-billed Parrot. We discuss the natural history of this remarkable bird as well as the reasons for its decline and prospects for the future. (Limit of 100)
Thick-billed Parrots by Jorge Montejo
At some point, every bird photographer hits a plateau. The technical skills are solid—sharp focus, proper exposure, strong composition—but the images start to feel predictable. They’re missing that creative spark that makes a photograph truly memorable. In this class, Steve Vaughan will help you move beyond that rut. Together, we’ll explore fresh, creative approaches to bird photography—experimenting with light, perspective, and storytelling techniques to breathe new life into your work. By challenging your habits and stepping outside the bounds of traditional methods, you’ll find renewed inspiration and discover exciting new directions for your photography.
Stephen Vaughan is a seasoned professional nature photographer and ornithologist, dedicating over five decades to capturing and exploring the wonders of natural history. His exceptional imagery has graced the pages of countless esteemed publications, including National Geographic, Audubon, National Wildlife, Sierra Club, and Hawkwatch International. (Limit of 60)
Blue-throated Mountain-gem by Steve Vaughan
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 100)
Blue-throated Mountain-gem by Stephen Vaughan
Jeff will talk about attracting birds to your yard and convincing them to stick around. Attractive perches and where to locate them for photography. The type of equipment needed for bird photography. The use of blinds. And finally, putting it all together to actually take the shot, including basic exposure settings and composition tips. (Limit of 60)
Verdin
Warblers are some of North America’s smallest birds, and are known for their wide variety of colors and long migrations from South America and the West Indies to northern Canada and back. Their rapid movements from branch to branch and behind leaves can make identification challenging. Learn how to distinguish between the warblers of southeast Arizona. This workshop will cover key structural characteristics, comparisons with similar species, and vocalizations. (Limit of 100)
Rufous-capped Warbler by Jeremy Hayes
It has been known for a long time that Crested Caracaras socially forage and roost communally, but this has only recently been discovered and studied in Arizona. Since 2014, more than 100 nocturnal counts at five roosts in Pinal County have shown that there is a seasonal character to this behavior, which is related to available food supply. (Limit of 60)
Crested Caracara by Ned Harris
This is a closer look at a rather random alphabet of bird body parts—some exterior and some interior, including a discussion of feathers—their types, function and structures. Parts of the class will help you with bird identification, but the entire class should give you a new appreciation of multiple miracles and amazing adaptations that make up a bird. (Limit of 100)
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 12 participants.
Tiffany Kersten didn’t set out to do a Big Year, but after a series of unantipicated and serendipitous events, she suddenly found herself amidst one. As a sexual assault survivor, she spent 2021 traveling to all corners of the country, tallying birds and gifting personal safety alarms to women she met along the way. Her goal was to see 700 species, and to raise awareness of women’s safety in the outdoors. She ended up surpassing her goal and setting a new record, with 726 species. In her presentation, Tiffany will lead us through the fear, empowerment, struggles, and healing that all played vital roles in the personal growth she experienced on this wild adventure. (Limit of 100)
Let’s venture into cloud and tropical forests, jungles, and mountain peaks in search of some of the most iconic birds on planet earth. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just catching the bug, Colombia will deliver wild encounters, epic scenery, and lifers around every bend. (Limit of 60)
Multicolored Tanager photo courtesy of Icaro Birding Tours