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.
Wildlife Photography
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.
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 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.
Day 6: Labor Day Weekend Begins at Black Mesa State Park
Labor Day weekend brings crowds to Black Mesa State Park, but I found a quiet spot by Lake Carl Etling for wildlife photography.
Day 5, Part 2: An Unexpected Delay on My Way to Wedding Cake Butte
Photographed twin Mule Deer fawns near Black Mesa Nature Preserve after a quick detour on Day 5 of my wildlife photography adventure. A delightful encounter!
Day 5: A Trip to New Mexico and Revisiting Wedding Cake Butte
Took a detour from Black Mesa State Park to revisit Wedding Cake Butte in New Mexico. Took photos and had a small-world encounter with a local rancher.