The 34th Southwest Wings Summer Birding and Nature Festival will be based at The Mall at Sierra Vista, 2200 El Mercado Loop, Sierra Vista from July - August 2025. This family friendly event is our main one with expertly guided field trips, pre-festival Jamboree, free programs, including some new ones just for kids, exhibitors, vendors, live animals and Keynote Buffet Dinner.

A non-refundable registration fee ($25.00) is required if you want to join field trips and attend the welcome Jamboree. The small-group guided field trips will be mainly in Group Vans but there will also be several Car Caravan style, in participants' own vehicles, to nearby easily-accessible locations. Each trip is led by an expert guide and this year we welcome two special guest guides, Greg Homel and Rick Wright.

Schedule of Events:
12:00-1:15 PM
Janet Trumbule: The Parrot Crisis / Harms to Parrots, People and Ecosystems

Too many parrots suffer in captivity while wild parrot populations are endangered worldwide. Join us to learn about the essential work of The Oasis, an organization dedicated to providing life care for parrots exploited by the pet trade. Discover the impact on parrots, people, and ecosystems, and how we can make a difference together. This presentation will shine a light on the urgent crisis affecting our feathered friends and the world around us.

1:30-2:45 PM 
Eric Moore, Owner, The Outlook: 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.

3:00-4:15 PM
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.