Hot Springs, Arkansas – A major focus on sound, nature, and education is coming to Hot Springs this fall as organizers of the inaugural Birding Festival of the South announce a headline guest known worldwide for her expertise in identifying birds by ear.
The event, set for Oct. 8 through Oct. 10 in Hot Springs, will welcome international bird-sounds expert Allison Kondler, an Audubon Master Birder and educator whose work blends science, storytelling, and audio learning techniques. Festival organizers say her presence is expected to be one of the highlights of the first-year event.
Kondler is widely known for her approach to bird identification through sound rather than sight. She runs the educational platform BirdingByEar.com, where she teaches learners how to recognize bird calls using memory tools, sound mimicry, and narrative-based learning methods designed for different types of learners.
According to organizers, her teaching style has made birding more accessible to beginners and engaging for experienced birders who want to sharpen their listening skills in the field. Her work also extends into public speaking, including a TED Talk that helped introduce her methods to a wider global audience.
During the festival, Kondler will lead a guided field trip on Friday, Oct. 9, through the Northwoods lakes region near Lakes Dillon and Bethel. The area is known for its quiet water environments and wooded surroundings, making it an ideal location for observing and hearing a variety of bird species in natural habitats.
Organizers say participation in the field trip will require separate registration due to limited group size and the hands-on nature of the experience. The goal, they explain, is to give participants a more focused opportunity to learn bird identification skills directly in the environment where those sounds occur.
In addition to the field excursion, Kondler will also take the stage as one of the festival’s keynote speakers on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Her talk is included with the festival pass, which is priced at $35.
The keynote is expected to explore her techniques for learning bird sounds and the broader importance of auditory observation in wildlife study. Festival organizers say her combination of education and entertainment makes her a strong fit for the event’s mission of introducing birding to a wider audience.
“We are so excited to have Alison Kondler join us at The Birding Festival of the South,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said. “She is an incredible birder and speaker and her TED Talk is a great mix of fascinating and entertaining.”
The festival itself is a new addition to the region’s growing lineup of nature-focused events, aiming to bring together bird enthusiasts, conservation supporters, and curious beginners. With guided trips, educational talks, and expert-led sessions, organizers hope the weekend will highlight both the diversity of local birdlife and the value of environmental awareness.
Full details and registration information for the festival are available through HotSprings.org/events/birding-festival-of-the-south/.
