SABO naturalists Tom Wood and Sheri Williamson are available to provide entertaining and informative presentations for your classroom, bird club, garden club, civic organization, or birding festival.
Arrangements at least 6 months in advance may be necessary for presentations during the busy spring and late summer seasons. Scheduling is more flexible in March and October and on winter weekdays.
For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact Tom or Sheri.
Presentation Topics
Southeastern Arizona’s Five Seasons
Each of southeastern Arizona’s five seasons offers dramatically different experiences for birders and other nature lovers, from the colorful songbirds of spring and early summer, to the jewel-like hummingbirds and butterflies of the late summer “monsoon,” to the majestic raptors, stately cranes, and skulking sparrows of fall and winter. Presented by either Tom Wood or Sheri Williamson.
Winter Birds of Southeastern Arizona
Sandhill Cranes, hawks, eagles, owls, sparrows, and other migratory birds appreciate Arizona’s mild winter climate as much as their human counterparts. Learn the when, where, and why of migration and how wintering birds and people coexist in our deserts, grasslands, and suburbs. Presented by either Tom Wood or Sheri Williamson.
Birds and Birding in Northwestern Mexico
Tens of thousands of birders visit southeastern Arizona every year, but relatively few realize the wonders that lie within a day’s drive south of the border. Take a virtual journey from the rocky shore of the Gulf of California and the tropical woodlands of Alamos to the cool mountain forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental in search of seabirds, parrots, motmots, trogons, hummingbirds, raptors, and much more. Presented by either Tom Wood or Sheri Williamson.
Birding the Mayan Heartlands (Belize & Tikal)
The tropical kingdom of the ancient Mayans also offers fantastic birding at archaeological sites, nature reserves, and world-class ecotourism lodges. Presenter Sheri Williamson, SABO naturalist, birding tour leader, and Mayaphile, shares her love of this fascinating region and its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and human cultures both ancient and modern.
Good Birders Don’t Wear White
Naturalist and author Sheri Williamson expands on her title essay for the collection published in 2007 to benefit the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, mixing science and humor to explain how birds see the world and the effect that can have on birding and bird conservation.
Hummingbirds 101
From their insect-like flight to the brilliant iridescence of their plumage, hummingbirds have long fascinated birders and non-birders alike. SABO naturalist and hummingbird researcher Tom Wood answers many of the most common questions about these often misunderstood birds, including how to attract and feed them and how scientists are revealing new and surprising information their behavior and adaptations.
Hummingbirds: The Art & Science of Attracting & Feeding
What are the best plants to attract hummingbirds to my yard? Is white sugar unhealthy? Why do bees bother some feeders more than others? And what about red dye? Sheri Williamson, hummingbird researcher and author of the Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds and Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds, explains how scientific studies in a variety of fields have helped to refine the art of attracting and feeding our favorite birds.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Hummingbirds (But Didn’t Know Who To Ask)
A lot of myths and misconceptions have sprung up about hummingbirds, but truth is often more incredible than fiction. Learn the facts about the amazing lives and travels of these living jewels from Sheri Williamson, SABO naturalist and author of the Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds and Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds: More Than Just Eye Candy
Don’t let the Disney-esque public image fool you: There’s much more going on behind a hummingbird’s glittering façade than meets the eye. These tiny dynamos pack a lot of birding excitement into a small package, from savage battles and continent-spanning migrations to major identification challenges and a penchant for mix-and-match mating. Best of all, the next astounding record could be in your very own yard! Presented by Sheri Williamson, hummingbird authority and author of the Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds.
Hummingbird Identification Workshop
This 3-hour classroom presentation covers hummingbird identification from basic (hummingbirds vs. sphinx moths) to advanced (Rufous vs. Allen’s, Ruby-throated vs. Black-chinned).
Raptors: Arizona’s Magnificent Birds of Prey
Twenty-two species of diurnal raptors (hawks, eagles, falcons etc.) rule the skies over Arizona, while 13 owl species . Presented by either Tom Wood or Sheri Williamson.
Wildlife of Southeastern Arizona
Presented by SABO founder and naturalist Tom Wood.
Gardening For, With, and In Spite Of Desert Wildlife
Presented by SABO naturalist and Master Gardener Tom Wood.
Birds of Southeastern Arizona
Presented by either Tom Wood or Sheri Williamson.