1. PANHANDLE REGION
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Randall County
Tierra Blanca Creek and the natural springs that fed into Buffalo Lake dried up in the ‘70’s due to over consumption for agriculture and urban uses. Today, Buffalo Lake is typically dry and only receives water during major storms that flood Tierra Blanca Creek. Though its namesake lake is dry, the 7,664-acre refuge encompasses a variety of habitats important to many species of wildlife, including short grass prairie, riparian, marsh, and woodland habitats. Visitors can enjoy wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife watching and photography and environmental education programs and special events. I visited the area once during September 2008 when the marshes and lakes were full after a rainy August. Most of the odes observed were pioneer (first appearing) organisms. One of the greatest concentrations of Blue-eyed Darners I have ever seen. It is still worth checking out occasionally.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Buffalo_Lake/
Greenbelt Lake, Donley County north of Clarendon
Most of the Odonata Central records come from below the dam off of TX 70. I have no experience from this site. There are some interesting records from there.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/greenbelt/
Collingsworth County Pioneer’s Park, Collingsworth County on the Salt Fork of the Red River
The park is located about 6 miles north of Wellington on US Highway 83 on the banks of the Salt Fork of the Red River. The park hosts tent camping, RV hook-ups, with tables, fire pits, and shade trees. I visited the area one time for a couple of hours. A good variety of odes can be found there.
http://www.wellingtontx.com/9449036_88485.htm
Lake Marvin and Gene Howe WMA, Hemphill County
The GHWMA is located 7 miles north of Canadian in Hemphill County. From US 83N /US 60 turn right (east) on FM 2266 and go about six miles to the registration and information station. Lake Marvin Unit is part of the Black Kettle National Grasslands. Operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, birding, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping are available. There are two observation blinds for wildlife viewing. For hikers, old oilfield roads offer visitors cleared pathways for access to the entire area. Early in the summer of 2019, this area was the site of the first sighting of Western Red Damsels in Texas and also one of the few places that Slender Spreadwings have been observed in the state.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Randall and Armstrong Counties
The park is located about 12 miles east of Canyon on State Highway 217. From Amarillo, take Interstate 27 south to State Highway 217, and go east eight miles. Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon system in the United States. The canyon is about 120 miles long and 20 miles wide, and is up to 800 feet deep. It extends from Canyon to Silverton. The Prairie Dog Fork of the Red River runs through the bottom of the canyon. I have not experience at this site, but I have been told that some years are good and some years are not. There are many crossings of the stream by road and by trails. May be worth a visit.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon
https://www.inaturalist.org/places/tpwd-palo-duro-canyon-state-park
Palo Duro Reservoir: Hansford County
I have no personal experience at this site. Again I would think the area below the dam would have the most diversity and the iNaturalist observations show this. Areas around the lake would be expected to have the typical odes that are found on ponds and lakes around the state, but who knows what could show up.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/palo_duro/access.phtml
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=143351
Silver Falls Rest Area: Crosby County
The rest area is located on US 82/114, 5 miles east of Crosbyton about 1 mile from FM 2591. There are trails and areas for walking along the stream. It is a great area to stop for damselflies especially dancers.
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM6Y4W_Silver_Falls_Rest_Area
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=143352
Wolf Creek County Park and Lake Fryer: Ochiltree County
Lake Fryer is located in Wolf Creek Park, off Highway 83 approximately 12 miles south of Perryton. This county park offers a public boat ramp, RV and tent camping, a restaurant and store, and other facilities. Like most of these Panhandle Lakes, the most diversity of odes can be found below the dam.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/fryer/access.phtml
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=143355