Welcome, members and guests, to HLBWS’s first regular monthly meeting of the 2022-2023 program year! Plans for the morning include an 8:00 a.m. bird walk at Haley Nelson Park and some social time at 9:30 a.m. at the AgriLife building, 607 N. Vandeveer, in Burnet. Our business meeting will commence at 10:00 a.m. and our invited speaker, Dr. Lee Burton, will begin to present at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Dr. Burton, a Master Naturalist, will explain the importance of birds’ vocalizations in a presentation, “Bird Language: Why Should You Care?” He will describe the essentials of bird language and how to tune into this secret dialogue. Recognizing specific bird behaviors is an important part of tuning into their language, according to Dr. Burton. He will share listening techniques that anyone can use to better understand what birds are saying. With practice, these techniques can help people develop deeper, more meaningful connections with the natural world.

Dr. Burton is the owner of Naturalist Studies. Previously he served as the program manager for Conservation Centers for Species Survival, leading programs in four of the world’s seven continents. He mentored under Jon Young, becoming a Bird Language Leaders Instructor. Dr. Burton also is certified in Wildlife Track and Sign by Cybertracker Conservation.