Day 3 at Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve was a hot and sunny one. I started my day by watching the sunrise from a high point in the state park, a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. As the sun lit up the rugged landscape, I decided to head back toward the Nature Preserve but took a different approach from yesterday’s hike.
Exploring the County Roads
Instead of walking the preserve’s trails, I chose to explore the county road that runs past it. I had driven a few miles down this road yesterday but wanted to venture a little further today. The scenery along the way was breathtaking—expansive views of mesas, open plains, and the occasional grove of trees, but wildlife sightings were sparse.
Wildlife Encounters
Despite the lack of wildlife along the road, I was fortunate to photograph a White-tailed Doe and her Fawn. You might notice that, just like the Doe I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, this Doe is also shedding her summer coat as she prepares for the cooler months ahead. It’s fascinating to witness this transition in multiple deer, a subtle yet telling sign of the seasonal changes.
A Box Turtle from Yesterday
I also realized that I forgot to share a photo in yesterday’s post. While exploring the same road, I came across a box turtle making its slow journey across the pavement. These turtles are always a delight to encounter, with their vibrant, patterned shells standing out against the dusty road.
Colorado Soldier Beetle at Black Mesa State Park
One of my favorite shots from the day was a Colorado Soldier Beetle perched on a sunflower. I read more about them when I got back to camp. These beetles help control small pests like aphids, which makes them useful in gardens and fields. Their bright orange and blue colors make them easy to spot.
Wrapping Up My Day Exploring Black Mesa State Park
Even though I didn’t see as much wildlife as I hoped, exploring Black Mesa State Park still gave me plenty to photograph. The changing coats of the deer, the slow walk of the box turtle, and the bright beetle on a sunflower all added small moments of interest to the day. I’m looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings.