9 Parks Where You Can Watch Wildlife
Parks to get an up-close view of wild creatures.
By Dale Blasingame
One highlight of visiting our great state parks is the possibility of seeing wildlife - everything from birds at our cover-story parks in the Rio Grande Valley to armadillos, bison, alligators, bears and snakes at other parks across the state. Here's just a sampling of parks that offer a chance to get an up-close view of fascinating wild creatures.
Old Tunnel State Park
Ready for a dramatic bat show? Here's your spot. Three million Mexican free-tailed bat reside inside of the old railroad tunnel from May to October. You can observe their evening flight from two different viewing areas (call for emergence times). Don't forget to stop by for a burger next door at Alamo Springs Cafe.
Caprock Canyons State Park
Caprock Canyons is the equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet when it comes to wildlife viewing. The big draw is the bison; the official state herd lives here. There are prairie dogs, foxes, rabbits, 14 types of lizards, 30 species of snakes and 175 species of birds - but who's counting?
Lake Somerville State Park
My hike at Lake Somerville started off simply enough, with cute rabbits and a giant turtle. Gorgeous whitetail bucks roam the park, obligingly posing in majestic stances for visitors' photos. Note: A few units are still closed from last year's floods.
Kickapoo Cavern State Park
Kickapoo Cavern is a placed for birds and bats. It's a breeding spot for endangered black-capped vireo. The park's caves provide a home for Mexican free-tailed bats; they live here from spring to fall, with their own dramatic evening flights.
San Angelo State Park
You can find members of the official state longhorn herd here, and they tend to graze along a fenceline that makes for easy pictures. The bison seem willing to pose as well. If you're lucky, you'll get to see a baby bison or two.
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Who can resist the adorable little critters at Lake Arrowhead's black-tailed prairie dog town? They tend to be a little shy, though, so bring your patience (and move ever so slowly) to get some great pictures.
Choke Canyon State Park
Just like our cover-story parks (the World Birding Center), Choke Canyon holds a special place in the hearts of bird watchers. Recognized by the American Birding Association, the park boasts a number of birds, including the crested caracara (Mexican eagle).
Brazos Bend State Park
You've probably heard about the alligators here, found in three lakes at Brazos Bend. Don't forget that 290 species of birds have been seen in and around the park, along with 21 types of mammals, including bobcats and otters. There's a great nature center, too.
Sea Rim State Park
Sea Rim is also known for its alligators. Make sure to walk the boardwalk through the marsh or paddle the 10 miles of trails to get the best view. Look for the resident ghost crabs and a number of bird species, including the roseate spoonbill with its 50-inch wingspan.
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