For Immediate Release – October 5, 2009

The Austin Water Utility (AWU) Center for Environmental Research (CER) and the Travis Audubon Society will celebrate 50 years of our birding partnership at the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Facility with four days of birding, workshops, presentations and art, October 8-11. Hornsby Bend is located at 2210 South FM 973. This marriage of a biosolids treatment plant and a prime birding location might seem unlikely; however the environmentally-sound manner in which the AWU treats wastewater material has created a popular resting spot for migrating birds and a home for a myriad of native species. Water from the treatment process is stored in several large ponds which draw birds and other wildlife to the area. Hornsby Bend is nationally known as one of the best birding sites in Texas - harboring over 370 species of birds and an abundance of other wildlife. It is listed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as an ecotourism destination on its Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail.

Events

Owl workshop by Rob Fergus: Two nights of Central Texas owl biology, nest box management and "owl prowl" excursions

When: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Oct. 9

Location: Center for Environmental Research at Hornsby Bend, 2210 South FM 973.

Cost: $60 for the two nights includes refreshments and handbook. Visit hornsbybend.org to register.

Hornsby Bend's 50 Years of Birding Celebration

When: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10

Location: Center for Environmental Research at Hornsby Bend, 2210 South FM 973.

• Day-long activities include birding field trips, a "super" bird survey, educational displays and a silent auction

• Public field trips with a bird expert at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

• Presentations on bird monitoring and wildlife photography, noon to 4 p.m.

• Program on "50 years of birds and birding at Hornsby Bend," 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

The "Big Sit" Annual Bird Count

When: Sunday, Oct. 11, sunrise to sunset.

Visit hornsbybend.org to register.

Location: Hornsby Bend, 2210 South FM 973.

For more information, call Kevin Anderson, (512) 972-1960. For a map to the site, visit www.hornsbybend.org.

Media Contact:
Kevin Buchman
Email to: Kevin.Buchman@ci.austin.tx.us
City of Austin Water Utility
(512) 972-0151; pgr.(512) 802-8959