08.29.2023

Today’s Forecast

69º | Mostly cloudy | 8% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:35 a.m. | Sunset 6:55 p.m.

💡 Lights Out, Texas

How to help local birds during fall migration with Lights Out, Texas

Help our local birds travel safely this fall. | Photo via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s that time of the year, y’all. Pumpkin spice lattes are in full swing, trees are going from brown to a darker shade of brown, and bird migration is underway.

Around 2 billion birds migrate through the Texas night sky during spring and fall. The bright artificial lights of cities — which create a phenomenon called sky glow — can cause traveling birds to become disoriented and crash into buildings or windows.

Enter: Lights Out, Texas.

What is Lights Out, Texas?

Bird conservation organization Audubon Texas started the initiative in 2017 and has since expanded state-wide with the help of Texan by Nature. Lights Out is meant to help reduce migratory bird deaths by increasing awareness and participation of cities to turn off non-essential lights.

How can I participate?

Austinites can help the birds in a variety of ways.

Turn off non-essential lights nightly between 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
Don’t use landscape lighting in trees or gardens.
Use light shields on home security systems.
Close blinds to reduce light emission to the outdoors.

Do you or does someone you know own a non-residential building? They can get involved with this kit of resources for businesses and buildings taller than three stories.

Read more about Dark Sky initiatives in the Austin area.

When is fall migration?

Fall migrations began on Tuesday, Aug. 15 and run through Thursday, Nov. 30. Peak migration takes place from Wednesday, Sept. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 29.

Ready to learn more? The Travis Audubon Society offers a wide range of community programs and activities including birding field trips, classes, moonlit migration events, and a book club.

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Events

Tuesday, Aug. 29

The Oyster Social | Tuesday, Aug. 29, Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Devil May Care, 500 W. 6th St., Austin | $40 | Indulge in endless oysters, clams, and seafood at the underground lounge.
Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind and Fire | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $61-$501 | The iconic artists will perform their “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour.
The Cuckoos | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 8 p.m. | Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St., Austin | $10 | Stay tuned for additional performances by Seven Year Witch and Souls Extolled.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

David Kushner | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 7 p.m. | Emo’s, 2015 E. Riverside Dr., Austin | $30 | Spend your Wednesday night with David Kushner and Chance Pena on their “Daylight” tour.

Thursday, Aug. 31

ATX Urban Art Exhibition Opening Event | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 6-9 p.m. | Bee Cave Arts Foundation, The Hive Gallery, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-125, Bee Cave | Free | Check out the new exhibit on graffiti, street art, murals, and mosaics at this opening reception.
GODSMACK AND STAIND | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 6:30 p.m. | Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle | $30-$600 | Get on your feet for this Thursday night concert.

Tuesday, Sept. 26

AYAD AKHTAR: Reading and Book Signing | Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Jessen Auditorium , 200 W. 21st St., Austin | Free | Author, playwright, and President of PEN America, Ayad Akhtar reads and signs his latest book, “Homeland Elegies,” which The Washington Post calls “a tour de force."*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Traffic

TxDOT can now alter highway speed limits to account for weather and construction with a few caveats: all altered speeds will be temporary, changes can’t exceed 10 mph below the permanent speed limit, and the department can’t divert traffic through toll roads. (KXAN)

Concert

Country legend Pat Green will headline Longhorn City Limits to kick off the 2023 college football season. The free concert will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2 on the LBJ Library Lawn. Then, the Longhorns will play the Rice Owls at 2:30 p.m. (KXAN)

Open

Cuantos Tacos’ newest concept, Cuantos Hamburguesas, is now open at Arbor Food Park. The new food truck focuses on Mexican street food-inspired smash burgers — try the eatery’s take on the Big Mac, or the Campechana with a cheese-encrusted corn tortilla. (Eater Austin)

Cause

Central Texas Red Cross put out a call for volunteers given the recent fires in the area. In addition to working around Austin, volunteers have traveled to Maui and Corpus Christi to assist in the aftermath of fires, hurricanes, and increasingly out-of-season natural disasters. (KXAN)

Announced

Shake Shack has plans to double its presence in the Austin area with two new north Austin locations: one in Cedar Park at 1905 E. Whitestone Blvd., and one opening this fall in Round Rock at 1402 N. I-35. (Austin Business Journal)

Edu

The University of Texas at Austin announced plans to invest in ecological research stations, educational programs, and natural resource preservation in the coming decades. The strategic plan will utilize an estimated $200 million in philanthropic support.

Finance

How many cards are in your wallet? Make your answer “one.” Earn a $200 sign-up bonus simply by spending $500 in your first three months with this card. Pair that with 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for your first 15 months — oh, and unlimited cash back.*

Pets

🐱 Who will be the next Mayor of Pawstin?

Cast your vote for the Austin Pets Alive! Mayor of Pawstin

General Erasmus Dickinson was top of the polls at the time of publication. | Photos courtesy of Austin Pets Alive!

Austin Pets Alive! will celebrate Austin’s 12th No Kill Anniversary with a fluffy little election for the Mayor of Pawstin.

The candidates include six dogs and cats, and each came to the shelter with specials needs. Help decide who takes the title — vote by donating to your favorite pet’s team.

Now let’s meet the candidates:

Fotis | The incumbent candidate, this German Shepherd is ready for another term.
Bramble | The most senior dog on the ballot, Bramble has a lot of wisdom to bring.
Mindy | This wheelie dog was an honorary Austin FC mascot.
Eggler | This cool cat is a fashionable candidate for mayor.
Fire Marshall Bill | Social kitty Fire Marshall Bill has safety tips galore.
General Erasmus Dickinson | 10-year-old General is still just as playful as a kitten.

Want to see this race through to the end? Get tickets to the election results party — with an adoptable “petting zoo,” vendors, and a raffle — 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at The ABGB.

Cast your vote

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Figi

From the editor

Need some new local tunes on your playlist? Allow me to suggest Golden Dawn Arkestra, a psychedelic performance art band with about a dozen members.

My favorites are “Sama Chaka” and “Phenomenal.”

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