South Shore - Playground parking area to Burkett Park Long Loop + Roadrunner

Hummingbird Moth
I haven't seen them for a few years at the park so I take this as a good sign that they have returned. VERY fast moving insects!
User: MikeHikes - 5/18/2023

Location: San Angelo State Park

Rating: 4stars
Difficulty: halfstar  Solitude: 5stars
Miles Hiked: 10.40 Miles  Elapsed Time: 5 hours

Comments:

Leg 1 -  Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats Trail > Nature Trail > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL Connector > Burkett Park    3.9 miles

Leg 2 -  Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area     3.2 miles

Leg 3 -  Playground parking area > Roadrunner Loop > Playground parking area    3.3 miles

Temp started at 69, ended at 88.  Sunny with some clouds, light SSW breeze 0-5mph.

All trails were dry to damp, easy to see and traverse BUT there are a few areas on Winding Snake that could do with a trim.

Numerous Common Nighthawks were out in pairs or groups of four. Other birds were also spotted and I saw a few juveniles as well.  Most of the cacti blooms were gone but there are still plenty of thistle and other wildflowers out for the bugs to feast on.  Last week I saw two large brown cicadas and this week I found two small (inch long) green cicadas that liked the blue shirt I was wearing.  I was able to remove them unharmed and they flew away.  I saw more insects and lizards out but the most pleasant surprise was seeing the Hummingbird Moth (photo attached) sipping from the purple thistle.

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk, toilets and a bicycle repair station are available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

Water and shade are available at various campsites along Roadrunner Loop as well as three toilets and info kiosks at various locations alongside the trail.



Log Photos
Hummingbird Moth
Area around San Angelo State Park