There’s something special about hearing the birds sing while enjoying your morning coffee or watching birds dart across your yard in the evening. In Bastrop County, we’re lucky to live in one of Texas’s most unique ecosystems, where forests, prairies, and rivers unite to create a birdlife haven. It’s also one of the reasons customers contact Butler Contracting to create scenic outdoor spaces to enjoy birds at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors with your family, making your backyard bird-friendly is a great way to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Why Bastrop County Is a Bird Lover’s Paradise
Bastrop is home to the famous Lost Pines forest, a rare stand of loblolly pines that provides habitat for many bird species you won’t easily find elsewhere in Texas. The region also lies along the Central Flyway, one of North America’s great bird migration routes.
Thousands of birds pass through everything from warblers and tanagers to hawks and waterfowl each spring and fall.
Many bodies of water, like the Colorado River and Lake Bastrop, are important resources for the birds. Buescher State Park, Bastrop State Park, and McKinney Roughs offer refuge and habitat for both local birds and those on their migratory journey.
Because of its rich diversity, Bastrop has received special recognition as a bird-friendly community through various birding designations. Birders travel here to catch a glimpse of species like the Painted Bunting, Pine Warbler, and even the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
Over 350 species of birds have been documented in the area. That means your backyard is part of a much bigger story in conserving and celebrating birds in Bastrop County.
How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard
You don’t need acres of land or a forest in your yard to enjoy birds. You can invite them to your back porch with a few thoughtful touches.
- Food Sources: Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that produce seeds, berries, or nectar. Sunflowers, lantana, and yaupon holly are excellent choices for our region. Add a bird feeder with quality seed to attract cardinals, chickadees, and finches.
- Water: A simple birdbath or shallow fountain goes a long way, especially during the hot Texas summers. Be sure to keep it clean and full.
- Shelter: Dense shrubs, brush piles, and even specially designed birdhouses provide safe nesting and resting spots.
- Safe Spaces: If you’ve got outdoor cats or curious pups, consider a privacy fence or a sectioned-off area so birds feel secure when they visit.
By adding these elements, you’ll not only attract more species, but you’ll also help sustain them through different seasons.
Family Fun with the Merlin Bird ID App
Birdwatching doesn’t have to be complicated or limited to binoculars. Mixing in a little technology like the Merlin Bird ID app (created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology) makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy birding.
Just open the app, let it “listen” to the sounds in your backyard, and it will identify which birds are singing nearby. You can also snap a photo of a bird and have the app help you identify its species.
Kids especially love seeing which birds are calling in real time. It turns an ordinary morning into a backyard adventure. Don’t forget that birds are active in the evenings as well, so it’s a great way to relax after dinner and before bed, hearing the calming sounds of the birds.
It’s a fun, educational way to spend time together and build memories without leaving home. Before long, you’ll recognize bird calls as easily as you know your neighbor’s voice.
Building Memories in Your Own Backyard
At Butler Contracting, your backyard should be more than just a space; it should be a place where you and your family can relax, play, and connect with nature.
Whether adding a fence to keep your outdoor space safe, building a pergola for shade while birdwatching, or designing an outdoor living area for family gatherings, we’re here to help you create a space that fits your lifestyle. This season, try inviting the birds in. You’ll be amazed at how much joy and peace they can bring to your home.
Are you ready to make your backyard amazing for both your family and feathered friends? Call Butler Contracting today at 844-628-8537 or send us a message. Let’s start building memories.
