In my case birdman relates to my actual name. Not only am I not a bird-watcher, I actually have a mild phobia of the creatures, as they routinely seem to attack me.
But yes, Austin is a great place for birds (the animals, that is, though it's a good place for us Birds as well). Many pass through the region from November to March on migrations, and zillions are nearby all winter on the Gulf Coast.
There's also a fascinating tale of Mexican parakeets that have colonized Town Lake in downtown -- they live there in abundance and health, descendants of pet-shop escapees from 20 or so years ago. (
This Web site describes a bit more about them -- technically I guess they are Monk Parakeets.)
Beyond the parakeets and ubiquitous grackles, we have many wonderful morning doves, the usual share of cardinals, jays and bluebirds, nice waves of migrating hummingbirds, and our urban creeks host many a green heron -- a very attractive set of annual visitors.
Birdman
