On the way, you might see wild turkeys or a Vermilion Flycatcher. The handicapped accessible boardwalk at spillway has nest boxes.
Osprey are common.
Hill country terrain can also be seen on the way back to San Marcos along RR 12, at the edge of town in developments such as The Settlement, Fox Ridge, or Summer Mountain. SWT's Freeman Ranch on RR 12 is also open to birders, but the western side of the road is private property, so do not leave the road.