Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching, Texas, United States

5Ross T 5:00 PM Aug 28, 2022

The Most Prominent Thing That Bats Do When They Swarm At Nightfall Is Aerobatics
Capital Cruises’ Internationally Famous Bat Watching Tour was our means to see the bats swarm from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. We easily found a free parking place near the river and walked to the cruise boat dock. The bat cruise was on a flat pontoon boat. We sat on black plastic chairs, there were about 40 of them on board. Captain Alec got underway and arrived at the Congress Ave Bridge at the perfect time, just as the bats were emerging from the narrow heat expansion slits on the underside of the bridge structure. Apparently, perfect nesting habitat for the Mexican Freetail Bats. We were entranced to watch the swarms of bats fly away from the bridge and along the treeline to the east. We were informed that there were about 2.5 million bats heading out for the night of feeding on insects. Then the captain took us on a trip up the river, giving a descriptive commentary on all the buildings and shore side sights. It was extremely interesting and entertaining. In addition, we were treated to a beautiful sunset, the twilight reflecting off the city's buildings. Captain Alec was a great tour guide and made the entire experience fun and entertaining!

5jamusaba 5:00 PM Apr 8, 2022

Go Bat Crazy in Austin !
The best show in Austin happens without fail at sundown from late March to early fall. Go to the Congress bridge towards the middle of the bridge facing east. You will see 1.5 million Mexican free tailed bats swarming and flying eastward looking for insects. The bats reside under the eaves of the bridge during the day and fly out in swarms every sundown. It is quite a sight attracting a loyal fan base of humans which number in the hundreds.