Anna’s Hummingbird photo by Lisa Meyers Swanson
Cathedral Rock photo by Beth Kingsley Hawkins
2023 Festival Presenters and Presentations
Photo by Russ Fox
Beth Kingsley Hawkins, M. A.
Nature Photographer and Author
Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Hummingbirds - Except Share
Sunday July 30th (2:45pm - 3:30pm)
Presentation
David Attenborough speaks of hummingbirds as the messengers of plants, carrying the pollen from flower to flower to help them thrive. Beth will address, in word and image, how they can also be messengers for us - modeling concepts such as: ‘Stand still and be fully present in the wonder of the moment’ ‘Search for the sweetest nectar’ and ‘Let a little joy into your life by bringing joy to others.’ She will also speak to the mystical, spiritual dimension, sharing meaningful stories of how hummingbirds can be messengers that connect us to our loved ones in Spirit to help us understand that love never dies. As Dorothy said to her dog, in the Wizard of Oz, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore. …we’re somewhere over the rainbow.”
Beth has written a definition of the hummingbird as she sees them through her eyes.
Hum·ming·bird / hŭm´ ĭng bŭrd (family Trochilidae)
n. an unusually small bird with wings that sing;
a winged messenger; a flutter of hope; a flurry of joy;
a glimmer of grace; a whisper of love; a delightful surprise;
a tiny miracle; a spark of the Divine.
Biography
As Executive Director of the non-profit International Hummingbird Society, Beth is continuing the vision of her late husband Ross Hawkins, who founded the Society in 1996, and is deeply dedicated to the Society’s mission of education and conservation. She is also sole-proprietor of her ‘for-profit’ Sedona Hummingbird Gallery from 2006 to the present, featuring her photography and everything hummingbird
Hummingbirds have been a source of inspiration for Beth who has traveled to experience and learn about them, to capture their essence through photographing them in their natural habitat, and to give talks and share stories about them. She is the author of two books, Anna’s in the Snow and Hummy, the Magnificent, how a hummingbird learned to read and is completing her third book, Hummingbird Messengers, a Dance with Spirit, designed around her definition of a hummingbird.
Beth has a background in the healing arts, with a master’s in music and music therapy for studies at the Orff Institute at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. She is a Reiki master and worked for eight years as a music therapist in hospice. She was a music therapy professor at Immaculata College in PA and worked as a music therapist in Geriatrics, with skilled care and Alzheimer’s patients. She has an ongoing private practice offering individual sessions in the Bonny method of Guided Imagery and Music and specializing in the Personal Totem Pole work, identifying the animal allies in each of the chakras of the body.
Gamini Ratnavira
Renowned Wildlife Artist
“Wishes for the Future”
Allen’s Hummingbirds with thistle
10 x 20” Oil on Masonite
By Gamini Ratnavira
Will be available for purchase at the 2023 Sedona Hummingbird Festival
(Image has been cropped to fit on web page)
“Capturing the Iridescence, Movement, and Light of the Hummingbird on Canvas – A Live Demonstration”
Friday, July 28th (1:30pm - 2:15pm)
Presentation
“Capturing the Iridescence, Movement, and Light of the Hummingbird on Canvas – A Live Demonstration”
Gamini will be painting the astounding Marvelous Spatuletail live on stage from start to finish. The Marvelous Spatuletail is an endangered hummingbird that is found in northern Peru. The International Hummingbird Society is currently helping raise money along with the American Bird Conservancy to help in the conservation efforts of this amazing bird.
Biography
Gamini is a Sri Lankan American wildlife artist of renown. As a child, he had to sleep on a slanted bed when his pet baby elephant, Maya, sat on it. At the age of 19, he became a self-taught wildlife artist in his native country of Sri Lanka. He was inspired by the beautiful rainforest country he grew up in and wanted to share the beauty and wonder of nature with those around him He says: “As a Buddhist, respect for all life and nature is ingrained in my life philosophy and is a part of my canvas. I have been fortunate to visit over 55 countries keeping detailed sketchbooks, taking photos, and creating paintings from these travels.” At one of his first art shows in 1979, president JR Jayewardene blessed the ceremony, and over 150 paintings were sold in that exhibit. The Ratnavira name means “Hero of Gems” and their caste is jewelers. After his father saw his success as an artist, he gave his blessing on his wildlife art career, versus following the family business of gem and jewelry design. The president of Sri Lanka collected his work and named him the Chief Advisor to him on Wildlife and Conservation for the Department of Wildlife. After touring with Prince Philip through the Country, they worked together on “Let them Live”, an elephant conservation program with the World Wildlife Fund and he designed elephant stamps in addition to 34 other postage stamps for his country. Gamini was also commissioned by the President to paint a 9 foot mural of Ringneck Parakeets, for the airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, receiving over $237,000 US Dollars.
Rick
Taylor
Author
A Field Guide to the Hummingbirds of Arizona
Friday, July 28th (9:45am - 10:30am)
Saturday, July 29th (1:30pm - 2:15pm)
Presentation
With 17 documented species in recent history, Arizona hosts a wider variety of hummingbirds than any other region of the United States. Habitat preferences play a major role in creating this cornucopia of diversity and abundance. Rick's talk will cover the polychrome males, as well as identification clues that distinguish the females and the immatures in this unique family.
Biography
In 1977 Rick Taylor began eight summers of research into the life history and ecology of Elegant Trogons in Arizona. His studies took him progressively farther south of the border to look at populations of these and all other trogons in the Americas, as well as the communities of other birds that share their habitats. In 1980 he founded Borderland Tours, an international birding tour company dedicated to responsible ecotourism. Rick is the author of Location Checklists for the Huachuca and Chiricahua Mountains as well as the American Birding Association’s A Birder's Guide to Southeastern Arizona. His field guide Birds of Southeastern Arizona appeared in 2010, and his new book, Birds of Arizona, featuring all 17 recent Arizona hummingbirds, was published in 2022.
Alice
Madar
Peruvian Safari: Photographing Winged Wonders of the Highlands
Friday, July 28th (4pm - 4:45am)
Presentation
Peru is home to more nearly 120 species of hummingbird, 14 of which live nowhere else. Alice Madar will share photos and stories from her recent three-week safari in the Peruvian Andes, where she observed more than 50 species of hummingbirds and photographed most of them, including the Marvelous Spatuletail and Rufous-crested Coquette. After seeing her presentation, you may want to pack your bags and head for Peru, too!
Photographer & Birder
Biography
Alice Madar is an avid photographer with a particular enthusiasm for bird images. She strives to capture the personalities of the birds and interesting interactions between them. Because hummingbirds are generally territorial, there are plenty of interactions to record. Alice notes that no other bird can scowl as well as a hummingbird can! Although she makes it a point to take at least one big wildlife adventure trip every year, Alice never tires of exploring the spectacular trails around Sedona. The Madars have lived in Sedona for nearly 30 years and enjoy observing the antics of all the wildlife -- whether it be feathered, furred, or scaled -- that visits their backyard.
Becky
Hardy
Butterfly Enthusiast
Observations from a Lifelong Butterflier
Sunday, July 30th (9:45am - 10:30am)
Presentation
Join Becky Hardy for a fun and informative presentation about her observations and interactions with butterflies. She will share stories of her experiences while educating attendees on the four life cycles of butterflies: Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis and Adult Butterfly. Some may surprise you!
Biography
Becky Hardy is neither a biologist, a naturalist, nor a lepidopterist; just someone who has had a lifelong passion, interaction and observation of butterflies. Over the years, Becky has reared thousands of butterflies across multiple species. She was a member of the local chapter of the North America Butterfly Association and tended to her certified Monarch Waystation garden when she lived in California, which included eighty percent native host and nectar butterfly and hummingbird plants. She is currently laying the groundwork for a foundation. Whose mission will be to educate the Sedona and surrounding Verde Valley communities about our native plants, butterflies and birds; as well as be involved in conservation of all three.
Kathleen
Reeder
Renownded Wildlife Photographer
Tips for Photographing Hummingbirds
Sunday, July 30th (1:30pm- 2:15pm)
Presentation
Kathleen will present easy-to-understand tips for getting well-focused photos of a hummingbird. Learn her techniques for photographing these magical jewels in both natural light and with flash.
Biography
Kathleen is the full-time owner of Kathleen Reeder Wildlife Photography. Her business goal is to give you the best wildlife photographic workshop experience possible through excellent instruction, personal guidance, and great wildlife photo opportunities. She has led wildlife photography workshops in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Botswana and Rwanda. She frequently speaks about her wildlife photography techniques to photo clubs and provides instruction in her books, e-Training, portfolio reviews and private instruction. She is a Certified SmugMug Customizer, creating custom photo websites for photographers and photo clubs, a great way to share your photos. Her business has received Trip Advisor's prestigious Traveler's Choice Award four years in a row with a 5 out of 5-STAR RATING.
Kate
McLaughlin
Master Bander
Researcher
The Winter Hummingbird - Anna's in Alaska
Friday, July 28th (2:45pm - 3:30pm)
Presentation
"In this presentation Kate will discuss how Anna's hummingbirds have been rapidly expanding their range into southcentral Alaska."
The Alaska Hummingbird Banding Project - 15 Years of Discovery
Saturday, July 29th (2:45pm - 3:30pm)
Presentation
"Kate McLaughlin, Founder and Director of the Alaska Hummingbird Banding Project, a 501 c (3) scientific and educational non-profit, will discuss the life history and current status of rufous hummingbirds and her work operating the northernmost hummingbird banding stations in the world."
Biography
Currently based in Cordova, Kate McLaughlin has been a resident of Alaska since 1998 and began working with hummingbirds in 2007 on Evan’s Island in remote Prince William Sound. After receiving her Master Hummingbird Banding certification in 2015, Kate created the Alaska Hummingbird Project, Inc., a 501 c (3) scientific and educational non-profit organization. When not chasing hummingbirds, Kate spends her time birding and foraging in the woods for berries and mushrooms. When the weather is too rough to play outside, she enjoys drinking tea and trying to write with a cat on her lap.
Dr. Peter
Hodum
Professor
Researcher
Of Hummingbirds and Humans: Community-centered Conservation of the Juan Fernández Firecrown
Saturday, July 29th (9:45am - 10:30am)
Presentation
Approximately 420 miles off the coast of central Chile, the rugged volcanic island of Robinson Crusoe rises dramatically out of the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. This remote island is the exclusive home of the Juan Fernández Firecrown, a critically endangered hummingbird that is also the only known species of hummingbird endemic to an oceanic island. For the past 18 years, Peter Hodum has helped lead conservation efforts centered on saving the Firecrown from extinction. In this talk, Dr. Hodum will provide a brief overview of the spectacular natural history of the Juan Fernández Islands and discuss the ecology of the Firecrown and the factors threatening its long-term survival. He will share the conservation actions being taken, the inspiring role of the local community on Robinson Crusoe in these efforts, and what is needed to safeguard the future for this stunning hummingbird.
Biography
Dr. Peter Hodum is a professor in the Biology and the Environmental Studies and Science departments at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, and the Chile Program Director for Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, a conservation non-profit organization. His research focuses primarily on the conservation and ecology of threatened seabirds, landbirds and island ecosystems in Chile and Washington State. His work also focuses strongly on community-centered conservation, including how communities can be
Marcy
Scott
Author
Businesswoman
Garden Consultant
Hummingbird Highways in the Western U.S. and Their Most Important Flowers
Saturday, July 29th (11:00am - 11:45am)
Presentation
Over the many millennia that hummingbirds have been traversing the continent north of Mexico, several well-trodden routes have developed, as ever- increasing numbers of birds passed through and many nectar-bearing wildflowers responded to their presence by evolving to appeal to them. Learn about these vital nectar corridors through the mountains and deserts of the western United States, featuring some beautiful and iconic plants that now primarily depend upon hummingbirds to pollinate them and in turn fuel their epic migrations.
Biography
Marcy Scott is an avid birder, habitat garden consultant, and author of Hummingbird Plants of the Southwest (Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2015), the culmination of more than fifteen years of work. Along with her landscape-designer husband, Jimmy Zabriskie, she operates Robledo Vista Nursery near Las Cruces, New Mexico, specializing in regionally native landscape plants for birds and wildlife habitat. Together they have gradually developed a mini refuge on their sliver of property along the Rio Grande, where they host hundreds of migrating hummingbirds each summer.
Hooked on Birding
Saturday, July 29th (4:00pm - 4:45pm)
Presentation
COMING SOON!
Rich
Armstrong
Master Birder
Biography
Rich Armstrong got a PhD in Nuclear Inorganic Chemistry from Stanford. He has been birding in Texas, Oregon, and now Arizona, for 33 years. Rich is the coordinator of the Sedona CBC, is the birding pal for the Verde Valley, and coordinates the North America Migratory Bird Count for Yavapai County. He is the local Audubon Chapter Steward for the Sedona Wetlands Preserve and has led over 100 birding field trips here. He has been married to Nanette for 36 years and they have birded together in Texas, Oregon, most of North America, and now Arizona for 11 years. He is the NAAS steward of the Sedona Wetlands,and has led many field trips for NAAS. Sit back, relax, find out why Rich Armstrong is known as the ‘big mouth of the valley.’
Susan
Bonfield
Director
Environment for the Americas
The Remarkable journey of the Rufous Hummingbird: An Update on Protecting the Joy!
Friday, July 28th (11:00am - 11:45am)
Presentation
The Rufous Hummingbird, which has been described as belligerent and even a bully, has experienced dramatic population declines of more than 60% since the 1970s despite its feisty nature. This long-distance migrant serves as a powerful symbol of the urgent need to protect migratory hummingbirds. We'll delve into this species' remarkable journey, spanning vast landscapes as it navigates from breeding sites northwest to overwintering sites in Mexico. Discover the challenges it faces, the efforts of biologists across its flyway to develop a conservation plan, and what we can do to help ensure its survival.
Biography
Susan Bonfield works to broaden engagement with conservation and a passionate advocate for diversity and collaboration across borders in conserving our natural heritage. She has developed global programs building on the miracle of bird migration to promote human connections across the Western Hemisphere. In 2007, with a desire to make stronger connections between science, conservation, and youth, she founded Environment for the Americas and is its Director. The organization was built on the foundation of its keystone education program, World Migratory Bird Day, a global celebration that connects people in partnership with the United Nations through the phenomenon of bird migration. Susan has over 30 years of experience managing research and educational collaborations across the Western Hemisphere and in Europe, leading multi-organizational research projects, and mentoring youth. She holds a Master’s in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan and a PhD in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources from Colorado State University. She is a founding member of the Diversity Joint Venture, serves on the Society for Conservation Biology’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and is Coordinator of the trinational Western Hummingbird Partnership.
Claire
Obermarck
Professional Storyteller
The Silver Thread
Sunday, July 30th (11:00am - 11:45am)
Presentation
A special listening experience steeped in the carrying stream and dipped between the echo of memory and everlasting circle, where folklore, poetry, and myth are woven. This unique Storytelling experience asks; what binds us yet sets us free and why do we fly toward both obscure and tangible connections within the natural magic of our living world? Written and performed by Storyteller Claire Obermarck The Silver Thread is an especially crafted tale for The Hummingbird Festival.
Biography
Claire Obermarck has worked extensively as an Oral Storyteller with people of all ages and backgrounds.
She is the former Chair and programmer for Edinburgh’s oldest formal Storytelling club. She trains teachers and historical guides and has curated projects alongside social workers, archaeologists, National Health Service professionals, teachers, architects. charities, prison services, international festivals, and countless events.
She was even commissioned by Scottish Parliament to tell them a story! She hosts a monthly Storytelling session ‘Stories by the Fireside’ for Sedona Public Library and provides tailored sessions to schools via the ‘Artist in the Classroom’ directory.
Now you can watch twelve of our 2022 festival presentations at your leisure.
If you are not a member the cost to view all 12 presentations is $25.00.
For current members in good standing the cost is $10.00.
If you purchased tickets for the presentations, you may also watch them for free on your YouTube channel. As an incentive for new members, become a Calliope member or higher you can watch all twelve for free! We will send you the link once you become a member. Go to our member page to sign up!
The link is available once you pay for the package. Click button below for purchase. After you put in your credit card information, click: "return to merchant", and it will bring you to our YouTube channel. Once on our YouTube channel, subscribe, and save playlist to your library for viewing later.
Here are the 12 presentations you get in the package*
Gail Morris
"Four-winged Wonders Loved by All"
Scott Rashid
"Small Mountain Owls"
Lucia Paulina Gonzalez Gomez
"Hummingbirds in a Changing World: the Endangered Chilean Woodstar"
Karen Krebbs
"The Exciting Night Life of Bats"
Charles W. Melton
"Amazing Arizona Hummingbirds"
Jacques Ducros
"Hummingbirds: New insights into their Food and Metabolism"
Rich Armstrong
"Birds of the Verde Valley"
Jennie MacFarland
"Gems in Your Garden - How to Attract and Support Hummingbirds in Your Yard"
Daniel J. Lebbin
"Hummingbird Conservation in the Americas"
Gamini Ratnivera
"Hummingbirds As Art"
Sheri Williamson
"Hummingbirds: Their Past, Their Present, Our Future"
Johnny Bliznak M.D.
"The Art and Science of Hummingbirds"
Note* Beth Kingsley Hawkin’s and Carole Turek’s presentations are not available due to copyright issues.
2022 Festival Presenters and Presentations
Daniel Lebbin
American Bird Conservancy
Vice President of Threatened Species
Hummingbird Conservation in the Americas
Presentation:
Friday, July 29, 2022 (11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)
American Bird Conservancy conserves wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC focuses on halting the extinction of the most threatened species, managing habitat to conserve more widespread but declining species, and reducing mortality sources. ABC has had much success in these goals by creating a network of protected areas conserving more than one million acres for many of the rarest species, affecting the management of more than six million acres in the United States to conserve habitat for declining species, and reducing mortality from various threats. Hummingbirds are a diverse family of 371 species bird species restricted to the Americas. Fortunately, the conservation status of most species is fairly secure, with only 11% ranked by the IUCN Red List as Extinct (2 species), Data Deficient (1 species), or Globally Threatened (39 species [9 Critically Endangered species, including 3 lost species that have not been observed for at least ten years, 17 Endangered Species, and 13 Vulnerable species]). Habitat loss is the primary threat for the vast majority of threatened species. American Bird Conservancy works with local conservation organizations throughout the Americas to protect, manage, and restore habitat for many of the most threatened species to safeguard them against extinction. ABC has worked with more than 50 partners in 15 countries to conserve more than 1.1 million acres at more than 100 sites. At least 241 (65%) hummingbird species have been recorded at these sites, including 19 (48%) of the 39 Globally Threatened hummingbird species. I’ll highlight conservation efforts for Royal Sunangel, Marvelous Spatuletail, Blue-throated Hillstar, Black-breasted Puffleg, Glittering Starfrontlet, Honduran Emerald, Purple-backed Sunbeam, Gray-bellied Comet and additional species in this presentation.
Biography:
Daniel received a BA in Biology and Environmental Science and Policy from Duke University and a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University, where he studied habitat specialization of Amazonian birds. At American Bird Conservancy, Daniel serves a Vice President of Threatened Species and leads ABC’s programmatic work globally threatened species in Latin America and the Caribbean, including establishing nature reserves for globally threatened species of hummingbirds. A lifelong birder, Daniel enjoys bird illustration and photography. He co-authored The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation and numerous other articles and references about birds, including the first nest description of the Purple-backed Sunbeam, a hummingbird endemic to Peru. He loves hummingbirds and considers them among his favorite group of birds!
Jennie MacFarland
Tucson Audubon Society
Bird Conservation Biologist
Gems in Your Garden - How to Attract and Support Hummingbirds in Your Yard
Presentation:
Friday, July 29, 2022 (1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.)
Gems in Your Garden - How to attract and support hummingbirds in your yard
Arizona has more species of hummingbirds than any other state in the US. We are also quite lucky to have hummingbirds present year round to be enjoyed in the wilderness as well as in our gardens.
There are many features you can add to your property to entice hummingbirds to visit you when they are on migration, for nesting or just setting up territories.
We will talk about native plants, efficient water use to support your gardens and best practices for hummingbird feeders.
We will also cover the less obvious needs of hummingbirds such as water, tiny insects, how to reduce threats, and make your yard safer for hummingbirds and other birds.
Biography:
Bird Conservation Biologist for the Tucson Audubon Society
Jennie is a nearly life-long Arizonan that loves exploring different habitats in Southeast Arizona.
Birding is an integral part of her social life and work life and much of her free time is spent in the field birding or learning more about birds and their ecosystems.
As Bird Conservation Biologist for Tucson Audubon, Jennie coordinates the Arizona Important Bird Areas Program and other bird survey conservation projects.
She is also the coordinator for the Tucson Bird Count and organizes several large scale community science efforts in Southeast Arizona each year including Elegant Trogon surveys of five Sky Island mountain ranges,
Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo surveys and the Desert Purple Martin Project. Jennie is also a part of the Habitat at Home program that shares information and inspiration
on how to make one's yard abundant and safe for birds and pollinators.
Jennie also enjoys sharing the amazing bird life of Southeast Arizona and amazing work of Tucson Audubon Society and frequently gives presentations and online talks on various subjects.
Charles W. Melton
Nature Photographer and Videographer
Amazing Arizona Hummingbirds
Presentation:
Saturday, July 30, 2022 (2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
Arizona has a dazzling array of hummingbirds and this program will reveal just how beautiful and fascinating they are. For each species of hummingbird that occurs in Arizona we will discuss identification tips, when and where they occur, and some of their amazing behaviors such as nesting, feeding, bathing, and courtship. Some tips on how to photograph hummingbirds will also be discussed.
Biography:
Charles is a Nature photographer and videographer of note and has lived in southeastern Arizona since 2003. Hummingbirds are one of his favorite subjects. To date he has photographed 17 species of hummingbirds in the U.S. and has produced four nature DVDs, three of which are about hummingbirds. He also conducts fantastic hummingbird photography workshops.
Johnny Bliznak, M.D.
Photographer and Nature Lover
The Art and Science of Hummingbirds
Presentation:
Friday, July 29, 2022 (9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.)
Johnny will speak about ten hummingbird species, their possible ancestry, anatomy, physiology, and some hummingbird basics such as their nutrition, flight, torpor, iridescent feather color, and bill-flower relationship.
Biography:
Dr. Bliznak graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. degree in zoology and graduated with an M.D. degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He practiced general and musculoskeletal radiology for 43 years until his recent retirement.
He lives in Abilene, Texas, and does hummingbird photography whenever he can. He has been interested in photography from the time he was 10 years old and has been photographing hummingbirds for 15 years. He has travelled to photograph them in both North and Central America.
Gamini Ratnavira
Wildlife Artist Supreme
Hummingbirds As Art
Presentation:
Saturday, July 30, 2022 (9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.)
Gamini has just completed a life-long dream of his to paint all the hummingbirds of the world. He will be discussing the process of creating all 350 hummingbird species and the artistic techniques involved, as well as his travels to see over 200 species in the wild for his research.
In addition he will have a slide show presenting many of the illustrations. This will be the first time it has been exhibited and it is the culmination of his 50 year career as an artist.
Instagram @gaminiratnavira Facebook@HiddenForestArtGallery Fallbrook, California
Biography:
Gamini is a Sri Lankan American wildlife artist of renown. As a child, he had to sleep on a slanted bed when his pet baby elephant, Maya, sat on it. At the age of 19, he became a self-taught wildlife artist in his native country of Sri Lanka.
He was inspired by the beautiful rainforest country he grew up in and wanted to share the beauty and wonder of nature with those around him He says: “As a Buddhist, respect for all life and nature is ingrained in my life philosophy and is a part of my canvas. I have been fortunate to visit over 55 countries keeping detailed sketchbooks, taking photos, and creating paintings from these travels.” At one of his first art shows in 1979, president JR Jayewardene blessed the ceremony, and over 150 paintings were sold in that exhibit.
The Ratnavira name means “Hero of Gems” and their caste is jewelers. After his father saw his success as an artist, he gave his blessing on his wildlife art career, versus following the family business of gem and jewelry design. The president of Sri Lanka collected his work and named him the Chief Advisor to him on Wildlife and Conservation for the Department of Wildlife.
After touring with Prince Philip through the Country, they worked together on “Let them Live”, an elephant conservation program with the World Wildlife Fund and he designed elephant stamps in addition to 34 other postage stamps for his country.
Gamini was also commissioned by the President to paint a 9 foot mural of Ringneck Parakeets, for the airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, receiving over $237,000 US Dollars.
Karen Krebbs
Naturalist and Author
The Exciting Night Life of Bats!
Presentation:
Saturday, July 30, 2022 (4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.)
Karen has studied bats for more than 35 years. Learn about this exciting and unique
nocturnal mammal and how it is so successful as a predator and pollinator. There are more than 1,100 species of bats that occur worldwide. Bats are an important part of our ecosystems and deserve our respect and admiration.
Echolocation allows a bat to fly in total darkness to locate, chase, and capture flying insects. Bridges and other human structures are important roost habitat for many species of bats. Nectar bats visit and pollinate columnar cactus and succulents in our area. Learn about the 28 species of bats that live right here in Arizona.
Biography:
Karen Krebbs worked at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for more than 26 years,
and now works on her own as an independent contractor for the National Park Service. She has extensive knowledge of birds, mammals, deserts, and animal adaptations and behavior.
Karen has carried out research for bats in the United States and Mexico for more than 35 years. She trains biologists on the proper protocol for handling and studying bats. Karen regularly carries out workshops and presentations on bats and birds to groups, schools, festivals, and organizations in the southwest and Mexico.
Her long-term inventory and monitoring program for bats in the Chiricahua Mountains continues in its 22 nd year of study. She has written articles, books, and manuals for bats and birds. She has collaborated with other researchers on many bat research projects with local government agencies, universities, Mexico partners, and non-
profit organizations.
Karen has participated in natural history learning trips in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, Baja, Costa Rica, Africa, Galapagos, and Ecuador. Karen’s passion for bats is contagious! Her animal lectures and presentations are exciting and fun! Karen has a B. Sc. Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the University of Arizona.
Karen’s latest books include Desert Life: A Guide to the Southwest’s Iconic Animals and Plants & How They Survive; Desert Life of the Southwest Activity Book; Explore Tucson Outdoors, and Bat Basics: An Introduction to the Life of Bats in the
United States & Canada & Their Many Benefits.
Carole A. Turek, M.D
Hummingbird Spot
Founder
Magnificent Obsession: The Quest to Photograph Every Hummingbird Species
Presentation:
Saturday, July 30, 2022 (1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.)
Carole attended our hummingbird festival in 2016 and was motivated by hearing Juan Bahamon’s presentation on the hummingbirds of Ecuador. From that inspiration and a first-hand knowledge of feeding hummingbirds grew an obsession to find and photograph every species.
She has been traveling to many remote places on a quest to do so, starting with the most endangered hummingbird species first.
She will share her adventurous experiences in many remote places of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil with her fabulous images and stories. The hummingbirds truly hold a special “spot” in her heart.
You can follow her on her YouTube Channel “Hummingbird Spot” and on her website www.hummingbirdspot.com.
Biography:
Carole has a BS from Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA (Biology and Chemistry), an MD degree from Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia, PA and has been a practicing anesthesiologist from 1985 to the present.
She is the founder of the Hummingbird Spot and is a hummingbird photographer committed to photographing every species of hummingbird in existence. She is beginning with the most endangered and hard-to-find species first and has visited some very remote paces in her dedicated search.
Rich Armstrong
Master Birder
Birds of the Verde Valley
Presentation:
Friday, July 29, 2022 (2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
Sit back and enjoy a fast paced tour of a full year of birding the Verde Valley where about 300 bird species have been seen. Imagine many great locations, see many great photos, enjoy a few humorous stories, and find out what birds you could see!
Biography:
Rich Armstrong got a PhD in Nuclear Inorganic Chemistry from Stanford. He spent 5 ½ years in the Army as a nuclear and chemical officer including jumping out of airplanes in Korea and as a Professor of Chemistry at West Point. He also spent 15 years in Army Reserves retiring as a Major.
He worked 20 years for Texaco and was part of the team that invented long life coolant. He has been married to Nanette for 35 years and they have birded together in Texas, Oregon, most of North America, and now Arizona for 10 years. He is the NAAS steward of the Sedona Wetlands, and has led many field trips for NAAS.
Lucia Paulina Gonzalez-Gomez
U of Ca David Professor
Hummingbirds in a Changing World: the Endangered Chilean Woodstar
Presentation:
Sunday, July 31, 2022 (9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.)
Hummingbirds possess remarkable physiological and behavioral characteristics. In
relation to their body size, they present the highest metabolic rate among vertebrates, and their flight style (hovering) is extremely expensive. To pay this cost, they eat large amounts of nectar, fiercely defend flowers, and remember where flowers are and will provide the next nectar batch.
Hummingbirds can also save energy entering in hibernation-like state at night. Despite these characteristics help them to cope with environmental variability, many hummingbird species are highly sensitive to perturbations such as climate change and human disturbance.
For example, the Chilean Woodstar hummingbird (Eulidia yarrellii) inhabiting the oases in the Atacama Desert, has declined to extremely low numbers (~300 individuals total). In this talk we will discuss the possible causes for this population decline, and the difficulties around conservation efforts.
Biography:
Paulina L. Gonzalez-Gomez has work with hummingbirds for over 20 years. She did her Master and PhD in Chile, where she began working in hummingbird behavior and physiology. Specifically, she worked with free-living hummingbirds studying hummingbird memory and energy use.
She complemented this research with studies in pollination, nectar robbing and plant
morphology. Dr. Gonzalez-Gomez arrived at the University of California Davis working in environmental endocrinology.
In particular, she is interested in stress response and life cycles in the context of climate change. She has been working with free-living hummingbirds in Costa Rica, the Atacama Desert and Mediterranean environments such as central California and central Chile.
Sheri L. Williamson
Master Bander and Author
Hummingbirds: Their Past, Their Present, Our Future
Presentation:
Sunday, July 31, 2022 (1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.)
Hummingbirds have endured in recognizable form for over 30 million years, escaping a mysterious extinction in their original home, claiming the entire Western Hemisphere as their new empire, and diversifying into over 350 known species.
Yet for all their luck, pluck, and perseverance over the eons, these tiny warriors are facing new challenges that are devastating many once-common species and threatening the very existence of the rarest. What are the threats facing hummingbirds today, and what can hummingbird lovers do to help ensure their survival through the 21st century and beyond?
Biography:
Sheri L. Williamson is an ornithologist, conservationist, and lifelong naturalist known internationally for her research on hummingbirds. She is the author of the Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America (2002) and recently completed a new field guide to hummingbirds to be published by Princeton University Press. Sheri is co-founder and Director/Naturalist of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory and lives near the Mexican border in Bisbee, Arizona.
Gail Morris
Monarch Butterfly Researcher
Four-winged Wonders Loved by All
Presentation:
Sunday, July 31, 2022 (11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)
Brilliant orange monarch butterflies share the sky with hummingbirds on their migration each fall visiting flowers to refuel along the way. These fragile winged wonders are facing challenges and you can help.
Join us to learn about the flight of the monarch in the Western United States:
Where they breed, where they migrate, and how you can help them on their way in your own back yard.
Biography:
Gail Morris is the Coordinator of the Southwest Monarch Study, in Chandler, Arizona, a Citizen Science research project based in Arizona researching monarch butterflies and creating pollinator habitats across the state.
She is also a Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist, Vice President of the Monarch Butterfly Fund, Central Arizona Butterfly Association and Western Monarch Advocates.
Gail has authored several monarch research publications and dedicates her time training Citizen Scientists to participate in monarch research, education and conservation in the southwestern United States. info@SWMonarchs.org
Dr. Jacques Ducros
Hummingbird Breeder
Hummingbirds: New Insights into their Food and Metabolism
Presentation:
Friday, July 29, 2022 (4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.)
Living in the south of France, on the Mediterranean Sea, Jacques has been breeding hummingbirds since 1984 in a large climate-controlled aviary
(Deleted ‘the title of the conference’)A large part of his presentation reports his breeding experience.
He will address his research on the amounts of nectar, sugars, proteins, calories consumed by my hummingbirds, in particular’ during reproduction when a mother is setting and when she feeds her chicks. Nectars, sugars, proteins, lipids are analyzed in the food in the wild and in captivity.
New insights into their metabolism complete these analyses.The results show that lighter hummingbirds have a higher metabolism than heavier species.
The consumption of food is greater than in the wild, probably because they do not have to move around to find nectar and they have unlimited food.
Biography:
Doctor Jacques Emile Ducros. Born in 1946. French nephrologist and also specialist in cardiology, Immunology, and Aeronautical Medecine. Medical career in Marseilles and at the University of Pointe à Pitre in Guadeloupe. Retired since 2017. Bird lover. Colonel in the French Army Reserve. Authorized by the French government to keep and breed certain wild birds in captivity.
Living in the south of France on the Mediterranean Sea. Breeding hummingbirds since 1984 in a large climate-controlled aviary. The title of the conference “Hummingbirds: New insights into their food and metabolism.”
Nectars, sugars, proteins, lipids are analyzed in the food in the wild and in captivity. New insights into their metabolism complete these analyses.
Finally, a large part of the presentation reports my breeding experience. In particular the amounts of nectar, sugars, proteins, calories consumed by my hummingbirds in particular during reproduction when a mother is setting and when she feeds her chicks.
The results show that lighter hummingbirds have a higher metabolism than heavier species. The consumption of food is greater than in the wild, probably because they do not have to move around to find nectar and they have unlimited food.
Scott Rashid
Ornithologist
Small Mountain Owls
Presentation:
Sunday, July 31, 2022 (2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
Scott will be discussing the natural history of the Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl Flammulated Owl and the Boreal Owl. He will cover their habitat preferences, courtship, nesting habits, egg laying, food preferences, a description of the young, and the fledgling and post fledging activities of each species.
He has been studying owls for years, and has written the only book ever published that covers these four species; entitled Small Mountain Owls.
Biography:
Scott Rashid is an artist, researcher, bird rehabilitator, bird bander, author,
and the director of a nonprofit, the Colorado Avian Research and rehabilitation
Institute or CARRI for short.
In 1992 he received his state and federal banding permits and two years
later was asked to create a bird banding program near Estes Park, Colorado. In
2014, Scott and his volunteers banded their 10,000th bird there.
In 1994, he became a licensed bird rehabilitator, and began taking care of
injured birds. Through his rehabilitation efforts, he has taken care of eagles,
falcons, owls, and hawks as well as songbirds, hummingbirds and covids of all
kinds, returning hundreds of injured and orphaned birds back to the wild.
He has an extensive knowledge of and love of owls.
Beginning with an owl
nesting research project in hopes of increasing the number of Barn Owls to
studying the Great Horned owl, to researching the Northern Goshawk , to
studying Long-eared owls, Northern Pygmy Owls, American kestrels, and the
Northern Saw-Whet Owl.
The first book he published was called “Small Mountain Owls:; a natural
history study about the Northern Pygmy Owl, the Northern Saw-Whet, the
Flammulated and Boreal Owls.
This was followed by “the Great Horned Owl: anin-depth study;” “the Northern Goshawk: the Gray Ghost;” “Exploring the World of the Barn Owl: an intimate look into their secretive lives;” “American Kestrel: the Diminutive Raptor,” and “The Northern Saw-whet Owl: the deep woods Gnome”, all including many of his superb illustrations and photographs.