A Unique Location Within a sixty-mile radius of Austin, more than four hundred bird species have been recorded out of the over six hundred documented in the state of Texas. While this area may seem small for such a large number of birds to have been recorded, its geographic location explains the city's unique status as a hot destination for avid birders. Austin is situated along the Central Flyway, one of the four major avifaunal migration routes which criss-cross North America. In fall, the migration is more drawn out.
Birders also benefit from the unique geological and, subsequently, biological setting of Austin.
Approximately forty million years ago, the Balcones Escarpment was formed along a fault zone which runs Northeast to Southwest through the western half of the city. Each province harbors its own unique combination of soil, vegetation and animals, including distinct bird populations. Many bird species reach the edge of their distributional ranges near the Balcones Escarpment. These bird species, among others, may be observed within several miles of the escarpment. Texas weather can be hot and humid, so precautions need to be taken when venturing out to these birding sites.