Permian Basin West Loop

From the intersection of Main St. and Dickinson Blvd. (Bus. I-10) in Fort Stockton, go south on Main St. .3 miles; turn left (east) on 5th St.; go .3 miles to Spring Dr. and turn right; go .2 miles to Fort Native Garden and .1 mile further to enter Rooney Park.

Rooney Park is a large park situated on the site of the ancient and historic Comanche Springs, which flow annually from about December to March. Just across Spring Dr. from the park is the Old Fort (Historic Fort Stockton) with a small native garden for additional viewing. A variety of birds can be seen (favorites are the Burrowing Owl and the Greater Roadrunner) year-round, in addition to wildlife such as mule deer, raccoon, javelina, ringtail cat, coyote, porcupine, and jackrabbit. The sites are in easy walking distance of the historic downtown area of Fort Stockton. Entry fee only for entering fort buildings.

From Monahans take Hwy 18 south about 25 miles and turn left on FM 2593. From Fort Stockton take Hwy 18 north about 30 miles and turn right on FM 2593.

Large body of water with accessible upland areas around lake. Species associated with the lake include Common Egret, Killdeer, Snowy Plover, other shorebirds and migratory waterfowl. Upland species include Pyrrhuloxia, Lark Bunting, Mourning Dove, Scaled Quail, and several species of sparrow. Seasonal operation: March 1 through October 1.

From I-20 and South Stockton Hwy in Monahans go north .3 miles. Turn left at 15th St. and go west .2 miles. Turn right at South Gail Ave. and go .3 miles.

Pearson Park in west-central Monahans has hosted a colony of Mississippi Kites over the last three to four years. The Mississippi Kite is a migratory bird that winters in Brazil and Argentina and nests in the southeastern United States and Great Plains. Park is free and maintained by the City of Monahans. Seasonal viewing from mid-March through September. Other species present include Bullock's Oriole, Western Tanager, Least Flycatcher, and White-winged Dove.

www.cityofmonahans.org

From I-20 take exit 86 to Park Road 41.

Monahans Sandhills State Park represents the only public access in Texas to this distinctive ecological region. The park is rich in both flora and fauna providing a unique experience for birders and other outdoor enthusiasts. Many birds frequent the park year-round and we provide a birding check list for park visitors, which includes over 120 species. The dunes also provide for a great area for observing animal tracks and illustrating just how abundant life is in the sandhills. The avifauna of the park is typical of scrub habitats in the region, highlights include Northern Bobwhite (western edge of the range), Scaled Quail, Burrowing Owl, Common Poorwill, Pyrrhuloxia, and Bullock's Oriole.

(432) 943-2092
www.texasstateparks.org