Murphy Park is a 120 acre park located in Taylor, Texas. There is a fishing lake, a heron/egret rookery and roost, a native plant garden and hiking trails.
The island hosts an amazing rookery and nightly roost for wading birds. Several different species of herons and egrets nest on the island. During late summer, birds that nested on the Texas coast fly north with their young and spend their nights at the roost. Year round birds include Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, domestic geese and ducks, and even a Snow Goose that has made its home at the park. Summer and migrating birds are Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Green Herons, Double-crested Cormorant, Tropical Cormorant, Yellow-crowned Night herons, and red bellied whistling ducks. During nesting and breeding season, you can watch the birds tend their nests and defend their territory. Watching the evening fly in is a very relaxing and enjoyable way to end your day.
The Liberty Garden in Taylor has been dedicated to the memory of Betty Jackson, a Good Water Chapter member. Sitting in the garden, enjoying the seasonal native plants and insect visitors is another pleasure at Murphy Park.
Entrance is free.
Address: 1600 Veterans Dr.
Park hours are:
Sunday-Thursday 4:30 am – 11:00 am
Friday-Saturday 4:30 am-12:00 am
For more information: Murphy Park website.