Authentic Texan
Audubon Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are thrilled to launch the Bird City Texas certification program. This initiative recognizes and incentivizes impactful native bird conservation efforts in communities across the state – from urban hubs to rural towns. Certified Bird City Texas communities will receive public acknowledgment and valuable benefits for providing essential bird habitats where people live, work, and play. After all, where birds thrive, people prosper.
Formerly Called Birdwatchers
Birding is one of the most diverse outdoor activities, attracting participants from all walks of life. The ranks of birders, formerly known as “birdwatchers,” continue to grow, encompassing a wide range of individuals – from doctors and lawyers to teachers, police officers, corporate executives, truck drivers, merchants, children, young couples, and senior citizens. The diversity of birders is as vast as the variety of birds they observe, spanning from intense perfectionists who travel the globe to spot a new species, to casual weekend hobbyists who simply enjoy watching the neighborhood birds at their backyard feeders or local greenbelts.
The appeal of birding lies in its ability to fulfill many of our basic criteria for enjoyable outdoor recreation. While individual birders may focus on different aspects of the pastime, most would agree that the activity’s core draws are the aesthetics, behavior, and vocalizations of birds. The avian subjects are visually stunning, with their dazzling plumages and intricate behaviors captivating the eye. Moreover, the diverse and evocative songs of birds are deeply pleasing to the ear. Ultimately, the multifaceted allure of birds themselves is what makes birding such a popular and rewarding outdoor pursuit.
Birds can be found in a wide variety of habitats and are active both day and night. Birdwatching is an activity that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine – whether you’re working in the backyard, tending the garden, walking or jogging in the park, at the office, or looking out a kitchen window. Observing birds can brighten up the day and provide
a welcome break from the monotony of a dull routine.
This resource provides a wealth of information to help you explore birdwatching in our state. You’ll find details on where to go birdwatching, activities and events for birders, key facts about birds and conservation efforts, checklists and identification guides, land management tips for landowners, and even fun activities for kids. We hope this information equips you to fully enjoy the incredible birdlife our state has to offer.
