South Congress Bridge Bat Watching Guide

Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Around 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed bats live under the Congress Street Bridge from March to October emerge at dusk in a breathtaking display.

Austin’s bats migrate every spring from Mexico and have made their home under the Congress Street Bridge by the thousands since 1980. Primarily female, the bats come to Austin to have their pups, usually in early June. They remain in residence under the bridge usually until mid-October, and each night they leave their roost to forage on the mosquitoes and flies and other bugs of Austin and its environs.

The bats normally emerge just before sundown and fly east to hunt for insects in the Colorado River valley. The south sidewalk of the Congress Bridge is my favorite spot. While other views are available, the Congress Bridge lets you see the columns of bats as they fly east down the river. The bridge vantage point also avoids the odor which can be intense. Arrive about an hour before sundown to claim a good spot. Also, take the time to read the education signs in the small park on the southeast bank next to the bridge.

See the Guide: https://www.austinbats.org/plan