San Angelo State Park Photos

He showed absolutely no fear of me as he walked in front of me to reach his napping area. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This Kingbird swooped down to inspect me as I hiked along Burkett Trail. (Photo by MikeHikes)

I watched this bird later eating either the cactus tuna or a bug that was on the tuna. Numerous cactus tunas are ripening. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A regal looking Kingbird looks over his domain. (Photo by MikeHikes)

This small snake carcass was being picked clean by a multitude of ants. His death has enabled the ants to eat and live. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Right at the Chaparral trailhead high in a large mesquite tree, this Scissortail was illuminated by the morning Sun. As I stood there and snapped a few photos, he gave me this inquisitive look. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Lemonmint and gayfeathers are similar in appearance but Lemonmint is in the Spring and gayfeathers in the Fall. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Numerous balls of bees were fighting along 2 stretches of Dinosaur Trail. Some of the balls were small like this one - others were much larger and the size of my fist. I walked quickly through the battlefield and didn't get stung. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Although I found a single dead one a week or so ago, today I saw two living cicadas at two locations. They didn't make much noise but were mobile and flew after getting their photo taken. (Photo by MikeHikes)

There was a mix of red and yellow as well as yellow with red Mexican Hat flowers in one area. The yellow bugs were attracted to the yellow flowers. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The title says it all - he was about 18 inches long and stayed still when I snapped this photo. I've seen other Ring Collared snakes at the park but this guy was the largest. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Second of the day and second one of the season spotted. The first was much larger, this guy isn't much bigger than the pebbles he was on. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Numerous Bee Bush plants are in bloom at various locations in the park. Vanilla scents are pleasant and the bugs like the plants too! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Scattered throughout the hike were prickly pear cactus with a few flowers just beginning to bloom. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Saw the agarita flowers a while back and now I'm seeing bushes with berries. Not ripe yet but they will be and provide food for the wildlife. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Very vocal "desert cardinal" singing for a mate. Spring is here! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Warm, morning sunlight caused the dew to glisten on the flowers .... and the empty beer bottle. This is why I pick up trash as I hike the trails. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Saw numerous stalks like this scattered through the park. Agaritas are blooming and there are numerous yellow flowers as well. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A colorful West Texas sunrise. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Not many birds were spotted while hiking but near Bell's Trailhead, there were a few of these females in the brush. (Photo by MikeHikes)

A clear early morning with some color as the Sun rose behind me. (Photo by MikeHikes)

I was surprised I got relatively close to him as he looked for food. Once he saw me, he quickly departed. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Didn't notice him until I went through my photos of the rock that was dry due to the ongoing drought. Feral hogs are destructive and not wanted at the park. (Photo by MikeHikes)

The medical helicopter flying overhead was the only thing of interest I saw while hiking today. (Photo by MikeHikes)