Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

"I hear him over there!" Birdwatchers exclaim in hushed whispers as a black-capped vireo pops up from the shin oak thicket. Hidden within the observation deck, the visitors gaze through binoculars at their first sighting of the rare songbird only 20 feet away.

The refuge is 30 minutes from Austin. Take U.S. Highway 183 north from Austin, then go west on FM 1431 to Lago Vista to reach the southern end. Or continue on Hwy. 10 more miles to Seward Junction and follow, State Hwy. 29 two miles to Liberty Hill. Take FM 1869 approximately 9 miles to reach the observation deck.