Austin, TX

Mail delivery temporarily halted in South Austin neighborhood due to reported hawk attacks

Published

1 year ago

July 10, 2023

Mail delivery temporarily halted in South Austin neighborhood due to reported hawk attacks

Hawk causes temporary mail stop

Reported hawk attacks in a South Austin neighborhood have caused mail delivery to temporarily stop, leaving residents to pick up their mail at a nearby post office.

AUSTIN, Texas – USPS has temporarily halted mail delivery in a South Austin neighborhood due to an aggressive hawk.

First reported by Axios Austin, residents living on Milam Place and Kenwood Avenue must pick up mail at the South Congress Post Office until further notice.

“Imagine walking out of your house and knowing that you’re going to get punched in the back of the head by an animal with large talons,” said Alfred Del Barrio. “It’s not ideal.”

The tree in front of Del Barrio’s Travis Heights home has been adopted by a neighborhood hawk that is particularly protective of its nest.

Even going out for a run now takes some extra planning. Del Barrio said one time he was able to avoid getting attacked while running because he spotted the hawk’s shadow.

“My brother was on a run, and he thought I punched him in the back of the head, which I haven’t done in 15 years,” said Del Barrio. “I’ve always been able to dodge it. I just kind of like go underneath my awning or run into my car.

It’s not just the residents that are aware of the nuisance.

“The construction guys…get divebombs on their hardhats,” said Del Barrio. “So you just hear a thump on the hardhats on the construction workers.”

The executive director of the Travis Audubon Society says this is not uncommon this time of year.

“We are just basically overlapping with them in their territory, and they are divebombing people to try to protect their nest, said Nicole Netherton. “Because we have had such severe winter weather over the past several winters, it is possible that we have lost a significant enough canopy that birds are having to look for different spots to build their nest…it’s possible that they are maybe building their nest in their runner-up location that just happens to be closer to people.”

MORE WILD NATURE NEWS

Wildlife biologist Blake Hendon estimates the perpetrator is a red-shouldered hawk.

“We don’t receive tons of calls, but we do receive calls periodically. Those tend to be red-shouldered hawks. That’s one of our more common resident nesting hawks in the area,” said Hendon who works for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. “This is the time of year that they have constructed nests earlier in the season. They’ve laid eggs. And now at this point in time in the season, they are raising their young.”

Hendon noted there is a six to seven-week transition period between the eggs hatching and the fledglings flying off. Because of state and federal laws that protect migratory birds, there is not much people can do.

“Just giving them as much space as possible and really trying to ignore them so that they can get their business and breeding done is probably the best advice,” said Netherton.

Both Hendon and Netherton said using an umbrella as a form of protection can be effective if the area cannot be avoided.

“It’s a short period of time, so if we can just keep that in perspective and try to live with the wildlife,” said Hendon. “These hawks do provide a nice ecological service within our urban areas; certainly, they’re preying on rodents, especially.”

Here is the full statement FOX 7 Austin received from USPS on Monday:

“The Postal Service always strives to provide the best possible service; however, the safety of our employees and customers is our priority. With regards to mail service in the Travis Heights neighborhood, the presence of a hawk has prevented safe delivery of mail to a few of the residents on Milam and Kenwood streets. Local management at the South Congress Post Office has contacted Austin Animal Control and Texas Parks & Wildlife for assistance in resolving the situation, as hawks are a protected species. We are committed to working closely with these organizations to resume mail delivery as quickly as possible. In the interim, affected customers may pick up their mail at the South Congress Post Office, located at 3903 S. Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. We apologize to our customers for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate their patience as we work to successfully resolve this matter.”

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Austin, TX

Best Mexican Restaurants in Cedar Park TX

Published

2 hours ago

December 29, 2024

Press Room

Best Mexican Restaurants in Cedar Park, TX

Best Mexican Restaurants in Cedar Park TX

Tacos

Margaritas & More

Other Favorites

From authentic Mexican flavors to unique Tex-Mex fusions, there’s something to satisfy every palate with the best Mexican restaurants in Cedar Park TX. Tacos Las Mamis, is known for its incredible birria tacos and authentic Mexican home cooking while Mama Betty’s Tex-Mex y Cantina, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious Mexican martini. There’s also Fogonero Restaurant, a haven for South American flavors with its delectable empandas.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, remember to check out our articles on Austin Restaurants Open Christmas Day, Stores Open on Christmas Day Austin, and Austin Christmas Lights!

Mexican Restaurants in Cedar Park, TX – Tacos

El Patron Tacos & More

Check out El Patron Tacos & More, one of your new go-to on the list of best Mexican restaurants in Cedar Park TX for a taste of authentic Mexican street food. Enjoy flavorful breakfast tacos and a variety of other Mexican specialties without breaking the bank.

Tacos Las Mamis

Image credit: Tacos las Mamis

Tacos Las Mamis in Cedar Park is a local gem serving up delicious and authentic Mexican home cooking at budget-friendly prices. Don’t miss their incredible birria tacos!

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Cedar Park TX – Best Mexican Martinis and Margaritas

Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill

Discover Blue Corn Harvest, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Cedar Park TX known for its Southwestern-inspired menu. Savor the flavors of the region while enjoying fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the patio, which is perfect for enjoying cornbread and a margarita under the sun.

Jardin Corona Cedar Park

Image credit: Jardin Corona

Discover Jardin Corona, a hidden gem in Cedar Park offering a taste of Mexico. Indulge in delicious authentic dishes, sip on refreshing margaritas, and soak in the vibrant ambiance while enjoying an enchilada!

Specialty: Margaritas, Enchiladas
Where: 600 S Bell Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Mama Betty’s Tex-Mex y Cantina

Get ready for a fiesta at Mama Betty’s Tex-Mex y Cantina in Cedar Park! This lively spot offers a fun and festive atmosphere with a menu of delicious Tex-Mex favorites. Don’t miss the chile relleno and a refreshing Mexican martini, all at budget-friendly prices.

Specialty: Mexican martini, Chile relleno
Where: 9900 W Parmer Ln #220, Austin, TX 78717
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Dos Salsas

Image credit: Dos Salsas

Dos Salsas, a family-owned Tex-Mex restaurant group with a long history of serving delicious food and providing excellent service, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Cedar Park TX that opened in 2012. Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere while sipping on a Mexican martini!

Specialty: Mexican martini, Charro beans
Where: 1600 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Santa Catarina Mexican Restaurant

Santa Catarina brings the farm and ocean to your table, offering authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy classic and new recipes and make sure to try the Mexican martini, ceviche, or black beans!

Texican Cafe

Texican Cafe is one of the delicious and best Mexican restaurants in Cedar Park TX that offers a unique blend of Texas comfort food and authentic Mexican flavors. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a menu featuring delicious, creative but simple dishes like the tortilla soup!

Specialty: Happy hour drinks, Tortilla soup
Where: 11066 Pecan Park Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:000 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Best Mexican Restaurants in Cedar Park TX – Empanadas, Cachapas and more

Aleida’s Restaurant

Image credit: Aleida’s Restaurant

Aleida’s Restaurant in Cedar Park is another one of the best Mexican restaurants in Cedar Park TX to do to for authentic Venezuelan cuisine. Enjoy flavorful dishes at budget-friendly prices, and be sure to try their delectable cachapas.

Fogonero Restaurant

Discover the vibrant flavors of South America at Fogonero Restaurant. This local gem offers a diverse menu of delicious and affordable empanadas, and ceviche, and pabellon criollo perfect for a quick bite or a satisfying meal.

Stay up to date on the events, activities, and entertainment in the Austin area through our weekly updates to Things to Do in Austin this Weekend, and Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Weekend!

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Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.

Austin, TX

Texas vs Arizona State: Ex-Longhorn Xavion Alford leads Sun Devils against his former team

Published

11 hours ago

December 29, 2024

Press Room

Texas vs Arizona State: Ex-Longhorn Xavion Alford leads Sun Devils against his former team

When Arizona State faces Texas in the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff on Wednesday afternoon, some Sun Devils will experience a full-circle moment at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Arizona State receiver Troy Omeire started his collegiate career at Texas. So did defensive linemen Prince Dorbah and Zac Swanson. Texas fans, do you remember Jake Smith? The receiver who originally signed with Texas during the 2019 recruiting cycle is now a Sun Devil senior.

The most notable of Arizona State’s Texas Exes is Xavion Alford. A junior safety, Alford spent the 2020 season at Texas. Four years and two transfers later, he is Arizona State’s second-leading tackler.

“Now getting to play against (Texas) somewhere else, it’s kind of like the best of both worlds. I played with them, and now I get to play against them,” Alford said on Friday.

Alford’s journey to Arizona State includes stops in Austin, Los Angeles

Alford is a Texas kid. Once a four-star prospect out of Pearland’s Shadow Creek High, Alford was a member of UT’s Class of 2020. Since his last name begins with an “A,” Alford was actually the first recruit that former Texas coach Tom Herman spoke about at his signing day press conference on Dec. 18, 2019. “(He’s) physical, athletic,” Herman said that day.

As a true freshman, Alford appeared in four games during the 2020 season. That December, he elected to transfer.

“It was great, my time there. I had to move on, better things for my future and things of that nature,” Alford reflected.

Alford spent the next two years at USC and then moved to Arizona State. Due to injuries that cost him the 2022 season and an NCAA rule that forced him to sit out the 2023 season because of his second transfer, Alford did not play football for two years.

But this season, he has made an immediate impact for the Sun Devils. A 13-time starter, Alford’s 82 tackles rank behind fellow safety Myles Rowser’s 93 stops on the Arizona State roster. Alford earned a first-team nod on the Big 12’s all-conference team this season, and he has also recorded two interceptions and four pass breakups.

“When he set foot on this campus, he was on a mission, and I think a lot of it had to do with his time at Texas and at USC,” Arizona State defensive coordinator Brian Ward said. “He felt like, hey, this was his last opportunity to really get this done and to make ASU the place that he was going to be the very best he could be, and that’s really all he is.”

Any hard feelings between Alford, Texas?

While speaking with media members over Zoom, Alford didn’t appear to harbor any ill will towards his former team. Four members of a 2020 recruiting class that also included Dorbah and Omeire are still on the Texas roster, and Alford remains close with Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron. Alford added that he is also friends with UT defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau, who joined the Longhorns after Alford left.

“That’s my brother,” Barron said of Alford. “Throughout the whole season we chat literally every week, except this week. But, nah, we’re always chatting. I’m always reaching out to him; he’s always reaching out to me and things like that. Just motivation to keep us going.

“He’s been through so much. I’ve been through so much. We started here together as a brother, and that’s always going to be my brother. I’m just proud of him and how far he’s came. He’s dealt with a lot of issues, just injuries and having to sit out. So I’m just proud that he has an opportunity to showcase the gift that God gave him. So it’s always good to see that out of him.”

Had Arizona State earned a quarterfinal matchup with Oregon, Georgia or any of the other teams still alive in the College Football Playoff, Alford would have heard from plenty of family and friends back home. But Arizona State drew Texas, his former team and the flagship university of the state he grew up in. For his part, Alford isn’t trying to view the Peach Bowl as the site of a reunion.

“I just view it as another game. I went there, signed there, it is what it is. I knew there was a possibility we could play each other in CFP, and obviously here we are a couple days out,” Alford said. “Not really focused on the outside factors, just focus on what I can control, focus on doing my job each and every day and getting prepared for the game.”

Alford, Texas reunion not an anomaly during transfer portal’s new era

Will it be weird for Texas to see its former players on the Arizona State sideline? Texas coach Steve Sarkisian doesn’t think so. It’s just a sign of the times and the transfer portal, UT’s fourth-year coach argued this week.

Besides, Texas has an ex-Arizona State player on its roster. Defensive lineman Jermayne Lole played at Arizona State from 2018-21. Lole transferred to Louisville for the 2023 season, and he has accumulated 20 tackles and three quarterback hurries during his lone year on the Texas defensive line.

“I think this is college football in 2024 and moving forward. It’s almost got a little bit of an NFL feel that way,” Sarkisian said. “I do think that’s the era of college football where we’re at right now. It’s 2024, the portal is alive and well, and 2025 is going to roll around and there will be more faces moving around.”

Most of Arizona State’s ex-Longhorns have contributed to the Sun Devils’ run to an 11-1 record and a Big 12 championship. Alford, Dorbah, Omeire, Smith and Swanson have all appeared in at least 10 games this season. Former Texas defensive lineman J’Mond Tapp was also on Arizona State’s roster this season, but he announced this month that he is entering the transfer portal after not receiving any playing time in 2024.

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Austin, TX

Mack Brown eyes Austin return: Could Texas or TV be next?

Published

19 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Press Room

Mack Brown eyes Austin return: Could Texas or TV be next?

Brown was recently dismissed by North Carolina after expressing his intention to remain with the program another season. His 16-year tenure at Texas remains legendary, featuring a 158-48 record, nine consecutive 10-win seasons, and 11 bowl victories. Now, as he heads back to the city where he enjoyed his greatest success, questions swirl about his next move.

What’s Next for Mack Brown?

Social media has floated various possibilities for Brown’s next chapter, including speculation that he might take on a role addressing major issues like NIL reform and the transfer portal. However, the likelihood of Brown spearheading such efforts seems slim. The complexities of leading NCAA reforms might be too daunting, even for someone with his experience.

Instead, two more realistic paths stand out:

A Return to TV: ESPN, where Brown worked as an analyst before his return to coaching, could be a natural landing spot. With his wealth of knowledge and charisma, he remains a valuable voice in college football commentary.
A Role at Texas: Athletic Director Chris Del Conte has a history of bringing legendary coaches back into the fold. Gary Patterson, for example, joined the Longhorns in 2022 as a special assistant after stepping down at TCU. Brown could find himself in a similar position, serving as an ambassador or advisor to the program.

Coach Mack Brown just said that he is moving back to Austin after the first of the year.
One of three things will happen for Coach in his next chapter in life.
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1. Work with UT football in some capacity, perhaps as an offensive analyst. Special advisor to CDC?
2. Go back to TV…
— Tim Samuels (@Horns63) December 28, 2024

Brown’s Texas Legacy

Brown’s impact on Texas football cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, the Longhorns became a national powerhouse, culminating in the unforgettable 2005 national title. His success was supported by then-Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds, who now serves as a special assistant to the university president. The partnership between Dodds and Brown laid the foundation for one of the most successful eras in Longhorn athletics.

After stepping down as head coach in 2013, Brown briefly served as a special advisor at Texas, a role that allowed him to act as an ambassador for the program. A return to such a position could benefit both Brown and the university, strengthening ties with boosters, alumni, and fans.

My Prediction

While a consulting role at Texas is certainly on the table, my bet is that ESPN will come calling once again. Brown’s expertise and charisma make him an ideal fit for television, where he could continue to shape the narrative of college football. However, if Chris Del Conte offers a special role within the Texas athletic department, don’t be surprised to see Brown back on the Forty Acres.

For Mack Brown, this next chapter offers a chance to reconnect with the sport and community he loves, whether from the sidelines or the studio. His return to Austin is a homecoming Longhorn Nation will surely embrace.