Sunrise Wildlife Encounters at Lake Carl Etling

On September 4, 2024, I decided to start my day with a walk along the shores of Lake Carl Etling at sunrise. As I made my way there, a flock of wild turkeys crossed the road in front of me. The light was still too dim for photography, so I simply watched as they disappeared over a hill. It was a peaceful moment, and I felt like the day was off to a promising start.

Just before reaching the lake, I spotted two Mule Deer Does and a Fawn grazing nearby. It seemed like they were slowly making their way toward the water. Hoping for a good opportunity to photograph them, I quietly made my way to the lake shore and found a spot to hide. As I moved, I saw several more Mule Deer, including a small buck that was still in velvet. They were close to the lake, and I managed to settle in quietly to capture some photos of these beautiful animals.

I spent several minutes photographing the deer as they fed near the lake. Unfortunately, the peaceful scene was interrupted when someone at a nearby campsite caught the deer’s attention, and they swiftly left the area.

As the deer retreated, a hummingbird suddenly landed in a tree right in front of me. I snapped a quick photo, though I couldn’t see enough details to make a positive identification. If you’re up for the challenge, feel free to take a guess at what type of hummingbird it might be by looking at my photo. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

After the deer and hummingbird encounter, I walked a short distance further and came across a Cooper’s Hawk under siege from a group of Barn Swallows. They were diving and swooping at the hawk, and I was lucky enough to capture the action with my camera.

This morning at Black Mesa State Park was truly unforgettable. From the quiet presence of the deer to the unexpected arrival of a hummingbird, and the intense interaction between the Cooper’s Hawk and Barn Swallows, it was a perfect way to start the day.