Photo taken by an HLBWS member.

A bit about us:

Monthly Guest Speakers

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society (HLBWS) holds meetings at 10 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month, from September through June. [N.B.: The next HLBWS meeting will be held on January 9, 2025, at the usual time.] Each meeting features a guest speaker on pertinent topics, such as bird species, pollinators, native plants, wildflower photography, and so much more.

We are holding monthly meetings in person for the 2024-2025 program year. HLBWS supports individuals’ choice to wear masks during in-person meetings, especially any individuals who may be at increased risk of illness.

Informal social time is provided at 9:30 a.m. on meeting dates. Unless otherwise noted, monthly meetings are held at the Burnet County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 607 N. Vanderveer, Burnet, TX 78611.

Weather permitting, HLBWS holds a pre-meeting bird walk each month from September through June. The bird walks begin at 8:00 a.m. and typically are held in Haley Nelson Park, 1624 Buchanan Drive, just off Highway 29 in Burnet. Guests are always welcome to participate!

Stay up-to-date by checking out all the events and activities to enjoy on the Calendar.

More Member Benefits and Opportunities

  • Book discussion group on the third Monday of each month, Sept. - June

  • Monthly newsletter, The Great Blue Herald

  • Access to Groups.io for member information, archived materials, meeting minutes and more

  • Photography interest group within Groups.io for members to exchange tips, techniques, and great captures

  • Access to a lending library with over 500 titles

  • Field trips to destinations of interest to members

  • Access to expert birders and trained naturalists

  • “Power Hours” of birdwatching on designated dates

  • Connections to activities such as Great Backyard Bird Count, virtual owl prowls hosted by similar organizations, etc.

HLBWS Membership Dues

We are a member-driven, educationally focused organization and strive to offer outstanding experiences at no or nominal cost to members. 

Annual dues for membership in HLBWS are $15. [After February 1, dues are reduced to $7.50 for the balance of the program year, which ends in June.] Individuals wishing to join may remit a check in the appropriate amount to the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society/Treasurer, P.O. Box 386, Spicewood, TX 78669. Please include your name, address, phone number(s), and email address.

Some experiences require additional fees to cover their costs, such as field trips to certain birding destinations or participation in the “Freedom Flight Cruises,” during which rehabilitated birds of prey are released back into the wild. These cruises are conducted by the Vanishing Texas River Cruises in partnership with Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy.

Last updated December 8, 2024.