San Angelo State Park Photos

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)

The river is still there but definitely needs more water. Look closely and you'll see a Great Blue Heron . (Photo by MikeHikes)

After the intense cold a few weeks ago, I was concerned about the park's wildlife. This grey fox appears to be healthy! (Photo by MikeHikes)

There was almost no bird activity so this Kestrel might go hungry for awhile. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A Curve-billed Thrasher resting on the barbed wire fence who just has that kind of look. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Officially, we're not in a drought but ..... (Photo by MikeHikes)

No matter how small the item is, trash is trash. It's not good to look at on the trails or for the wildlife. Don't know what animal ingested this green string but if it had become entangled in the intestines ...... NOT GOOD! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Recent snows have melted and partially filled a previously dried up pond called "Frog Pond" that had a large population of .... FROGS! (Photo by MikeHikes)