Subject: [Tweeters] RE: RFI -- Austin, TX
Date: Mar 29 14:29:56 2006
From: Josh Hayes - josh at blarg.net



> From: "Jonathan Hoekstra" <jhoekstra at tnc.org>
> Subject: [Tweeters] RFI -- Austin, TX

> Hi fellow tweets,
>
> Does anyone have some recommended birding spots in or around Austin, TX?
> I'm heading there next week and hope to get out before and after some
> meetings. I've never been, so some good sampling would be as much
> appreciated as some of the specialties around there.
>
> Thanks,
> Jon Hoekstra
> Seattle, WA

Jon,

When I lived in Austin (admittedly, over 15 years ago) and taught some
birding classes, three of the best spots:

1) The sewage ponds east of town, out south of the Wildflower Research
Center. Sure, they're smelly, but there are terrific duckids and wading
birds, along with riparian types.

2) McKinney Falls State Park: south and a tad east of town. My first Painted
Bunting sighting, and reliable for that species this time of year. Also
scissor-tailed flycatchers, but it may be a little early for them. Had a
good resident canyon wren for several years, so it's worth look for that as
well. A good assortment of passerines, and the surrounding countryside
excellent for kestrels and other raptors.

3) Pedernales State Park, about 1.5 hours west of town. This is out in the
Hill Country proper, and you'll have good chances at the two star
attractions, golden-cheeked warblers and blue-gray gnatcatchers (although I
guess gnatcatchers aren't anything special, I just like 'em). Excellent for
a variety of passerines, including a variety of warblers -- you should still
have some migrant activity. Vireos, kinglets. Wild turkeys. Good for
resident raptors.

Hope this helps! Don't forget to have a meal at Threadgill's! (The five
vegetable plate is awesome.....mmm, collard greens....)

-Josh Hayes, josh at blarg.net