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All of these programs are absolutely free and open to everyone. No registration is required.

 

We hope that many people will attend and learn about this amazing place, southeastern Arizona. Some lectures are associated with field trips, for which there is a registration fee and a charge. Please see the Field Trip Section for details.

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The free talks program will be held in Lecture Room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites which are within walking distance from The Mall at Sierra Vista. Please make some time to see these free events.

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The free bird walks will meet at Garden Canyon Linear Park, St Andrews Drive parking lot (see Map).

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SUMMER FESTIVAL 2026 MAP

TALK DESCRIPTIONS

 

All talks will be held at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

 

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

 

10:30-11:30

Kaitlyn Tyler: Grassification in the Sonoran Desert

The Sonoran Desert is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world but has been facing a growing threat of non-native grasses. Invasive grasses like buffelgrass and stinknet are rapidly spreading, filling the spaces between native desert plants, and creating continuous fuels that make wildfires more destructive. This presentation will explain what grassification is, how to recognize these grasses, and why they are so harmful to desert ecosystems. Attendees will also learn how they can pitch in and help prevent the spread of these non-native plants, and support efforts to protect the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert.

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11:45-12:45

Stephen Vaughn: Jewels of the Desert Sky: Arizona’s Hummingbirds

With 18 species, Arizona is home to more hummingbird species than any other states. From desert lowlands to mountain sky islands, hummingbirds occupy a wide range of habitats, each species shaped by season, elevation, and blooming plants.

This program explores the diversity, behavior, and life history of Arizona’s hummingbirds, illustrated with photographs from across the state. We’ll examine resident and migratory species, courtship and territorial behavior, and the adaptations that allow hummingbirds to thrive in desert environments.

The photographs serve as visual companions to natural history, offering close looks at moments that reveal how these birds live and interact with their surroundings.

Designed for birders and nature enthusiasts alike, this presentation provides an engaging introduction to Arizona’s most dazzling and dynamic birds.

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1:00-2:00 PM

Sarah Sager: Designing Power Systems with Wildlife in Mind

Explores how modern electric utilities can plan, design, and operate infrastructure that reliably delivers power while reducing impacts to birds and other wildlife. Building on established avian protection principles, this presentation focuses on real-world application—how engineering standards, field decisions, and cross-department coordination translate policy into practical outcomes. Attendees will gain insight into lessons learned, common challenges, and the strategies utilities are using today to balance system reliability, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship.

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2:15-3:15

Eric Moore: Optics Basics; Understanding Binoculars & Spotting Scopes

Learn the basics of optical equipment used by birders for nature observation such as magnification, diopter setting, interpupillary distance, exit pupil and more. This presentation will discuss the pros and cons of many varied optics available to consumers. Time will also be devoted to looking at the many options with spotting scopes and tripods. If you have been considering upgrading your optical equipment this presentation will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn about things to consider before purchasing new equipment.

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3:30-4:30 

Priscilla Brodkin: Butterflies for Birders

Take a virtual field trip identifying and photographing the butterflies of SE Arizona. We will concentrate on butterflies in taxonomic order with emphasis on food & nectar plants plus behavior and defense mechanisms! Join the co-author of Butterflies of Arizona for this special trip filled with the BEAUTY of nature and remember, when the birding is slow, butterflies emerge to fill out your day.

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Thursday, August 6, 2026

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7:00-9:00 AM

Eric Moore: Focus on Optics - Bird Walk Sponsored by Swarovski Optik

Eric is the owner of The Lookout (formerly Jay's Bird Barn) and will lead a guided bird walk. This bird walk will focus (no pun intended) on the basics of optical equipment designed to enhance a bird watcher’s experience in the field. Loaner pairs of both Vortex and Swarovski binoculars and spotting scopes will be available for participants to use at no charge. The bird walk will include a demonstration and instruction on digi-scoping - taking digital pictures using the latest spotting scope technology. 

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Meeting place: Parking Lot at Garden Canyon Linear Park See Map

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10:30-11:30

Yvonne Marshall Where Land, Water And Birds Thrive, the Power of Open Space

A brief overview of the work we do at the Arizona Land and Water Trust and how it impacts the habitats that birds and other wildlife depend on.

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11:45-12:45

Glenn Minuth: Why Birds Fly Into Windows

Hearing the thud of a bird hitting a window is a distressing experience for many homeowners. In just the U.S., estimates suggest over one billion birds die annually from window collisions. The vast majority occurs at residential homes and low-rise buildings. When are bird strikes most likely to happen? Understanding why birds fly into these transparent barriers is the first step toward preventing such tragic events. We will examine how these collisions can be prevented and some of these methods might surprise you—such as the placement of your bird feeder. Lastly, you will understand what to do when you encounter a strike victim and how to assist the injured bird.

 

1:00-2:00 PM

Joe Cicero: Arizona Fireflies and Related Luminescent Groups

Most Arizonans aren’t aware that our state actually does have fireflies. Some flash while they fly at night like the ones back east and they are represented right here in our sky island mountains, including the Huachucas. This talk will introduce all the basics about our resident fireflies, including their larvae- how to recognize them and what their feeding habits are, as well as the morphology and mating behavior of the adults.

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2:15-3:15 (limited seating)

Cholla Duir: FILM: Jaguar Documentary Screening with Northern Jaguar Project

Borderlands Jaguar is a thrilling 52-minute documentary that follows wildlife cinematographers Austin Alvarado and Ben Masters on a quest to document jaguars and highlight the importance of conserving wildlife corridors along the US-Mexico border. To achieve their mission, Austin and Ben seek the help of an Arizona houndsman, a jaguar hunter-turned-conservationist, and researchers at the Northern Jaguar Reserve in Sonora, Mexico. They discover the matriarch of the reserve, Libélula, a twelve year old Jaguar whose cubs could potentially migrate to the United States. For eight months, they filmed Libélula, hoping her story would help conserve the wild and wonderful US-Mexico borderlands. Available now on AppleTV, Amazon Prime, and digital platforms. The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion with Assistant Director of Northern Jaguar Project, Cholla Rose Duir.

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3:30-4:30 

Rich Bailowitz: Another Glimpse at the Dragonflies of Southeast Arizona

This enriching presentation follows Rich’s Butterflies & Dragons Field Trip and will cover characteristics of members of the order ODONATA, which comprises both damselflies and dragonflies, what we see and what we don't. More than 100 species are known from Cochise County where our Festival is located, and many are featured in this discussion.

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Friday, August 7, 2026

 

7:00-8:45 AM

Kathe Anderson: Introduction to Birdwatching - Bird Walk Sponsored by Swarovski Optik

This is an introduction to local birds, geared for beginning adults who are interested in what may be showing up in their backyards.  As we stroll the area we’ll talk about common species, vocalizations and behaviors.  At about 8:45am we will head indoors to go over a list of what we’ve seen and answer questions.  Walking Difficulty: Easy

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Meeting place: Parking Lot at Garden Canyon Linear Park See Map​

 

10:30-11:30

Glenn Minuth: Climate-Induced Changes in Seafood Species Served in Restaurants

Climate change is triggering modifications in biogeography of marine species, towards different latitudes as well as water depths following local temperature gradients. Consequently, species distribution changes are now influencing global fisheries. Previous modeling analyses projected that climate-induced changes in seafood availability would alter the entire seafood chain. Consider, in the past, observed climate impacts on seafood retailers and consumers have rarely been validated. Seafood restaurants usually bank on the supply of locally caught species, and consequently the effects of changing catches on the food they serve, and finally on their diners, all these happenings largely reflected in their menus. And these menus are the key to these cascading changes forecasted in research of Dr. William Cheung, University of British Columbia that we will review.

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11:45-12:45

William Schumacher: “The Snake Guy”

I have been keeping venomous and non-venomous snakes for over 45 years I am licensed by Arizona Game and Fish Department to Capture and relocate venomous and non-venomous snakes.

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1:00-2:00 PM

Karen Krebbs: The Exciting Nightlife of Bats

Karen has studied bats for more than 30 years. Learn about this exciting and unique nocturnal mammal and how it is so successful as a predator and pollinator. There are more than 1,400 species of bats that occur worldwide. Bats are an important part of our ecosystems and deserve our respect and admiration. Echolocation enables a bat to navigate in total darkness, locating, chasing, and capturing flying insects. Bridges and other human structures are important roost habitats for many species of bats. Nectar

bats visit and pollinate columnar cacti and succulents in our area. Learn about the 29 species of bats that live right here in Arizona.

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2:15-3:15

Janet Trumbule:: Wild at Heart: Why Parrots Struggle in a Human World

Parrots are among the most intelligent, social, and visually striking birds on Earth, but to truly understand them, we must first look to their lives in the wild. This presentation explores how parrots are shaped by flight, flock dynamics, complex social bonds, and constant environmental challenges, and what happens when those natural behaviors are constrained in captivity. We’ll examine what the wild teaches us about who parrots are, what they need to thrive, and why replicating that life outside nature is so difficult.

 

3:30-:4-30

Kathe Anderson: Turkeys

Let’s talk about what’s in that Butterball wrapper – and its backstory. Wild Turkeys were nearly driven to extinction. What’s their status now? Where did the name come from? What about that odd wattle and beard? We’ll learn about where they live, what they eat, breeding behavior and more.

Saturday, August 8, 2026

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7:30-9:00 AM

Clay Taylor: Beginner Birders Fun-damentals! Bird Walk Sponsored by Swarovski Optik

Have you ever wandered through a park, saw a bunch of people all dressed alike in khaki-colored clothes, and wondered what the heck are they looking at?  Well, it’s time to find out!  Whether you’re experienced or novice, young or old, we invite you to join Clay Taylor from Swarovski Optik for a free, 90-minute stroll to get some fresh air, meet likeminded people, learn how to use binoculars, and maybe even identify a few birds!

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Meeting place: Parking Lot at Garden Canyon Linear Park See Map​

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10:30-11:30 (Meets in Fairfield Inn)

Callie Caplenor: KIDS PROGRAM: Amazing Animal Engineers

How do animals build without tools? Discover how birds, spiders, and other wildlife are incredible engineers in this hands-on, family-friendly program! Participants will explore how animals design nests, webs, and burrows to protect themselves and their young, stay cool or warm, and survive in the wild. Through interactive building challenges, movement games, and simple crafts, kids and adults alike will learn how animal structures are perfectly designed for the jobs they do—and why protecting habitats is so important for these amazing builders.

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11:45-12:45

Glenn Minuth: How Birds’ Systems Work: The Circulatory System

You will examine how the avian circulatory system differs from that of mammals in several keyways. Birds have a single circulatory pathway, whereas mammals have a double circulatory system, that includes a pulmonary circuit and a systemic circuit. Birds have a completely separated circulatory system, preventing mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in contrast while mammals have some mixing of blood. Birds have a higher heart rate and stroke volume compared to mammals, which is essential for their flight and other activities. Avian red blood cells are elliptical and nucleated, unlike mammalian red blood cells, which are spherical and non-nucleated. You will see these differences as significant adaptations that allow birds to meet their high metabolic demands for flight and other activities.​

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12:00-1:00 PM (on STAGE in The Mall)

Tamela Birdle: KIDS PROGRAM

Bird tales, songs and stories of the San Pedro

Kids presentation! Discover the birds and flora of the San Pedro Riparian Area with song and stories. Activities include a treasure hunt, interactive storytelling game accompanied by voice and music.

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1:00-2:00

Bill Cavaliere: The Violent Past of New Mexico's Boot Heel

"The Violent Past of New Mexico's Boot Heel" presents the stories of various settlers, ranchers, and travelers, and their struggles to survive in the very remote and dangerous borderlands of southwest New Mexico, just across the state line from Cochise County, AZ, an area referred to by locals as "The Boot Heel." Encounters with hostile Chiricahua

Apache, outlaws, Mexican banditos, and insane camp cooks were just a few of the relatively unknown stories that will be discussed.

 

2:15-3:15

Jim Koweek: Creating Native Grass Refuges

With invasive species taking over more and more of the countryside, creating small plots of land to preserve native species might be the best way to promote survival of native species, especially grasses. We will discuss

how and why. As usual, not boring technical stuff.

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3:00-5:00  (at the STAGE Inside The Mall at Sierra Vista)

Live music

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3:30-4:30  

Greg Homel: Birding in Venezuela

TBA

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