San Angelo State Park Photos

Not much activity on today's hike so while resting at Isabel Harte, I snapped this shot looking NW toward the solar array farm along FM2288. (Photo by MikeHikes)

One of the Monarchs that were migrating South for the Winter. I saw a few clusters but not many. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Texans seem to have a love-hate relationship with the mesquite tree. Love the wood for the products made from it and for the flavor imparted in pit cooked BBQ but hate it for the tree's voracious thirst. (Photo by MikeHikes)

He was about 2-3 feet long and sunning himself when I saw him. No threat was presented by him or to him. All the park residents have a place and should be left in peace. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Always nice to see a sunrise through the mesquite trees. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This skunk went into defensive mode even though I kept a lot of distance between us. At one point, he decided to show he meant business when he lifted his tail and was stamping his feet in prep to spray. I kept my pace and no spraying occurred. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Although there aren't many flowers out at the moment, this bug was enjoying what pollen he could get. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Despite the heat and number of 100+ degree days, we are adequately compensated by having a large number of colorful sunrises - even on a cloud-less day. (Photo by MikeHikes)

One of the two Axis bucks spotted as I drove into the park. They have become more numerous so what was once a rare sighting of an Axis deer at the North Shore is now as ordinary as seeing white tail deer. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This very young Nighthawk flew from one tree to a second and the effort exhausted him. I got my snap and let him catch some zzzz's in peace. (Photo by MikeHikes)

One of the three sets of fawn twins I saw today. Always nice to see! (Photo by MikeHikes)

The female Jack Rabbit was grooming herself during sunrise when I parked at Playground parking area. Unperturbed by my watching, she groomed for a few minutes before she settled down and enjoyed the sun's rays. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This was the only cactus flower I saw during today's hike. Looks good but I don't know if he is an indicator we'll have a second bloom or if he finally had enough water to bloom later than the others. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Not much bird activity but this Lark Sparrow was watching something below him when I snapped this shot. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Two juvenile Great Horned Owls were seen on Tally Valley Trail. They watched me for a minute then flew away. Very glad I saw them! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This buck and the three does in his harem started running as soon as they saw my car. The does were quicker and no photo was taken. This photo was snapped through the car windshield which explains the "hazy" look. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Temps were pleasant and the air was damp. A nice photo of the rising Sun with some clouds. (Photo by MikeHikes)

I had planned to hike the park's North Shore but with rain predicted, decided to stay at the South Shore. This photo shows the rain in the distance but none fell on me while hiking. Yes, it was pretty dark when I took the photo. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This armadillo was spotted at Cougar Overlook. In the past, I would see a few armadillos each year but this is the first one I've seen in maybe 5 years. I don't know why they have become as rare as they are especially this guy who was very large. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A bird greets the rising sun. It was a very nice day! (Photo by MikeHikes)

First Kingbird of the season singing for a mate. Beautiful birds and very adept at catching bugs. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Numerous Lace Cactus have blooms that add splashes of purple and pink to the brown and green ground. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Scattered Bee Bushes along Tasajilla Flats are showing a few flowers. The scent of vanilla was faint but pleasant! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Mesquites are showing their lime green fronds. (Photo by MikeHikes)