Birding in Dripping Springs gaining in popularity

Visitors may come to Dripping Springs for weddings or spirits. There’s another reason they flock here--birding (pun intended). Dripping Springs is quickly becoming known as one of the top birding destinations in the region and beyond. There are certain species that can only be found in the Texas Hill Country.

“We have birds in the area such as the Goldencheeked Warblers, Painted Buntings, Black-capped Vireos and other unique birds that many visitors hope to add to their life lists,” Amanda Peña Bustillos said, Manager at Wild Birds Unlimited in Dripping Springs.

Bustillos has noticed an increase in folks taking an interest in birding, some of which could be attributed to COVID-19.

“We have been pleased to meet so many folks who are new to the hobby since the pandemic began because of the changing dynamic of work and social life, giving them the opportunity to stay home,” she said. “Others have been searching for new hobbies that allow them to enjoy their time while remaining socially distant. People are discovering that feeding and watching birds is a worthwhile experience that brings them peacefulness, joy and a sense of normalcy, in a time when a lot of things just don't feel normal,” Bustillos continued. “We've all needed more positivity in our lives and being outside and interacting with nature seems to be the answer for so many, myself included.”

It’s also an exciting time for bird enthusiasts as fall migration is underway. “Spring and fall migration are truly one of the best times to watch birds here in Dripping Springs as we are on the Central Flyway,” Bustillos said.

Because the birds are making the long trek from the north to the south for winter, Bustillos points out they’ll need fuel for the journey.

“It's so important to put nectar out for hummingbirds right now. It is truly a myth that keeping your hummingbird feeders out will keep hummingbirds from migrating... Birds take their cues from the length of days and other sensory cues that will tell them when it's time to start their journey south,” she said. “It is also a myth that there is no need to fill and maintain your bird feeders in the fall and winter months. Though many birds migrate in and out of our area, we are home to many resident birds who never leave us. Keeping them well-fed throughout the winter is so important in helping them survive colder temperatures.”

Speaking of survival, there is data that shows the bird population is dwindling. “Last year, the journal Science published an analysis of the loss of birds in North America and the decline in numbers was disturbing,” Bustillos said. “Since 1970, the population of birds has dropped by 30%, which is approximately 3 billion birds. Besides bringing us joy, our common birds are important to ecosystems,” she continued. “They take care of pest populations, pollinate flowers, spread seeds and regenerate plants. It's important that we know what's happening and be aware of how we can work together to make sure we don't continue to lose them.”

Aside from keeping feeders full, there are a few other things people can do to help the bird population.

“Making windows safe, keeping cats inside, and limiting the use of pesticides here in our community and in our yards are a few of the most important things we can do to protect our song birds,” Bustillos said. “If we can commit to doing these things as a community, we know it will make a huge difference.”

Bustillos along with the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau (DSVB) is working with the City of Dripping Springs to make that difference by helping Dripping Springs become a designated Bird City.

“Migrating and resident birds are experiencing an ongoing threat of habitat loss, and with Dripping Springs being located within the Central flyover for bird migration, it’s imperative that we act,” Hope Boatright, with the DSVB said. “By our city becoming a designated Bird City through Texas Parks and Wildlife and Audubon Texas, we are taking actionable steps to help the resident birds as well as the 650 migratory species that fly through our area.” Having the designation would also be a boost to the local tourism economy. “The Bird City designation tells visitors that our community cares about its environment, birds, and community. It is also an indication to prospective businesses and residents that the quality of life may be better here,” Boatright said.

For more information about birding in Dripping Springs, you can visit destinationdrippingsprings. com.