On the fourth day of my wildlife photography camping trip at Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, the weather was a bit unpredictable with storms rolling through. I decided to stay close to camp and explore a nearby trail rather than venturing too far. The trail I chose was the “Bird Haven Trail,” just a short walk from my campsite. Before setting off, I took a moment to check out the fascinating petrified wood in the area.
Petrified Wood: Nature’s Ancient Art
Petrified wood is truly a marvel. It forms when trees or tree-like plants undergo fossilization, a process where the organic material of the wood is gradually replaced by minerals, usually silica from volcanic ash or other sources. Over millions of years, this mineralization preserves the wood’s original structure, transforming it into stone. It’s incredible to think about the history these pieces of petrified wood hold, and they offer a unique glimpse into the distant past.
A Walk on Bird Haven Trail
As soon as I started down Bird Haven Trail, I was greeted by a Canyon Towhee, which I was able to photograph. It was a promising start to the day! A little further along the trail, I spotted another bird I wasn’t familiar with. After reaching out to my friend and fellow photographer, Mia, she helped me identify it as a Rufous-crowned Sparrow. It’s always exciting to add a new bird to the list, especially with a little help from friends.
Bird Haven Trail eventually connects to Vista Trail, and from the top of Vista Trail, I captured a photo of my campsite in the distance. The view from up there was fantastic, providing a great perspective of the landscape surrounding my temporary home.
After reaching the north end of Vista Trail, I decided to walk down to Lake Carl Etling. As I approached the lake, I was thrilled to see a Bald Eagle soaring above the water. Watching and photographing such a majestic bird was a perfect way to wrap up the hike.
A Late Arrival: Great Horned Owl
I realized I hadn’t mentioned something from the day before—while exploring near the creek behind my campsite, I photographed what appeared to be a young Great Horned Owl. It was a bit of a surprise, and seeing such a powerful bird of prey at close range is always a treat.
A Rainy End to the Day
As I sit here writing this post, the rain is softly falling outside my camper. It’s a peaceful end to another wonderful day at Black Mesa State Park. Even with the storms, I feel lucky to have had the chance to explore the Bird Haven Trail and photograph some incredible wildlife along the way. I’m looking forward to what tomorrow will bring!