San Angelo State Park Photos

A few Monarchs are around but the majority have already migrated; LOTS of other butterflies are still in the park! (Photo by MikeHikes)

This view of the North Concho River is on the North Scenic Loop. Normally, there is a small pond at the bottom of the drop-off. Instead, the water level is much higher; a welcome abundance as it flows to O.C. Fisher Lake. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Watched a "swirl" of these gulls as they circled above O.C. Fisher Reservoir (at 8% capacity). Not much water in the lake but enough for the gulls to make a the park a rest stop on their way south. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Raining steadily when I arrived at Cougar Lookout. I noticed a Turkey Vulture and Loggerhead Shrike both patiently waiting in this dead tree. After about 15 minutes, the rain stopped and the Loggerhead flew away. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The majority of trails at the park are very visible and easy to traverse. A significant percentage are like this piece of Lanky Lackey. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Fortunately for the butterfly, the recent rains have caused the Bee Brush to bloom and provide some food. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Never tire of smelling the vanilla scent of the Bee Brush while hiking!!!!!! (Photo by MikeHikes)

The male caught my eye when he flew to the tree and upon closer inspection, I saw his mate in the lower right of the photo. (Photo by MikeHikes)

On the Chaparral Trail, this Roadrunner was catching some shade with a grasshopper in his beak. As I approached, he ducked into a bush with his lunch. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This spider was spotted under the table at Bell's Point. Be careful where you sit! (Photo by MikeHikes)

A solitary dove perched on a dead mesquite branch - a good symbol for today's hike. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This Cactus Wren was guarding his nest and watched my every move. I took a few snaps and left him in peace. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Even this Coachwhip needs water. I watched as he easily crawled up the side of the water trough, got a drink, slid down and departed. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Shared the trail this morning with a tarantula. Don't see many at the park and the few I have seen were usually in a Roadrunner's beak. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This horned toad was a little smaller than my thumb. He moved quickly across the trail and hid on the dead cactus palm. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This rattler is small but still very potent so I gave him a wide berth when I passed him on the trail - he didn't move or rattle as I passed. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Lots more cactus are in bloom and these are not all a solid yellow in color. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Scattered patches of Bee Brush are in bloom scenting the air and attracting the bees. (Photo by MikeHikes)

One of the numerous cactus in bloom. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A family of Longhorns graze in the dry North Concho riverbed (Photo by MikeHikes)

One of the first cactus flowers seen in the park. Numerous buds on the cactus so it should be pretty colorful soon. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Saw two large flocks (20 - 30 birds per flock) of Cedar Waxwings today - the first of the year! (Photo by MikeHikes)

The view from Cougar Lookout. This rock is in the North Concho River which feeds into O.C. Fisher reservoir at the park. Even in dry years, the rock is normally covered in water with only the very top visible. Not a good sign at this time of year! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Looking West from the trail head of Winding Snake at the Isabel Harte Day Use Area. (Photo by MikeHikes)