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July 26, 2026
We went birding today. Not easy to do in 100 degree summer afternoon of Austin, Texas but Skip and I are used to it. To make it more interesting, we birded a waste water treatment facility in south Austin called Hornsby Bend. Driving around the retention ponds, we took the air-conditioning with us.
I was surprised at the variety we saw and thought I’d share it with y’all:
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Turkey Vulture
Black Vulture
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Barn Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Spotted Sandpiper
Black-necked Stilt (with young)
Cattle Egret
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Redhead Duck
Summer Tanager
Great-tailed Grackle
European Starling
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Western Kingbird
Let me know if you ever want to bird central Texas. It’s fantastic!
Why Birding Matters - Our Mission
Birding invites us to slow down, look closely, and reconnect with the living world around us. In noticing birds—their colors, songs, migrations, and quiet presence—we become more attentive to nature and to ourselves. Birding sharpens our curiosity, restores a sense of calm, and reminds us that wonder can be found anywhere, from a backyard feeder to a distant trail.
At its heart, birding is not about how many species you know or how far you travel—it’s about being present, learning continuously, and finding joy in the simple act of paying attention.
Rather Be Birding
Who we are
At Rather Be Birding, every product, post, and photo comes from a lifelong love of birds. I’m Marj — birder, backyard feeder, and nature enthusiast — here to help you bring more birds, beauty, and joy to your own backyard and your life. Because no matter the season, there’s always something new to discover when you’d rather be birding.
Red-tailed Hawk
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