Because birders will tend to move east to west when visiting Veterans Memorial Park, many prefer morning lighting.
Look for desert species like Verdin, Pyrrhuloxia, and Greater Roadrunner north, south, and west of the main park area. Curve-billed Thrashers and Northern Mockingbirds are more likely to be seen where the desert vegetation meets the developed park area. Great-tailed Grackles, House Finches, and European Starlings are common in the turfed area.
Located on the west side of Roadrunner Parkway, a median prevents northbound traffic from directly turning into this park. You have to execute a U-turn and come back heading south to the entrance, noticeable by the white restroom building there.
The park contains a paved walking trail through turf and landscape rock, shaded in portions by trees. The path passes by and through numerous memorials, eventually leading to a gazebo. A large turfed area on the west side is used mainly as a dog park; athletics are not allowed.
Although the turfed and monument area of the park covers only about 5.5 acres, the hotspot includes undeveloped land both north and south between the park and high-density residential property, as well as the trails area directly west of the park. The turfed and monument area contains many non-native deciduous trees and a few palms, some trees likely dating back to the park's establishment in 1999; adjacent residential properties have evergreen plantings as well. The undeveloped area immediately outside the park is vegetated by Chihuahuan Desert species, predominantly creosote, desert willow, and mesquite. A set of paved trails loop from the northwest corner of the park down to the Dam Trail and back to the park.
Restrooms on site
Wheelchair accessible trail
Entrance fee
Roadside viewing
Content from John Montgomery
Last updated April 20, 2023