Being from the UK, I need some advice about herping in Northern California, may get down to LA area.
Will it be too cold for reptiles in this area at this time? Should I concentrate on amphibians instead?
Any advice appreciated on what to look for.
Mark
California in January
Moderator: Scott Waters
Re: California in January
You didn't say where in Northern CA, but in the Bay Area, its pretty much salamanders in January.
The only 'for sure' snakes would be Sharp-tailed unless December and January get no rain. Possibility of flipping some gartersnakes and ring-necked snakes, maybe a Rubber Boa. Skilton's Skinks, Alligator Lizards and Fence Lizards can be rock or log flipped, but mainly Salamanders.
The only 'for sure' snakes would be Sharp-tailed unless December and January get no rain. Possibility of flipping some gartersnakes and ring-necked snakes, maybe a Rubber Boa. Skilton's Skinks, Alligator Lizards and Fence Lizards can be rock or log flipped, but mainly Salamanders.
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- Location: NorCal
Re: California in January
It's still pretty warm in the Sacramento area with days into the 90's or at least mid 80's. When are you planning to be in the area?
Edit: Oh yeah, look at the title...
As others have said you will mostly just see amphibians in January depending on where you are, but you can occasionally see snakes or lizards on warmer days, depending on the weather.
Edit: Oh yeah, look at the title...
As others have said you will mostly just see amphibians in January depending on where you are, but you can occasionally see snakes or lizards on warmer days, depending on the weather.
Re: California in January
I have seen the following herps during January in the Bay Area (San Mateo county):
Rubber boa (year round)
Coast Gartersnakes (year round)
Pacific Ringnecked Snakes
Gophersnakes (usually neonates)
Northern Alligator Lizard
Southern Alligators
Fence lizards
a bunch of different amphibians
With some work, I have found Northern Pacific Rattlers sunning...but very rarely.
Like the others mentioned, where in the Bay are you going to be?
Rubber boa (year round)
Coast Gartersnakes (year round)
Pacific Ringnecked Snakes
Gophersnakes (usually neonates)
Northern Alligator Lizard
Southern Alligators
Fence lizards
a bunch of different amphibians
With some work, I have found Northern Pacific Rattlers sunning...but very rarely.
Like the others mentioned, where in the Bay are you going to be?
Re: California in January
Thanks, it looks like reptiles will be thin on the ground.
I will be based in The San Francisco area heading down the coast to visit the Channel islands, then across to the eastern side of California up to the Redding area and back to SF.
I have not been herping in CA before so looking forward to it.
Any info on what to try for appreciated
Mark
I will be based in The San Francisco area heading down the coast to visit the Channel islands, then across to the eastern side of California up to the Redding area and back to SF.
I have not been herping in CA before so looking forward to it.
Any info on what to try for appreciated
Mark
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Re: California in January
If you make your way into riverside you can flip a rosy boa or two.
Re: California in January
Yep that can easily be on the routecaptain uta wrote:If you make your way into riverside you can flip a rosy boa or two.
Mark
Re: California in January
If stopping by Redding, hit me up.Mark Hows wrote:Thanks, it looks like reptiles will be thin on the ground.
I will be based in The San Francisco area heading down the coast to visit the Channel islands, then across to the eastern side of California up to the Redding area and back to SF.
I have not been herping in CA before so looking forward to it.
Any info on what to try for appreciated
Mark
Not a lot out here reptile-wise but in January you can find Black Salamanders, Shasta Salamanders, sometimes Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs
Re: California in January
FunkyRes wrote:If stopping by Redding, hit me up.Mark Hows wrote:Thanks, it looks like reptiles will be thin on the ground.
I will be based in The San Francisco area heading down the coast to visit the Channel islands, then across to the eastern side of California up to the Redding area and back to SF.
I have not been herping in CA before so looking forward to it.
Any info on what to try for appreciated
Mark
Not a lot out here reptile-wise but in January you can find Black Salamanders, Shasta Salamanders, sometimes Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs
Many Thanks
I will contact you nearer the time
Mark
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- Contact:
Re: California in January
Good time for salamanders along the "Redwood Coast" north San Francisco and you can find Northern Alligators, Boas, fence Lizards, ring-necks, Terrestrial Garter, and perhaps a few other reptiles by flipping cover such as boards and tin at abandoned farms and junk piles.
Re: California in January
Fieldnotes wrote:Good time for salamanders along the "Redwood Coast" north San Francisco and you can find Northern Alligators, Boas, fence Lizards, ring-necks, Terrestrial Garter, and perhaps a few other reptiles by flipping cover such as boards and tin at abandoned farms and junk piles.
Many Thanks
I hope to find some interesting stuff
Mark
Re: California in January
Thanks for all the advice, the weather did not do me any favours and I only managed to find one salamander, and a few lizards did much better with birds and mammals.
Any help confirming the ID's appreciated
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markhows/8 ... 2641371493
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markhows/8 ... 641371493/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markhows/8428489026/
A full trip report here but it is mostly birds and mammals
http://www.hows.org.uk/inter/birds/2013trip/usa/cal.htm
Thanks
Mark
Any help confirming the ID's appreciated
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markhows/8 ... 2641371493
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markhows/8 ... 641371493/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markhows/8428489026/
A full trip report here but it is mostly birds and mammals
http://www.hows.org.uk/inter/birds/2013trip/usa/cal.htm
Thanks
Mark
Re: California in January
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) most likely for the Salamander and Coast Range Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii) for both lizards.
Re: California in January
Many ThanksOwen wrote:Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) most likely for the Salamander and Coast Range Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii) for both lizards.
Mark