We've got BIRDS! We've Got ACRES! Bird watchers, begin your happy dance. The Texas Plains Trail Region just might be your bird-viewing paradise. With our unique features including playa lakes, open prairie land, prairie dog towns, this region is home to migrating breeding, permanent, and seasonal birds. Grab those binoculars and cameras, and come to our region to enjoy our birds at these places.
- Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge – FM 168, South of Umbarger, Texas. A $2.00 charge per car.
- Lake Rita Blanca – US 385 South of Dalhart, Texas
- Lake Marvin – FM 2266, East of Canadian, Texas
- Lake McClellan – FM 2477 near McLean, Texas
- Cactus Playa – FM 281 East of Etter, Texas
- Caprock Canyons State Park in Quitaque, Texas – You'll enjoy the campsites with water or electricity. Primitive sites for backpackers and equestrians. Group picnic pavilion is also available. Swimming permitted in the lake and boating in Lake Theo, and cast your line in also. Over 90 miles of trails, including the 64-mile trailway. Call 1-800-455-1332 or visit: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/caprockcanyons
- Wildlife Texas Website: Birding in Wheeler County
Spearman is located in the Northeast corner of the Texas Panhandle in Historic Hansford County. There are acres upon acres of milo, corn, wheat, CRP, and native prairie grasses, and a diverse terrain that provide an ideal habitat for hundreds of native species of birds, as well as migratory birds traveling both in the North to South and East to West Flyways. They are not only attracted to the abundant food source, but to our water sources as well. In addition to our many playa lakes, irrigated crops, creeks, and streams, Palo Duro Lake lies 8 miles South of Spearman and is a natural sanctuary to many types of wildlife such as Dove, Blue and Bob-white Quail, duck, geese, Blue Heron, and Cormorant. The solitude of the lake attracts many nesting Bald Eagles and you often witness the turkeys roosting in the tree tops as dusk nears.
A checklist of birds is available on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us.