A very slow July 2014

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Zach_Lim
Posts: 1607
Joined: June 10th, 2010, 8:37 pm

A very slow July 2014

Post by Zach_Lim »

Not really much to say about my July- it was hot and dry here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have resorted to early morning and evening walks along ponds and trails in hopes of seeing anything cold blooded. I did not get out as much as I wanted to this month, and spent the few times out with Jared, Luke, and Dave.

Here are some of the critters that popped up:

Pacific Gopher Snake that Jared found in a dried up pond:

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We were lucky enough to spy this San Francisco Garter Snake basking in the early, early morning (around 8:00AM) right by the beach! It must have been freezing cold, as it did not move an inch (we stood quite far away and thanks to a zoom lens, I was able to get this decent shot):

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Pacific Ring-necked Snake on the crawl:

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Coast Garter Snake on the crawl:

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Giant Salamander larvae in a creek in San Mateo County:

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Trail walking produced this gorgeous Elgaria:

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Massive Coastie that I found 10 minutes South of SF:

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Jared, Dave, and I went down to Santa Cruz in hopes of some lateralis. All we got was this skink...

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I spent a week in Philadelphia attending This Is Hardcore 2014, the largest hardcore, punk, and metal fest in North America. As the fest boasted 12 hours of music daily, I only had a total of 2 hours of field time at an urban park.

It was hot. It was humid.

I failed to secure a Leopard Frog, Eastern Sceloporus, and Eastern Garter for photographs- I was bummed!

I did manage a Red-eared Slider, though... :roll:

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My sister stumbled upon a dead Channel Catfish

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Drove down to Virgina to see a few bands play. Had the best Soft-shell Crab and oysters I have ever eaten in Mappsville, VA:

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Yup, July....

I am starting my new job a different company come August...would rather be herping!
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Owen
Posts: 1924
Joined: June 11th, 2010, 12:35 am
Location: San Jose', Northern Catcrapistan

Re: A very slow July 2014

Post by Owen »

It's all nice stuff, even though the herpin' is kinda thin. There are lots of froggies out at this time of year if you want to kill some time waiting for the baby snakes:

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JAMAUGHN
Posts: 1131
Joined: May 15th, 2011, 12:16 am
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Re: A very slow July 2014

Post by JAMAUGHN »

Not bad at all, Zach, for a hot and dry July. That SF Garter is very nice -looking. ...and I like that we both have dead fish in our monthly posts!

JimM
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LouB747
Posts: 1184
Joined: June 7th, 2010, 8:50 am
Location: Huntington Beach, CA

Re: A very slow July 2014

Post by LouB747 »

I've never seen a Ringneck Snake on the crawl. Nice SFGS. I'd take that for July.
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gopher
Posts: 173
Joined: April 9th, 2013, 9:45 pm
Location: California, San Gabriel Valley

Re: A very slow July 2014

Post by gopher »

Nice San Francisco Garter Snake and Giant Salamander larvae Zach!
Zach_Lim
Posts: 1607
Joined: June 10th, 2010, 8:37 pm

Re: A very slow July 2014

Post by Zach_Lim »

Thanks for the replies, guys.

The SFGS totally saved my July- although it is kind of cheating, as they are pretty much active year round and can easily be found haha!

My August started rather nicely...gotta wait a month till my next update!

Owen and Jim- let's hit the field together soon!

Lou, get back up here!

Thanks, Gopher! Larvae Dicamps rule!
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