San Angelo State Park Photos

I've seen the larger, dark cicadas at the park in the recent past, this smaller and "golden" colored cicada was the first one I've seen - I'll look for them again in 17 years ..... if I remember. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Look closely at the muddy area. This is the third time I've spotted a feral hog at the river's edge. I've never seen them in the park but I've seen the damage they do to the fauna. (Photo by MikeHikes)

but it will become a Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. (Photo by MikeHikes)

I usually hear them as they scamper up a tree but this one paused long enough for me to get a quick photo. After I got the photo, he was gone. (Photo by MikeHikes)

There was more wet than dry places along the riverbed so that was good. Not much to see otherwise though. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This part of the river has been dry for a long time - recent rains have made a BIG difference! Saw a few large fish and a lot of minnows in the pool area. (Photo by MikeHikes)

After the recent, brief rains, the red velvet mites have made an appearance. Not as many as in the past but they are very visible when walking the trails. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This young rattler was right in the middle of the trail curled into a ball and struck the stick I used to get him to move off the trail. If I hadn't looked down, I could have easily stepped on him - NOT GOOD for either of us! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This box turtle was eating a cicada when I saw him. At first, he stopped but when he saw I was no threat, quickly swallowed his meal and slowly continued on his way. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A lone raccoon walked along the opposite side of the river at the water's edge. Once he found his trail, he went up the hill and disappeared. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This small Horned Toad was asleep right in the middle of the trail. Rather than have a bicycle tire kill him, I woke him up and moved him into the grass. (Photo by MikeHikes)

With all the news about the 17 year cicadas, this was the only cicada I've seen while hiking. Perhaps he's the advance scout. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A fly also likes to taste the Bee Bush nectar - it smells like vanilla! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Walking along Roadrunner Loop around 1030 and saw this Texas Long-nosed Snake. I used a branch to move him off the trail - he lifted his tail and acted as if it had rattles! After his demo of strength, he leisurely slithered away. (Photo by MikeHikes)

With the cactus blossoms opening, there are a number of bugs who will wait for pollinators to visit the bloom. One will die so the other may live - just the way it is. (Photo by MikeHikes)

First large snake spotted on the trails for 2021. I saw him lying perpendicular to the Lower Ghost Camp trail around 1100 or so. No threatening moves made but I scooted him away from the trail and he slowly slithered off. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A Ring-necked snake was lying on the trail - it was about as wide as a bootlace and when I got closer for another photo, it straightened, making it about 10-12 inches long, then quickly disappeared. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This is one of the Jack Rabbits spotted while hiking - it's partner was on the other side of the trail and as soon as I got this photo, they both took off. (Photo by MikeHikes)

First one spotted for 2021. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Not a very popular bird but nonetheless, a very commonly sighted one. No other birds were building nests yet so they may have to wait awhile before laying their eggs. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This group of Turkey Vultures was the largest gathering of any kind of wildlife spotted today. (Photo by MikeHikes)

These three Turkey Vultures were resting as they waited for the strong winds to abate. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The red cap was easily visible and caught my eye when he flew to this tree. I got a few photos and then he was off! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Robins used to be a common sight year-round at the North Shore before they disappeared some years back. I'm glad to have spotted two Robins near Burkett Park this morning. (Photo by MikeHikes)