About Kerrville Bird Observatory Network

The Kerrville Bird Observatory Network (KBON) is an educational initiative consisting of up to sixteen new bird blinds around the City of Kerrville. Birdwatching activity is abundant in the region with diverse arrays of habitats including upland, riparian, and urban. Public bird blinds are often located in remote areas such as state parks, inaccessible to the majority. Birdwatching is an easy way to connect with nature, learn about biodiversity, and take a quiet respite. Increasing access to public bird blinds through the Kerrville Bird Observatory Network will address the public’s natural history and increase scientific literacy. KBON sites will be strategically placed near elementary schools, Schreiner University, and along the Kerrville River Trail to maximize public engagement and educational opportunities. Currently in development, this project has already acquired partners in the public and private sectors as well as academia. Such partners include Schreiner University, City of Kerrville, Riverside Nature Center, Nobilitea.

Project Description & History

This project addresses natural history and scientific literacy of the public by vastly increasing access to Texas biodiversity in a friendly, educational framework. KBON sites will be strategically placed near elementary schools, Schreiner University, and along the popular Kerrville River Trail to maximize exposure and opportunity for public engagement. Individual sites will address different conservation threats, such as invasive species, habitat modification, and pollutants. Understanding and appreciating local biodiversity is the first step in pursuing conservation efforts. Understanding and appreciating their threats is nearly equally important.

Each blind of the Kerrville Bird Observatory Network will contain:

• visual, text, and Braille information on local bird species, 
• a map of other KBON sites,
• a map of regional state parks with bird blinds,
• QR codes and prompts to easily access eBird and record observations,
• infographics describing why species diversity is important,
• tips for bird photography with phones and with SLR cameras,
• durable, replaceable binoculars affixed to the wall,
• and trash receptacles.

Currently, Schreiner University undergraduates conduct studies on the behavior of wild birds at the Schreiner University Biological Field Station. Schreiner students have conducted research with eBird as a predictive tool in bird migrations since 2017 and have recently begun studies on whether birds avoid feeders if domestic cats are nearby. These studies have and will be presented at the Texas Academy of Science annual meeting and have the potential to include publishable results, especially with more sampling sites through the KBON.

The safety of KBON users need to build The blinds will address the safety of KBON users by increasing visibility through larger-than-usual bird blinds with only three sides, similar to an urban bus stop. They will also require low-wattage interior lights to be lit at night.

Community Impact

The KBON bird blinds will be positioned on the edges of properties and in highly visible and easy-to-access areas for students and community members. Unlike nearly all existing public bird blinds in the Texas Hill Country, these blinds will also be ADA accessible. The Kerrville area is experiencing a boom of short-term rental development. This project is expected to draw non-local visitors, increasing revenue and taxes for restaurants and hotels. In addition to the educational benefits to community members, these blinds will also benefit natural bird diversity, along with associated community members like butterflies, by dedicating small parcels of land all over town for food and shelter. 

While the facilities have not yet been built, the KBON anticipates all light fixtures (maximum of 32 total) to be Dark Skies friendly. The only required lighting is low-wattage, downward lighting for night-time security within the blinds. All upgrades, even when coordinated through the City of Kerrville, will be implemented according to the original project plan, including Dark Skies friendly lighting.