Birding Texas: Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas is a lovely bird watching spot, with over 15,000 acres of birding paradise. It has bird watching habitats that include canyons, dry stream beds, mesquite, cottonwoods, and thickets, as well as the surface and shores of the 100-acre Lake Theo. In addition to bird watching, you can hike, camp, boat, fish, and ride horses at Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas. Looking for Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Swainson's Hawks, Golden Eagles and Surf Scoters? Find all these and more at Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas. For tips on finding and identifying just a few of the species you will see while bird watching at Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas, see below.

Bushtit. This tiny little bird can be found in the forests of Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas, especially along the shores of the lake. Identify it while bird watching from its grayish brown upperparts, dark brown eyes and long tail, as well as its black mask and ear patch. These little birds travel in flocks that can be as large as sixty birds, and they are very funny to observe while bird watching.

Western Scrub-Jay. This beautiful bird can be found in the forests of Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas, where you will see it foraging for grains, fruit, insects, lizards and other prey. Recognize it while bird watching from its blue head, wings, and tail, as well as its gray mask and back. Its white throat has a dark necklace, and its bill, legs and feet are black.

Canyon Wren. Identify this pretty wren from its rust colored upperparts and the soft white spots on its brown back, nape and crown. It also has a white throat and breast, and a long, brown tail with black barring. Its bill is long and slightly decurved. Look for this wren while bird watching in the canyons and rocky areas of Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas.

Canyon Towhee. Look for this large sparrow in the thickets and canyons of Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas. You'll recognize it while bird watching from its gray upperparts, paler underparts, and rust-colored crest. It also has pinkish brown legs and a long tail. Look for it foraging on the ground for insects and seeds.

Verdin. Another tiny bird that can be found at Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas, look for it in the scrubby areas and thickets. You can identify it while bird watching from its gray upperparts and soft yellow face and throat. It has gray wings with reddish shoulder patches, and a black bill, legs and feet. Verdin are yearlong residents at Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas, and during breeding season you should look for their sphere-shaped nests while bird watching (which can be made from almost two thousand twigs!)

Mississippi Kite. This is a small kite, recognizable while bird watching from its dark gray upperparts, lighter underparts, and red eyes. It has a long, black tail. Look for this kite in the open areas of Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas, hunting for insects; you may also see it in the forests. The Mississippi Kite is the same size as a Peregrine Falcon.

Source list:

Personal experience
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/caprock_canyons
http://identify.whatbird.com
http://www.allaboutbirds.org