Birdathon: Los Madrones Ranch (FULL)

Registration for this event opens at 10 AM CT on Monday, March 2.

Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
$50 per person, max. 12 people

Bird the beautiful Los Madrones Ranch, property of Mike Murphy and Julie de Wette.

Hill Country birding does not get any better than this. Join a small group of birders and spend a morning exploring this 400-acre ranch close to Austin. Limestone outcroppings, Little Bee Creek, grasslands, broad vistas and many beautiful Madrone trees will be the backdrop for birds like nesting Golden-cheeked Warblers, Summer Tanagers and Rufous-crowned Sparrows. Who knows what surprises await us during peak migration. Learn more about Los Madrones’ history and wildlife here.

Mike and Julie have managed their property for wildlife since 2000, when cattle grazing was stopped, and the birds are responding. They also enacted a conservation easement with the Texas Land Conservancy in 2018, ensuring the property can never be subdivided nor covered with rooftops.

We will be on foot for much of the trip, on roads and trails, visiting a variety of habitats, maybe even adding to the 70+ species already recorded. Then we will adjourn to the hosts’ birdy hilltop yard to enjoy our sack lunches al fresco and depart around noon.

We will meet at the ranch gate on Hamilton Pool Road at 7:30. Note: There will be a restroom only at the lunch spot at the end of the trip. Further details will be emailed to registrants.

BIRDATHON POLICY
Payment for Birdathon events is due at registration. If you change your mind about attending an event, you may be able to transfer your registration to another Birdathon 2026 event. We sincerely appreciate your generous support! Event registration payments are non-refundable and non-deductible. Events will occur rain or shine. Please contact the Travis Audubon office with your questions.