Hummingbirds draw more devoted admiration than almost any other desert animal, and Morejon will use that as a starting point for a closer look at the biology behind it. Topics will include the unique anatomy that allows hummingbirds to hover and fly backward, their rapid metabolism, and the adaptations that let them survive in a harsh desert climate. Morejon will close with hands-on guidance on how residents can support hummingbirds from their own homes.

“People already love hummingbirds. My job is easy, I just get to point that love toward something useful,” said Morejon. “There’s something about these birds that gets people paying attention to nature in a way few others do, and once that attention is there, we can turn it into real habitat and real conservation.”

The talk offers something for a broad range of interests. Casual admirers will come away with a better sense of what makes hummingbirds so unusual, while serious birders will get expert-level detail on local species and behavior. For anyone who has ever wondered how to attract hummingbirds to their yards, Morejon will provide direct, practical answers.

This event is part of the Foothills Speaker Series, an ongoing free lecture series that connects community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. The series brings together experts from across the Southwest to share knowledge about desert ecology, conservation, and the natural world.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating.