Featured Speakers
Raptors of Central Texas
When raptors experience injury or illness, their survival may depend upon the expertise of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Join us to hear Ed Sones talk about this work, and see these magnificent birds up close and in person.
How to Help Beneficial Insects Thrive
Discover some of the beneficial insects in our landscapes - and how to help them stick around.
Using iNaturalist
Find out how to use the nifty, FREE iNaturalist app with pointers from our guest speaker, Wendy Anderson.
Banding and Management of White-winged and Mourning Doves
Find out more about why scientists band birds, and the important information about the status of bird populations from banding programs.
Marvels of Bird Migration in Central Texas
At our first meeting of the 2024-2025 program year, we will learn about the amazing events of bird migration.
A Tribute to a Texas Naturalist: Greg Lasley
Greg Lasley made immense contributions, personally and professionally, to our knowledge of birding and the natural world.
Dr. Chuck Sexton will present a tribute to Greg’s lasting legacy.
The Invasive Species Dilemma in Texas
This month’s speakers will provide us with a provocative new look at the invasive species affecting Texas today.
Hill Country Seasonal Climate Outlook (ONLINE ONLY)
An expert from the National Weather Service will share an update on the probable climate conditions this summer into fall.
What Is an Urban Wildlife Biologist?
Find out what an urban wildlife biologist does and why their work is so important in contemporary society.
Native Host Plants for Texas Butterflies and Moths (ONLINE ONLY)
Join HLBWS members for a fascinating online presentation about the special relationships between Texas butterflies and moths and the native plants that support the insects’ life cycles.
Flower Photography
Dr. Marvin Bloomquist will share the key “how to’s” that will help you take wonderful photos of flowers, whether you use a phone or a camera. You’ll also learn how those photos will help you identify what flowers you’ve seen.
BCNWR: New Research into the Wintering Locations of the Golden-cheeked Warblers
Scott Rowin will talk about how scientists are learning where threatened or endangered species over-winter, and how such information supports efforts to help protect the birds.
Plant Conservation Programs at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Michael Eason, the Associate Director of Conservation and Collections at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, will describe the array of plant conservation programs at the Garden and why these programs are so important.
Ecology and Management of Sandhill Cranes in the Western United States
Dr. Blake Grisham will give a talk about a 10-year program of research about one of North America’s most iconic birds, the beautiful sandhill crane.
Biodiversity of the Texas Hill Country
Join us on Thursday, September 7, 2023 for the first meeting of the 2023-2024 program year, and hear a presentation by Dr. David Hillis, esteemed author of the book, Armadillos to Ziziphus: A Naturalist in the Texas Hill Country. We all believe that the Hill Country is special. Dr. Hillis can explain why that is true from a scientific perspective and not just an opinion!
Ethics and the Nature Photographer
This is HLBWS’s final meeting of the 2022-2023 program year. As more people seek to reconnect with nature and commemorate their experiences with photos, there is a serious risk of ethical transgressions. Find out more from Jennifer Leigh Warner at HLBWS’s June 1, 2023, meeting.
Bats, Their Environmental Significance, and How to Help Them
Two experts on bats will hold a discussion about these fascinating creatures, identifying environmental threats and efforts to help conserve them.
Watching Wood-warblers (and Other Migrants) from Treetop to Forest Floor
Springtime brings a huge diversity of migratory birds through Central Texas. Come learn about “who’s who” from Texas Nature Trackers wildlife biologist Craig Hensley.
Habitat Restoration at Pedernales Falls State Park
Find out how Park Interpreter Stephen Garmon is working to restore a vanishing natural habitat at Pedernales Falls State Park.
Cowbirds 101 (NEW: Online ONLY)
Learn more about the “Rodney Dangerfields” of the songbirds in Texas: the Brown-headed Cowbird. NOTE: Due to extreme weather conditions, this meeting will be offered online via Zoom.