Learning, Birding and Nature with Charmaine Ganson

03/26/2026

Look who's back! Our Eastern Screech owl! It's raptor nesting season. The male usually chooses the nest site and takes care of the female when she is laying and incubating eggs. The male feeds the female when courting and when she is actually nesting. They tend to mate for life.

They come in two color morphs, red and grey. Their eyes are a yellow color. They have feather tufts on their head that stick up and look like ears. Their ears are actually below there on the sides of their head. One is set higher than the other so they can pinpoint their prey easier in the dark which can consist of anything from mice, small birds, insects. etc..

They are small. Less than 10" in length and their feather pattern allows them to blend into their environment.

We are looking forward to seeing babies again this year!

03/20/2026

It's time, Texas!
Spring migration is here, and Birds need our help! Lets protect our feathered friends!

Turn off all non-essential lighting outside and inside from 11:00pm to 6:00am each night during migration (March 1 - June 15).

Did you know 1 out of 3 birds migrate thru Texas, that's 3 billion birds!

🐦 Learn more at: bit.ly/Lights_Out_Texas



www.indianblanketranch.com www.hillcountryadventures.com

01/16/2026

I had a Dental appt. today in Kerrville so I decided Collins and I would go to the river and look for the Common Merganser reported there. Found it upstream from the Dietert Center near the spillway.

Their beaks are long and thin compared to ducks. It's fairly large and is found in most of the US, Europe and Asia. It's just happens to be uncommon down South here in S. Texas.

01/05/2026

This is a good reminder not to use lead shot. It helps wildlife not to die an agonizing death. From Gentle Bird Moments a wildlife rehab.

We want to share a deeply emotional update about our work, especially in light of the challenges we have recently faced. While we do not always make every case public—particularly during periods of unusually high patient intake—we believe it is important to address a heartbreaking reality we have encountered. Over the past eight weeks, we admitted five majestic bald eagles that sadly succumbed to lead poisoning. These remarkable birds, all five years of age or older with their striking white heads, had already survived the most vulnerable years of their lives. Witnessing them fall victim to a preventable threat has been devastating.

As this is nesting season, it is especially painful to imagine their mates searching for them. These eagles will not return to their partners or their territories, a loss that resonates deeply with all of us. Alarmingly high levels of lead were found in their blood. Some did not survive through the night, while others required compassionate intervention to end their suffering. The number of eagles affected in such a short time is deeply concerning and underscores the urgent need for action.

We are committed to ensuring these eagles are honored with dignity. Our conservation officers will retrieve them for placement in the Eagle Repository, and in doing so, we are reminded of the critical importance of raising awareness about non lead alternatives for hunters and anglers. Through the simple choice of using non lead ammunition, sinkers, and fishing tackle, we can collectively protect these magnificent birds and our wildlife.

We recognize that some members of the community may push back against this message. However, it is essential to acknowledge the long term impact of lead ammunition on bald eagles and other wildlife. If change is resisted, responsible practices such as properly removing gut piles and ensuring non target animals affected by lead are handled appropriately must be encouraged. While we have encountered some resistance within portions of the sporting community, understanding the impact of lead is crucial. Fortunately, extensive information on available alternatives exists, and many options are readily accessible.

Though today is a difficult day for our team, the loss of these beautiful eagles reinforces the importance of our mission. Together, we can advocate for thoughtful changes that protect wildlife and help create a healthier ecosystem. Let us work toward a future where bald eagles and other wildlife can thrive, free from the threat of lead poisoning

09/04/2025

Collins & I went out to the Pearsall Pond south of Uvalde. We found a White-faced Ibis and 2 Long-billed Curlew! I have never seen an Ibis with this much green iridescence. Also it's feathers were up constantly on the upper back. It's been years since we have seen Curlews.

07/29/2025

Fall migration is here at the hacienda. Our first male Rufous Hummingbird is here. Collins Ganson thought he saw it yesterday. I finally saw it today and got a couple of photos of it. They are a little blurry because I really had to zoom in. He was in a tree at least 50' away.

Rufous Hummingbirds are a Western species and we get a few in migration.

Our friend LeAnn Garrison Sharp had a male show up at her place this week also. Can't wait to see what this migration brings!

Here is a link to Cornell Lab of Ornithology for an explanation.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rufous_Hummingbird/id

07/29/2025

Tonight will be the peak of two meteor showers. One of them is known for their brightness.

The Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will both hit their peak visibility Tuesday night.

06/08/2025

The Canyon Towhees have fledglings. Here is one with it's parent and another fluff ball Towhee just hanging out. Notice the parents color compared to the youngsters. Next year, they will look like their parents. Towhees are related to Sparrows. They are a soft brown gray color and their head has a rust color to it. Under their rump it's also rust color and they have a dot on their chest.

They are not as afraid of humans as some birds are. Ours come and greet us every time we step outside. These birds are frequently found here in the Texas Hill Country.

06/01/2025

This is a good article by Cornell Lab of Ornithology on what to give birds as nesting material.

By Holly Grant, Project Assistant Some birdwatchers and nature lovers like to celebrate the beginning of breeding season by providing nesting materials for use by the birds that will soon become their neighbors. Each spring we see a similar uptick in questions regarding which type of nesting materia...