Austin is a vibrant hub for bird enthusiasts, featuring a stunning array of birds throughout the year. Its strategic location along migratory routes also attracts many visiting avians. Below, you can explore some of the top birdwatching spots in and around Austin. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider joining a guided tour with the Travis Audubon group, which organizes bird counts, field trips, and educational events suitable for both seasoned birdwatchers and beginners.

1. Hornsby Bend Observatory

Positioned near the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant, Hornsby Bend Observatory stands out as a prime birdwatching locale in central Texas. Although the plant occasionally emits a noticeable odor, it is outweighed by the rich variety of birdlife present. This site, located along the Colorado River, boasts diverse habitats that attract birds such as herons, hawks, egrets, and vultures.

2. Commons Ford Park

Spanning 215 acres in west Austin, Commons Ford Park extends along the banks of Lake Austin. With three miles of trails, birdwatchers can explore various spots with promising birdwatching opportunities. Visitors may be fortunate enough to encounter wild turkeys, scissor-tailed flycatchers, wood ducks, and ruby-throated hummingbirds.

3. Lake Creek Trail

This 1.5-mile trail located in Williamson County, just north of Austin, follows a slow-moving creek, offering observers a chance to see blue-winged teal, spotted sandpipers, great blue herons, and white-eyed vireo.

4. Roy G. Guerrero Park

Covering 360 acres just south of the Colorado River in far east Austin, this park offers birdwatchers a chance to see bald eagles hunting for fish, along with more common birds like mallards, wood ducks, downy woodpeckers, and monk parakeets.

5. Berry Springs Park

Part of Georgetown’s expansive network of parks, Berry Springs features several ponds and designated bird viewing areas with four miles of both concrete and natural trails. Observant birders might even spot the striking crested caracara hunting near the ponds, alongside red-tailed hawks and black-chinned hummingbirds.

6. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is recognized as an internationally Important Bird Area, providing a habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. With thousands of acres to explore, birdwatchers may also encounter species such as the ruby-crowned kinglet, cedar waxwing, spotted towhee, and northern bobwhite.

7. McKinney Falls State Park

The park features a lovely swimming hole complete with a waterfall. During spring, visitors often spot the iconic scissor-tailed flycatcher near the waterfall. While the water flow varies with rainfall, the park also includes miles of trails where colorful painted buntings may be seen, alongside raccoons, armadillos, and deer. Campsites typically come with water and electricity access.

8. Inks Lake State Park

Known for its fish-hunting birds like kingfishers and various hawks, Inks Lake maintains a consistent water level regardless of rainfall—making it an ideal spot for boaters and swimmers. The park offers 40 air-conditioned cabins and stunning pink granite views, making it also popular for photography. Early risers might be rewarded with glimpses of resident turkeys.

9. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

At Enchanted Rock, turkeys and roadrunners are commonly seen. The park’s jewel is the massive pink granite formation which can be a challenging climb, especially when wet. Visitors may choose to camp in sites that lack electrical hookups but offer nearby water and showers, and the quaint German town of Fredericksburg is just a short drive away.

10. Pedernales Falls State Park

In winter, eagles are an occasional sight, but more commonly, hawks soar over the area. The Pedernales River can become turbulent after heavy rains, resulting in stunning waterfalls cascading over beige limestone boulders. With a diverse fauna, including coyotes and rabbits, most campsites offer essential amenities such as picnic tables and water access.

11. Bastrop State Park

Though a significant wildfire in 2011 devastated much of the park’s unique pine trees, the slow restoration process is underway, with birds like cardinals, blue jays, and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler gradually returning. Furthermore, the 1930s-era cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps have been preserved, providing guests with a glimpse into the park’s history. The park offers a swimming pool, making it an ideal spot for family outings.