Day 1 at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife greeted me at my Wichita Mountains campsite: a cottontail, lizard on a tree trunk, white-tailed doe, and a Texas Longhorn from my truck.
Steve Creek
Wrapping Up 13 Incredible Days at Black Mesa State Park
Reflecting on 13 amazing days at Black Mesa State Park, capturing wildlife, using new gear, and ending on a bittersweet note with a final hike.
A Look at the Insects I Photographed at Black Mesa State Park
Discover the fascinating world of insects at Black Mesa State Park, from colorful Robber Flies to mysterious beetles.
Windy Day Brings New Bird Discoveries at Black Mesa
A windy day at Black Mesa brings new bird discoveries, including Cassin’s Kingbird and Sparrow, Swainson’s Hawk, and a feisty Blue-winged Teal.
A Turkey-filled Morning at Black Mesa State Park
A surprise visit from wild turkeys at my campsite in Black Mesa State Park turned into an unexpected wildlife photography session on a windy, cloudy morning.
A Vulture, Hawks, and a Spooky Evening at Black Mesa State Park
A Turkey Vulture and Red-tailed Hawks made for an eerie yet exciting evening hike at Black Mesa State Park. What a strange but memorable photography adventure!
Sunrise Wildlife Encounters at Lake Carl Etling
Sunrise at Lake Carl Etling brought unexpected wildlife encounters—Mule Deer, a mysterious hummingbird, and a Cooper’s Hawk under attack by Barn Swallows.
Discovering a Hidden Sheepherder Hut at Lake Carl Etling
Uncovering a hidden Sheepherder Hut at Lake Carl Etling, Black Mesa State Park—an unexpected glimpse into the past, where sheep herders once sheltered.
Mule Deer Doe Enjoys Prickly Pear Cactus at Black Mesa
I observed a Mule Deer Doe eating prickly pear cactus near Lake Carl Etling. Learn how these cacti become a valuable food source for mule deer in arid environments.
Red-headed Woodpecker’s Clever Grasshopper Cache
Spotted a Red-headed Woodpecker caching a grasshopper on a utility pole near Black Mesa Wildlife Preserve. Learn about their clever food storage strategies!
An Evening with a Mule Deer Doe and Her Fawn at Lake Carl Etling
Witnessed a special moment as a Mule Deer Doe and her Fawn wade across Lake Carl Etling at Black Mesa State Park during an evening wildlife photography session.
Day 8: A Morning with a Roman-Nosed Mule Deer Doe
A peaceful morning at Lake Carl Etling leads to a special encounter with a Roman-nosed Mule Deer Doe, showcasing the quiet beauty of Black Mesa State Park.
Day 7: A Remarkable Encounter with Bighorn Sheep at Black Mesa
Thrilled to encounter Bighorn Sheep on Day 7 at Black Mesa! Discover their unique history in Oklahoma and the importance of preserving their fragile habitat.
Day 7: Strange Behavior from a Mule Deer Buck
A Mule Deer buck’s strange behavior caught my attention on Day 7 at Black Mesa State Park. Despite no luck with Bighorn Sheep, the morning was still great.
Day 6, Part 2: Evening Wildlife Drive at Black Mesa State Park
Evening wildlife surprises on Day 6 at Black Mesa State Park, including a close encounter with a curious young Pronghorn and a Mule Deer Doe with twin fawns.