Balcones Songbird Tour - Bird Behavior with Shelia Hargis
Description
Bird Behavior with Shelia Hargis
$100 Per Attendee
Balcones Songbird Tours offer expertly guided, intimate access to the refuge and serve as one of our largest annual fundraisers. All proceeds directly support refuge management and conservation efforts.
Since 2021, Shelia has been teaching the Introduction to Bird Behavior class for Travis Audubon — and now you’ll have the chance to experience her bird behavior expertise firsthand at Balcones Canyonlands.
During this guided walk, we’ll not only work on identifying bird species, but we’ll take it further by exploring their sex and age whenever possible. More importantly, we’ll observe and discuss their behaviors — from feeding to vocalizing to interactions between species to breeding behavior. Understanding why birds engage in certain behaviors adds a whole new layer to birding. Sometimes the reasons are clear, but other times they remain a mystery — even to science!
Taking time to slow down and watch birds behave naturally will deepen your connection to them, even the species we tend to overlook.
April is a prime time to spot the breeding birds of Central Texas in their nesting habitat as well as migrant species just passing through. Some of those species include the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo as they settle into their breeding season. We may also see spring arrivals and resident species like Chimney Swifts, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Hutton’s Vireos, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays, Canyon Wrens, Grasshopper Sparrows, Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Blue Grosbeak, Painted Bunting, Black-and-white Warblers, and Nashville Warblers.
If you love the idea of slowing down and truly getting to know how birds live their lives, this tour is for you! Space is limited, so register soon to secure your spot.
Time: 7:00AM - 12:00PM
Location: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge - 24518 RM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Note: Specific meeting location will be shared with registered attendees 7-10 days before the tour date. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge spans nearly 30,000 acres. Pre-tour scouting will inform the best spot(s) for this tour.