Ever since I really got into herping a few years ago and discovered this forum, I had heard stories and stories and seen hundreds of incredible photographs taken from Southern Arizona during the monsoon rains. Ridgenose and Rock rattlesnakes, vinesnakes in catclaws, toads and gila monsters amongst the rains. Everything was so incredibly different from what I knew.
In 2013 my dad had a biology conference in the Southwestern Research Station, just above Portal in the Chiricahuas. While I knew I was in the right area at the right time, I had very little knowledge of a lot of the species and their habitats. Two days later I had knocked off a few lifers and seen a few snakes and with no exaggeration, thousands of toads that were out in the rain. I was hooked, and I knew I had to make a trip during monsoon season again.
After lots of research, and a few tips from great herpers I happen to be friends with, I embarked on our short but sweet trip to the Santa Rita and Huachuca Mountains. Here are some highlights.
Within 10 minutes of our first cruise, a young Gila monster ran across the road. Unfortunately he dipped down a hole before we could get close and take photos. Bummer.
Crotalus atrox were everywhere. By far the most common snake of our trip. I think we saw 8 or 9 on a single pass of a 5 mile stretch of road. We also saw many Mohave rattlers, yet most were small or drab.
Western Diamond Backed-Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Western Diamond-Backed Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Black-Tailed Rattlesnakes were also numerous. After seeing and photographing one, we started the car only to see another one, but much larger in the headlights maybe 50 feet ahead. Beautiful snakes. They remind me a lot of our Red Diamond rattlesnakes with their less aggressive attitudes. This large guy was the most obliging of the ones we saw.
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
These cool Aphonopelma chalcodes tarantulas were out every night we were there. We also flipped a few during the day under logs.
Arizona Blond Tarantula by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Toads were out in force. We ended up seeing 7 species, including this cute little guy, a Mexican Spadefoot.
Mexican Spadefoot by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
And the always amazing but not as cute, Sonoran Desert Toad.
Sonoran Desert Toad by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
My favorite night cruised find came shortly after a photoshoot with an atrox. I met another herper who lives close by to where I was and he told me this was by far the prettiest Tiger Rattlesnake he had seen along this road.
Tiger Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Tiger Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Views and Plants were nothing less then spectacular. Here's a view from near the base of Box Canyon Road and a gorgeous Velvetpod Mimosa found a little bit higher.
Santa Rita Mountains, Southern Arizona by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Velvet Pod Mimosa by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Day hiking produced my favorite finds of the trip. Some incredible Banded Rock Rattlesnakes. I was lucky enough to find these guys within the first few hours of my search.
Southern Arizona Habitat by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
These guys were incredible. I'll end with a beautiful Sonora Barrel Cactus from the same area.
Sonora Barrel Cactus by Jeremy Wright Photography, on Flickr
After shooting the lepidus we got drenched in rain. That shot out our chances of seeing a Ridge Nosed. Next time. The best I could do with a green rat snake too was a fairly small dor also on our first cruise, minutes after seeing the gila. That was a bad luck night.
I'm as hooked as ever, and I'll be back soon. I know I met a lot of herpers out, and I can't remember all of you, but if you are reading this, Hi! Thank you also for those who helped me and gave me tips on habitat, searching techniques, and conditions. Given our few limited days, I think we did well. What an incredible area you guys have!
Happy herping,
Jeremy
A California Boy's Trip to Southern Arizona
Moderator: Scott Waters
- Jeremy Wright
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- John Koerner
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- Location: Green Valley, AZ
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Re: A California Boy's Trip to Southern Arizona
Very nice images, Jeremy
- Jeremy Wright
- Posts: 144
- Joined: December 14th, 2015, 4:56 pm
Re: A California Boy's Trip to Southern Arizona
Thank you Jack! It was an awesome trip.
- ratsnakehaven
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- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 9:08 am
- Location: Southern Arizona
Re: A California Boy's Trip to Southern Arizona
Nice pics. Good to see some flowering s. AZ plants in there...
TC
TC
- Jeremy Wright
- Posts: 144
- Joined: December 14th, 2015, 4:56 pm
Re: A California Boy's Trip to Southern Arizona
Thank you Terry! The scenery, especially for me not knowing the area well, was incredible. Really pretty plants and flowers.