EXPLORING NATURE: HORNSBY BEND

Don’t turn up your nose at sewage pond birding.

I’m here to tell you some wonderful birds can be found at one special sewage pond – the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant southeast of Austin not far from the Colorado River.

It’s a big place, covering some 1,200 acres, and it includes several lagoons, open fields and about three miles of trails along the river bank.

Birds love the place and some 353 species have been identified on the premises. There is no admission fee and the facility is open from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week. On the third Saturday of each month, a free guided bird walk is held. For information, visit hornsbybend. org or call 512-979-1000.

Bear in mind, this is a sewage treatment plant and there is a slight smell in the air. But it is not at all overwhelming and the numerous birds make it all worthwhile.

A few of the rarities recorded here include magnificent frigatebird, whooping crane, northern jacana, ruff and black skimmer. Sightings in September included blackbellied whistling duck, bluewinged teal, kildeer, Wilson’s phalarope, crested caracara and downy woodpecker.

I visited one summer and recorded red-shouldered hawk, loggerhead shrike, indigo bunting and lots of warblers. You’ll start seeing birds on the expansive parking lot; look for scissor-tailed flycatchers and painted buntings in nearby trees.

Bathroom facilities, a water fountain and a helpful information kiosk are located on the property. You can either drive around or get out and walk. I recommend a little of both.

All in all, Hornsby Bend is probably the premier birdwatching spot in the Central Texas area. So ignore that smell – the birding is swell.