Greetings all. I do apologize that its taken me over a month to make another post, but things have been difficult lately. I started a new job on the 12th of May and on the 21st, I had to travel back up to South Carolina to visit my grandfather before he passed away. Due to time constraints with the new job, my herping time was very limited. Still, I was able to get out in the field.
On May 10th, my wife and I visited Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay, Fl for a little hike. Since the daytime temperatures were pretty much maxed out, I didn't expect to see much in the way of snakes. There were other herps out and about though and that made the hike very enjoyable.
The first Herp that showed up was this very lively (well, as Gopher Tortoises are concerned) Gopher Tortoise walking down the trail. I've seen many over the past year, but I never get tired of seeing them.
Gopher Tortoise by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Gopher Tortoise by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
There were also many Florida Softshell Turtles in Turkey Creek.
Florida Softshell Turtle by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
We also spotted a few Green Anoles. Unfortunately, Greens aren't very common in my area anymore.
Green Anole by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
One of the Boardwalks inside the sanctuary.
Live Oak hammock by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
On May 11th, I got the opportunity to go on an all day herping trip. Sadly, very few Herps were seen that day, however, I got the chance to photograph an adult Eastern Mudsnake. It was a pleasure to see an adult that wasn't smashed in the road.
Eastern Mudsnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Eastern Mudsnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Another trip out on the 15th of May yielded my best night of herping so far! 49 separate herps were seen that night! Here are a few highlights!
6 Rough Green Snakes were road cruised including a massive gravid female. I had only seen 1 live Rough Green Snake up until that time.
Rough Green Snake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Rough Green Snake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
We also found 14 Island Glass Lizards including 2 pairs that were crossing side by side!
Island Glass Lizard by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Just after dark, another Glass lizard species was found.
Eastern Glass Lizard by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Here are a few more photos of species found that epic night!
Yellow Rat Snake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Scarlet Kingsnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Florida Brown Snake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Cornsnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
On May 22nd, my mother called to inform me that my grandfather wasn't expected to live much longer. My wife and quickly made plans to leave the following day to head up to South Carolina to see him one last time. The night before we left, I did what I always did when I was stressed out. I went road cruising. Green Snake Man went with me. The common species were out, but the only photo I took was this gorgeous Cornsnake coming out on the road. I love this photo.
Cornsnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Cornsnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
My wife and I traveled to South Carolina for the weekend. It was a very stressful weekend, but I was able to see my Grandfather and tell him goodbye before he passed away the following Monday. During that time, herping wasn't really an option, however, I was able to do a little road cruising on my favorite road in the country the night before we headed back down to Florida.
The first spot I stopped at was my old Queen Snake spot. It didn't disappoint and I found 3 in 5 minutes.
Queen Snake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Queen Snake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Once it got dark, I headed out on the road. My first snake I found crossing was an unexpected one! I've seen this species before on this road, but it wasn't a very common occurrence. I was extremely excited!
Eastern Milksnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Eastern Milksnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
The next species was a common one, but I hadn't seen one in over a year. It's amazing how much you miss species you grew up with when you haven't seen them in a while.
Northern Watersnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
The last species seen was this gorgeous, gravid Brown Snake. I wish Florida Brown Snakes would pose this well!!
Northern Brown Snake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Upon returning to Florida, I've gotten to herp a few times. I will skip the commentary for the remainder of the post and will just show you photos. Except for the two soul crusing DOR's myself and Green snake man found on two consecutive trips (see below), we found mostly common stuff.
DOR Florida Pine Snake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
JUST hit EDB. by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Florida Softshell Turtle by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Florida Softshell Turtle by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Gator in the rain by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
And here are a few bird shots I got when herping wasn't being productive. I'm not a birder, but it gave me the chance to play around with my newest lens. Please forgive me.
White Ibis by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Green Heron by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
Anhinga's by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
I'm sure this final photo is a good representation of what each one of you look like after finishing this post. I know this is how I felt while putting it together. I hope you all enjoyed this! Until next time!
Bad hair day by Solomon Wise, on Flickr
-Infantryveteran
May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heavy)
Moderator: Scott Waters
- InfantryVeteran
- Posts: 58
- Joined: April 24th, 2014, 9:34 pm
- Location: Palm Bay, Fl
- soulsurvivor
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Re: May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heav
Very nice post, Solomon. I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. I also find road cruising to be a great stress release, particularly solo trips. That's good you have been able to get out. Keep it up whenever possible.
~Bree
~Bree
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- Posts: 362
- Joined: June 2nd, 2011, 4:17 am
Re: May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heav
I echo Bree's thoughts regarding your grandfather. Sorry about your loss.
Some super good photo in the post---but the bad hair day shot at the en is just grand!
Some super good photo in the post---but the bad hair day shot at the en is just grand!
- ZantiMissKnit
- Posts: 1037
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- Location: Boston area, MA
Re: May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heav
I am so sorry for your loss.
Great photos!
Great photos!
- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
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Re: May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heav
Sorry too for your loss.
Your post is wonderful.... echo to all who commented.
Your post is wonderful.... echo to all who commented.
Re: May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heav
I'm sorry for your loss. I find road cruising, particularly alone, to be one the most therapeutic things I can do.
And yes, while all of the pictures are great (love that mud snake!), I think the bad hair day picture takes the cake
And yes, while all of the pictures are great (love that mud snake!), I think the bad hair day picture takes the cake
- mtratcliffe
- Posts: 533
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- Location: Mt Laurel, NJ
Re: May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heav
Sorry about your loss - I'm glad you were able to visit before he passed. I hope your new job is going well - you were in the animal removal business before, weren't you?
Good smattering of herps you've got there. I like the Green Snake on the dirt road - your camera picked that one up nicely.
Good smattering of herps you've got there. I like the Green Snake on the dirt road - your camera picked that one up nicely.
- InfantryVeteran
- Posts: 58
- Joined: April 24th, 2014, 9:34 pm
- Location: Palm Bay, Fl
Re: May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heav
Yep! I'm still doing the same stuff, only with another company. I also got a promotion. Having a full weekend off is nice as well.mtratcliffe wrote:Sorry about your loss - I'm glad you were able to visit before he passed. I hope your new job is going well - you were in the animal removal business before, weren't you?
Good smattering of herps you've got there. I like the Green Snake on the dirt road - your camera picked that one up nicely.
Thanks everyone for the kind words. I've been herping a few more times since this post and have found some good stuff, but I'll save it for the next post.
Re: May 7th-June 10th. Highlights and heartbreaks. (pic heav
I'm glad you got up there before he died. Life's just a serial heartbreaker. Somehow, we keep going; which I guess beats the alternative...
This however :
best,
Jimi
This however :
is pretty damn funny. "What happens on FHF stays on FHF" ha ha ha. Good on ya.I'm not a birder, but it gave me the chance to play around with my newest lens. Please forgive me.
best,
Jimi