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Wildlife viewing · Austin, Texas
Congress Avenue Bridge
Bridge over Lady Bird Lake from which, March to October at dusk, one of North America’s largest urban bat colonies emerges.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Congress Avenue Bridge
Under the Congress Avenue Bridge, which crosses Lady Bird Lake in central Austin, lives one of North America’s largest urban bat colonies. They are Mexican free-tailed bats, which arrive in spring from Mexico and occupy the crevices of the bridge’s concrete structure, rebuilt in the 1980s.
At dusk, from March to October, the bats leave in dark clouds to hunt insects, in an emergence that can last several minutes. In August, when the pups are already flying, the emergence is usually larger. Residents and visitors gather on the bridge itself, on the grassy banks and in boats and kayaks on the lake to watch.
The time of emergence varies with the season and the weather, and on some days the bats emerge after dark.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour to one hour, at dusk.
Best time
March to October, at sunset; in August the emergences are usually larger.
How to get there
On foot, at the end of Congress Avenue, between downtown and the South Congress neighborhood.
Tip
Arrive about half an hour before sunset to secure a spot on the bridge or the south bank lawn. Boat and kayak tours depart the lake in the late afternoon.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Congress Avenue Bridge
When do the bats leave the Austin bridge?
At dusk, from March through October; the timing changes with the season and the weather.
Where can you watch the Austin bats?
From the Congress Avenue Bridge itself, from the lawns on the south bank, or from boats and kayaks on Lady Bird Lake.
What species of bats live under the bridge?
Mexican free-tailed bats, which spend spring and summer in Austin.