Wildlife

Dripping Springs Is the Newest Bird City 

We all love birds, but some Texas towns really put out the red carpet for our avian friends. Now one town is getting deserved recognition for its impact on conservation. 

The newest certified member of the elite Bird City Texas club is the City of Dripping Springs. The Hill Country town has made efforts to ensure that birds (and wildlife and people) thrive in their communities, exhibiting leadership in community engagement, habitat protection and threat reduction. The three-year certification lasts through 2024.

“It’s a badge of honor that reflects the incredible work the city and its aviary enthusiast partners are doing in the community to support bird conservation, education and outreach,” says Kelly Schmidt, director of Dripping Springs Parks and Community Services. “We are all looking forward to growing the field and moving the conservation meter.”

Like the other seven Bird Cities in the first three years of the program, the city and its partners help preserve green spaces beneficial to birds and people alike. Bird City Texas communities attract many of the 2.2 million bird watchers in the state, a major driver in the $1.8 billion economic impact from Texas wildlife viewing.

“From their community science and education opportunities to their proactive approach to transportation needs, Dripping Springs has enacted meaningful criteria that support birds and a variety of wildlife,” says Yvette Stewart of Audubon Texas.

Dripping Springs Birding Club, Texas Master Naturalists, Wild Birds Unlimited and Destination Dripping Springs worked with the city to achieve these conservation goals.

“They have shown true dedication to the future of their community,” says Olivia Haun of TPWD’s Wildlife Diversity Program. “People and wildlife will continue to benefit from their proactive work for generations to come.”

Want to be a Bird City, too? The 2022 application cycle begins in early summer. Start at birdcitytexas.org.

Here’s something you can do to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on May 14. Turn out your lights at night to give birds the dark pathways they need for migration.