Muleshoe Loop

At the intersection of US 84 and FM 54 in Littlefield, take FM 54 west 19.1 miles to Bulah Lake. Continue west on FM 37 to TX 214 North. Continue for 2.4 miles and turn left into the refuge.

This is the oldest national wildlife refuge in Texas, and it provides important habitat in the Central Flyway migratory route. Heavily dependent on rainfall, a sufficiently wet year can attract great numbers of Sandhill Cranes, which spend the winter here. Over 100,000 of these spectacular birds can be present during winter. Ducks are abundant during migration, with species such as Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon and Mallard commonly observed. Lesser numbers of Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and Bufflehead are also found at any of the 3 lakes on the refuge. Close to 300 different species have been sighted on the refuge, and peak viewing times coincide with spring and fall migrations.

Goose Lake is one of the refuge’s ephemeral lakes, and a stop for migrating shorebirds. To reach Paul’s Lake, return to TX 214 North for 1.8 miles and turn right on CR 1232, which leads to the observation area. An elevated viewing platform provides great views of the lake and wetland that teem with wetland birds during migration. Songbirds are numerous during spring, and the wooded habitat adjacent to the campground provides a good area to view birds.

Red-necked Phalaropes and White-rumped Sandpiper, both uncommon in the Panhandle, have occurred here. The access road to the headquarters buildings parallels a grassy wetland; during spring, look for Greater Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Wilson’s Phalarope, White-faced Ibis and puddle ducks such as Gadwall and Northern Shoveler. In the drier stretches, watch for Lark Bunting and American Kestrel. Check the Swamp Trail behind the maintenance building. Sparrows, orioles and buntings occur here, as do many dragonflies. Hundreds of moisture craving butterflies are often packed around the pond’s margin, including Dainty Sulphur, Southern Dogface, American Painted Lady, Variegated Fritillary, Queen, Reakirt’s Blue and Common Checkered Skipper. Watch for mammals including coyote, bobcat, badger, porcupine, rabbit and skunk.

(806) 946-3341
www.fws.gov/refuge/muleshoe

In Enochs, head west on FM 54 8.4 miles to FM 1731. Go north 9 miles to FM 298. The next 17.3 miles of FM 1731 before you reach the intersection with FM 1760 is the best for birding.

This stretch of road has excellent habitat for winter rarities such as Northern Shrike. Check the fields along the road during spring for migrating Upland Sandpiper and Long-billed Curlew.