Start your day with Austin Parks and Recreation at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park, one of the city’s premier birding destinations. While June is not peak migration season, avid birders can still expect to spot more than 70 species across diverse habitats—woodlands, prairies, creeks, and the Colorado River.
Guided by experts from Travis Audubon and the Capital Area Master Naturalists, you’ll explore the park’s unique ecology and history, including its prairie restoration project that revitalized bird habitats and enriched biodiversity. Likely sightings include hummingbirds, roadrunners, herons, vultures, raptors, woodpeckers, flycatchers, vireos, finches, tanagers, buntings, and more.
Along the way, you’ll also learn about the origins of the historic ranch and how this park has become a haven for both wildlife and a wide range of visitors.
Note: This activity begins early to take advantage of prime birdwatching conditions. Attendees need to bring birding binoculars, hats with broad rims, sunscreen, backpacks, hiking shoes or boots, water bottles, and birding apps on their mobile phone.