Balmorhea State Park August 18 & 19

Reluctance to move on to lower elevations and hotter temperatures was soon replaced with euphoria of wide open skies and unobstructed horizons. I celebrated with fantastic views of Venus and Jupiter in the predawn sky. 

Closer to the horizon the "Belt of Venus" that pink band at the edge of the Earth's shadow was mesmerizing.












The waning crescent moon rode even higher in the darker blue sky.

Stepping around the coach, I found my self surrounded by bats....

leaning against the motorhome, I snapped multiple photos and managed to snag a few blurs as they entered the narrow spaces between the rafters of the roof. I could even hear the high pitched echo-location cries as the swarm roiled around the site.







Shortly after sunrise we were on Ranch Road 1932, aka Boy Scout Road about 7 miles from the State Park. Last time we drove this road was 2 months after the devastating Rock House Fire that ravaged the area in 2011. The vegetation has recovered nicely, the range land was green and lush.

Red-tailed Hawk perched on utility pole within the first quarter mile...

I couldn't decide if he had an injured foot with missing talons.










Queen butterflies were abundant in the flowering brush and dragonflies patrolled the roadway. My photos of the Halloween Pennant were all fuzzy but I lucked out on this Widow Skimmer.

The monsoon rains in the Davis Mountains had filled the canyon with running water. 

 so clear the rocky bottom was easily visible.

The hillsides were varied shades of green

 and flood debris was evident

A flutter of Butters was spelling binding, 

Tiger Swallowtail, Pipevine, Black Swallowtail and Painted Lady, plus several skippers and other tiny B'flies were so entranced with the mud, I couldn't shoo them away. 

Tiny blue Damsels dotted the surface multiplied by reflections. 

Miles and miles of miles and miles of Texas. 

This redtail looked offended at his privacy being invaded. 

As we appreciated the massive shade, the sound of a real cattle drive echoed all around and a beautiful Yellow Warbler teased among the foliage high overhead. 

Flycatcher on the wire,  Peewee, maybe?

After a delicious enchilada lunch at La Cueva del Oso, we attempted Lake Balmorhea, undoubtedly the ugliest lake in the world, but an oasis and bird magnet. As the temperature soared to 102, 

Turkey Vultures waded in the shallows and Egrets panted in the marsh. 

Scattered thunderstorms relieved the sweltering landscape on our way home.