As the sun sets in Austin, the largest urban colony of bats takes flight.
09.05.25
By Wendy K. Probst
It’s sunset in the heart of Austin, Texas and you’ve been hanging out and sleeping all day after a long, previous night out. You came here for the cuisine and a nice place to stay with a river view. Now, as the sun shifts to warm orange and the sky to a dusky blue, you’re ready to go out and enjoy what you consider some of the city’s best food. So, you stretch out your hands and fly up and into the night air to join more than 1.5 million others to find sweet satiation.
That’s if you’re a Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) who migrated over a thousand miles in the spring (most of them do this while pregnant) to roost under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge from March through late September.
Austin is known for its “battiness” and for good reasons: live music, art, amazing food, and the largest urban colony of bats in North America.
If you’re thinking about getting on the road to see all your favorite colors this fall (no Austin musician reference left unturned here) – why not head to the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the dazzling spectacle of millions of Mexican free-tailed bats and their pups as they stream into the night sky?
Feeling the need to see speed? Covered. These small bats fly as fast as 100 miles per hour and can reach a cruising altitude of up to 10,000 feet as they search for their own culinary faves: moths.
Just into enjoying the scenery? As stunning views go, there may be nothing more breathtaking than grabbing a lawn chair, finding a spot on the bridge, or – for water enthusiasts (and a seriously good vantage point)–kayaking under the bridge at sunset to see these bats take flight.
Need one more reason? Conservation and bat viewing go hand-in-hand. Seeing one of the world’s most amazing bat flights helps shed positive light on this mysterious and ecologically important species.
Plan that trip now, because those bat mamas and their babies will be winging it south in late September and won’t be back until next spring.
What are best ways to experience Congress Avenue Bridge’s Bat Flight?
Plan Ahead
Check the Austin Bat Refuge website for current bat emergence times. And keep in mind that the bats keep their own schedules, so no one can predict exactly when they will wake up and fly!
Visit Austin’s Famous Bat Statue: Nightwing
Nightwing, the famed bat statue sits on the south end of Congress Avenue Bridge. Before the evening aerial show, go visit the statue and snap a picture for your Instagram feed.
Bring Insect Repellent
Mexican free-tailed bats may be insect-munching machines, but that doesn’t stop the mosquitos from looking for a tasty snack themselves. Bring bug spray – you’ll thank us later.
Watch from Below
While many bat enthusiasts choose to watch the emergence from atop the bridge, we suggest you venture below and get comfortable on the lawn of the Statesman Bat Viewing Area. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in on the small hill to wait for the bats to emerge. If the bats come out close to or after dark, you may want to move down to the trail that runs parallel to the water.
Wait Till Dark
Think of it this way – most of these bats are mothers that give birth in June to one baby bat – called a pup. These mamas feed ONLY their own baby, their own survival means their pup’s survival too! So waiting until the hawks, falcons, and grackles have gone to bed is safer for mama bats.
Capture the Moment
You’ll want to brag to your friends. Have your phone or camera ready to snap some beautiful magic hour shots and videos of the bats.
never miss a blog
Turn Around
After the bats take flight, they typically fly along the river close to the trees to avoid predators. After a while, they begin to climb to an impressive altitude over 10,000 feet. Turn around and—on nights when they emerge before dark—you’ll see this cloud of bats spiral up towards the sky as they search for their favorite foods: corn earworm and cotton bollworm moths.
Head to the Water
Bat cruises are available, as well as kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals through several vendors. Just make certain you’re not paddling directly underneath the bats.
Can’t get to Austin? Explore other bat viewing opportunities in the U.S. and around the world.
Wendy K. Probst is the editor of The Bat Pub, and a freelance editor and writer who has devoted her career to working with stellar conservation organizations like Bats Conservation International and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. She is both driven and anchored by her desire to dream, create, preserve, educate, and empower others.
