Image of a Mourning Dove perched on a tree stump.

Dr. Erin Wehland, who has worked in the wildlife field for more than 20 years, will present the latest research about mourning doves and white-winged doves. While these are the two most common dove species in Texas, their numbers have been in decline. By putting small identifying bands on the birds’ legs, researchers are able to generate estimates of the harvesting and/or the survival rates of a state’s breeding population of birds. Wildlife biologists then use these data to manage the factors that affect change in a population.

Originally from Nebraska, Dr. Wehland has worked with a wide range of wildlife species including passerine birds to waterfowl, upland game birds, and large and small mammals. She earned her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Over her career, she has worked in Nebraska, Missouri, Florida, Washington, and Florida. Currently, she is a wildlife biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department covering Burnet and the western half of Lampasas Counties, and has been in the area for the last 10 years. She works with private landowners providing technical assistance on improving habitat for wildlife, conducting surveys to monitor and manage wildlife populations, and doing public outreach.

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society meeting takes place at the Burnet County AgriLife Extension Service Building, 607 N. Vandeveer, in Burnet, on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting will start at 10:00 a.m. and Dr. Wehlend’s presentation will follow immediately. Visitors are welcome!

The pre-meeting bird walk at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet will begin at 8:00 a.m., weather permitting.