Raptors of Central Texas

When someone mentions hawks or other raptors, many of us conjure images of majestic birds swooping down to snatch unsuspecting prey for a meal. From time to time, though, something goes awry. Raptors can injure themselves, get hit by cars, or otherwise require medical attention. A bird’s survival may depend upon the care of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator like Ed Sones. At our Thursday, January 9, 2025, meeting, HLBWS members and guests will be treated to Mr. Sones’ engaging presentation, “Raptors of Central Texas,” featuring live raptors handled by a team of dedicated wildlife rehabilitators. This interactive session offers a unique opportunity to learn about the behaviors and habitats of raptors native to Central Texas while witnessing these majestic birds up close.

Ed Sones is a very unusual bird watcher who is known for watching birds and other wildlife with them inside his home. He has been a wildlife rehabber for over 30 years, starting with nurturing two infant squirrels, thanks to his dog. Ed has personally rehabbed well over 4,000 birds of more than 120 species. Foster parenting, voracious fledglings, hissing vultures, and heartbreak are a part of his everyday world. He is on the board of Austin Area Wildlife Rehabilitation and a member of Austin Wildlife Rescue. Other handlers assisting in this presentation include Desiree Lavigne, who has been rehabbing and training raptors for twelve years, and Gerrie McCall, who has been volunteering as a raptor rehabber with Ed for three years.

The meeting will be held at the Burnet County Agri-Life Extension Service, 607 N. Vanderveer, in Burnet. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments; the business meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.; and Mr. Sones’ presentation follows at 10:30 a.m. Visitors are always welcome!

The pre-meeting bird walk at Haley Nelson Park, 200 Garden Trail in Burnet, will begin at 8:00 a.m. if the weather permits.