County skies alive for migration

AUSTIN — Local Birdwatchers gather at Hornsby Bend in Austin for World Migratory Bird Day May 10. Part of a broader celebration of spring migration and bird conservation, more than 250 attendees take part in bird walks, a raptor show and species count that records over 120 bird types in the area. Luke Thompson, president of the Bastrop Audubon Society, says over 200 million birds flew over Bastrop County the night of April 21 alone, as detected by weather radar. Since about 85% of birds migrating through the area travel at night, according to Thompson, he encourages residents to turn off outdoor lights to reduce disorientation among the travelers. Courtesy photo