Birding Texas: Monahans Sandhills State Park

Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas consists of almost 4,000 acres of intriguing bird watching territory. There are sand dunes that reach to almost 100 feet high, and bird watching habitats that include mesquite thickets, Shinoaks, and small ponds of water in the low areas between the dunes. In addition to bird watching, you can picnic, camp, hike, sand surf and horseback ride at Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas. For tips on finding and identifying just a few of the species you may see while bird watching at Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas, see below.

Harris's Hawk. Look for this large hawk hunting in groups of up to seven hawks over the semi-arid spots of Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas. Identify it while bird watching from its dark brown head, back and belly, as well as its rust colored shoulders. It has a dark brown tail with a white base, and yellow legs and feet. These hawks are year-round residents at Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas.

Verdin. This tiny songbird can be found in the thickets of Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas, hunting for insects and spiders. Recognize it while bird watching from its gray body and yellow face and throat. It also has a black bill, and black legs and feet. The Verdin is a year-round resident at Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas, so look for its sphere-shaped nest in the spring, which is often constructed from as many as two thousand twigs!

Cactus Wren. Identify this large wren while bird watching from its streaked reddish brown back, as well as its dark crown and white chin. It has a long, slightly decurved bill, and a white stripe over its eyes. You'll find this wren while bird watching in the arid spots of Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas, where it nests high in thorny trees and shrubs.

Black-throated Sparrow. Look for this medium-sized sparrow in the thickets and arid areas of Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas, foraging on the ground for seeds and insects. Also known as the Desert Sparrow, this bird can survive for a long time without water, obtaining the moisture it needs from its diet. Recognize it while bird watching from its grayish brown upperparts, black bib, and the dark gray cap on its head. It also has white eyebrows and a white cheek stripe.

American Kestrel. Recognize this winter resident of Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas from its black facial stripes and slate blue wings. It also has a rust colored tail and back. The smallest of the North American hawks, look for it while bird watching in the open areas of Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas, where it hunts for rodents, frogs, insects and birds. The American Kestrel also eats bats.

Prairie Falcon. This medium-sized falcon has pale spotted underparts, brown upperparts, and a dark brown moustache stripe. Look for it while bird watching in the arid spots of Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas, where you will see it hunting for small birds, mammals and insects. These falcons are winter residents of this Texas state park.

Source list:

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