The International Hummingbird Society: Sedona Hummingbird Festival – Susan Bonfield The Remarkable journey of the Rufous Hummingbird: An Update on Protecting the Joy!

Presented by Susan Bonfield, Director of Environment for the Americas

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.

Part of the Sedona Hummingbird Festival

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