Visit the forests during bird’s Fall Migration Season
It’s Fall migratory season for over for 400 species and nearly 2 billion birds on their long nighttime treks heading from North America to their winter homes in South America! Now you can find out how many birds flew over your head the night before plus a whole lot more with this live app, BirdCast, from the The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The app, which will be available during migration season through Nov. 1, uses easy-to-read graphics for a fun educational lesson in birding and traveling trends.
That’s incredibly cool for families, bird lovers and outdoorsmen* alike.
But even better than seeing a bird count on a screen, is to come see for yourself as you visit the forested public parks in Bastrop County. Centrally located in Texas, Bastrop County is in the path of major migratory patterns, and the County also has an abundance of relaxing forested acres with state and nature parks, and plenty of water including Lake Bastrop and the Colorado River, which are a big attraction for the feathered travelers.
Along the many walking trails, you’ll also see a large variety of plants and trees including the towering Loblolly Pines in this famed Lost Pines Region, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Heading outdoors to Bastrop County for a simple hike, another word for a walk in nature, is a wonderful family-friendly opportunity to teach your children an appreciation of nature in all forms – animals, plants, earth, air and water. They’ll learn by example to be outdoorsmen, too!
Top 9 Outdoor Places to Enjoy Nature in Bastrop County:
- Bastrop State Park
- Buescher State Park (Smithville)
- McKinney Roughs Nature Park (next to Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa)
- Lake Bastrop Southshore Park
- Lake Bastrop Northshore Park
- Elgin Memorial Park
- Bastrop County Nature Park (along the Colorado River)
- Fisherman’s Park (Bastrop)
- Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park (Smithville)
Friendly reminders for the outdoorsmen:
- Before you come, download the free Merlin Bird ID app onto your phone to identify birds by sight and by sound.
- Bring water.
- Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes.
- Use bug spray.
- Use sunscreen. Even though you’ll be in shaded areas for most of your hikes, you’ll still get some sun.
- Remember to take any trash with you to keep the parks clean.
AFTER YOUR HIKE
After your hike, think about exploring the historic downtowns for the wonderful restaurants and boutique mom-and-pop shops. It’s always interesting to see the history of the towns and find those great treasures to remind you of your trip.
For longer breaks, plan your lodging stay with us. Add some other self-guided tours or the local attractions to your itinerary. You might even catch some other seasonal activities in the County or nearby.
Above all, we want you to enjoy your exploration of Bastrop County.
When you return home, use your outdoorsman skills locally and be a bird champion. One easy way is “Lights Out” to help the birds better find their way during migration season. Just turn off all your outdoor lights at night from August through October as they migrate south, and in the spring from March through June when the birds head back to their nesting grounds.
Welcome to Bastrop County. Enjoy Our Friendly Nature!