On a higher note I'm looking forward to 2017, time to finish off Northern California, and reaching other goals like finishing off the genus of Crotalus and Thamnophis in the state, and getting out with some fantastic herpers coming to visit. I want to thank everyone who I met up with this year new and old friends. Side note I miss the old forum days, rather than Facebook where posts are lost within hours of being posted, and the difficulty in search archives.
Note: Photography and content will get progressively better.
This year I started off late with a Western Yellow Bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon).
Western Yellow-Bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by Chad Lane, on FlickrBeautiful view on my failed attempt at locating Southern Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum) in April.
Scenic view in the Sierra Nevada. by Chad Lane, on Flickr On my way down I turned up a few familiar faces. California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae).
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus).
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrGreater Brown Skink (Plestiodon gilberti gilberti).
Greater Brown Skink (Plestiodon gilberti gilberti) by Chad Lane, on FlickrA few poor photos of a California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata).
California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) by Chad Lane, on FlickrChaparral Whipsnake (Coluber lateralis lateralis)
Chaparral Whipsnake (Coluber lateralis lateralis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrI was able to visit an area where I had not visited for 10 years, here's a few of that days finds.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus)
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrSierra Nevada Ensatina - (Ensatina eschscholtzii platensis)
Sierra Nevada Ensatina - (Ensatina eschscholtzii platensis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrCalifornia Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata multicincta)
California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata multicincta) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata multicincta) by Chad Lane, on FlickrA interesting Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) from the Diablo range.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrWestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis)
Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrHad a fun trip with Ben and Amy in the Merced River drainage.
Greater Brown Skink (Plestiodon gilberti gilberti)
Greater Brown Skink (Plestiodon gilberti gilberti) by Chad Lane, on FlickrChaparral Whipsnake (Coluber lateralis lateralis) that I night flipped next to the river.
Chaparral Whipsnake (Coluber lateralis lateralis) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Untitled by Chad Lane, on FlickrWe drove up the hill to look into a faithful crack that didn't disappoint.
California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata)
California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) by Chad Lane, on FlickrA coastal Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) from a solo trip.
Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by Chad Lane, on FlickrMyke, and Devon wanted to find some Targets up north on their rocket run trip together.
California Alligator Lizard - (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata)
California Alligator Lizard - (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
California Alligator Lizard - Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata by Chad Lane, on FlickrSan Francisco Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) A poor photo.
San Francisco Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) by Chad Lane, on FlickrRubber Boa (Charina bottae)
Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by Chad Lane, on FlickrCalifornia Red-Sided Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis)
California Red-Sided Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrHaving an itch to find some Hydromantes, I headed up earlier than I had ever gone before in previous years, which resulted in finding 22 neonates and juveniles, and was able to observe one eating some kind of invertebrate.
Mt Lyell Salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus)
Mt Lyell Salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Mt Lyell Salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Mt Lyell Salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrAs road cruising season was upon us, and while I've been doing less of it, it's sometime the easiest way to find some species. Many people know I'm sort of a county/locale nut, I enjoy finding the same species in different areas. I hadn't be able to find this species in my home County of San Joaquin, California. I looked at the conditions and said it would be perfect for them, and turned up 2 that evening.
Western Black-headed Snake (Tantilla planiceps)
Western Black-headed Snake (Tantilla planiceps) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Western Black-headed Snake (Tantilla planiceps) by Chad Lane, on FlickrCalifornia Common scorpion (Paruroctonus silvestrii)
California Common scorpion (Paruroctonus silvestrii) by Chad Lane, on FlickrCalifornia Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans occidentalis)
California Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans occidentalis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrMid year I joined up with a few out of staters, and Socal guys for an outing up here, I was focused on finding them lifers, and only took these two photos.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus by Chad Lane, on FlickrCalifornia Red-Legged Frog (Rana draytonii)
California Red-Legged Frog (Rana draytonii) by Chad Lane, on Flickr"Defeating the elements."
A nemesis defeated, after several failed attempts at locating a Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus lutosus) in California, I was rewarded with my lifer.
The Eastern Sierra Nevada, and Eastern California has given myself a challenge. Every trip has either ended early, or simply slim pickings due to weather either it be a massive rainstorms, thunderstorms, or dramatic sudden cold spell sweeping the area. This trip was absolutely no exception, while this area may very well hate me, it's an intriguing area that I'm enjoying and planning on returning often.
A friend had told me a new area to check out for C. lutosus, upon arriving to the location, I was unable to locate any of the features associated with C. lutosus, having a second goal of the trip. Wandering Gartersnakes (Thamnophis vagrans) I headed towards another locale in search of them. With it being a holiday weekend, and having the winds pick up with scattering rainstorms coming in. I was also unable to turn one up.
I then headed to an area where I had been to various time in search for C.lutosus, the rains hit on my trek towards my destination. Passing some grey volcanic rock, I noticed it was it bit paler than I had previously recalled knocking it off as not noticing. Upon arriving to an area I had scouted, I discovered the true reason why the rocky mountain side was "paler" than I had recalled. There was 1.5-3" of hail pockets everywhere, and the temperatures had dropped 20F.
I parked my truck, and started hiking towards where I thought I had scouted on previous trips, regardless that my optimism had disappeared due to the hail and temperature drop. I shortly found that I wasn't at where I had previously scouted, feeling defeated and enthusiasm nearly dissipated, I drove further up the road, and spotted the location I intended to visit. Getting out of my truck I immediately noticed it was 10-15F warmer here, less hail pockets as well. While checking some cracks I seen Desert Striped Whipsnake (Coluber taeniatus) and C. lutosus sheds, I slowly lifted two rock, hoping a young of either species was stuck out underneath one of them. Both rocks were vacant, as I stood back up, 3' in front of me, my lifer Crotalus lutosus was half stretched out, coming from a crack.
My first California lifer in years.
Crotalus lutosus by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus lutosus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus lutosus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrSierra Gartersnake (Thamnophis couchii) as found 20-24" above the ground.
Thamnophis couchii in-situ. by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Thamnophis couchii in-situ by Chad Lane, on FlickrMountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans)
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by Chad Lane, on FlickrSierra Gartersnake (Thamnophis couchii)
Sierra Gartersnake (Thamnophis couchii) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Sierra Gartersnake (Thamnophis couchii) by Chad Lane, on FlickrWestern Toad (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus)
Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrOwens Web-Toed Salamander (Hydromantes sp.) Lifer.
Inyo County, California. Four years ago I took my first trip to Inyo County with many goals, I was forced to leave early due to not feeling good. Before I had left, I had visited the area where these come from. I walked into the Canyon a little ways, stopped to take a break, and decided to leave as I wasn't feeling so hot, where I had stopped turned out to be exactly where they were found! Only took me 4 years to go back, and turned up three total with relative ease. Among other finds this trip. (I didn't feel like editing it, I actually combined two Inyo/Mono county trips together).
Owens Web-Toed Salamander (Hydromantes sp.) by Chad Lane, on FlickrGreat Basin Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola)
Great Basin Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola) by Chad Lane, on FlickrDesert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola)
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola) by Chad Lane, on FlickrGave it some water.
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola) by Chad Lane, on FlickrGreat Basin Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis longipes)
Great Basin Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis longipes) by Chad Lane, on FlickrDesert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus)
Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrVariable Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) Lifer.
Variable Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) by Chad Lane, on FlickrPanamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) Lifer.
Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi)
Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) by Chad Lane, on FlickrLong-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) by Chad Lane, on FlickrYellow-Backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis)
Yellow-Backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrPanamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) juvenile.
Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) by Chad Lane, on FlickrDesert Striped Whipsnake (Coluber taeniatus taeniatus) Lifer.
Desert Striped Whipsnake (Coluber taeniatus taeniatus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrWestern Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans) From a short day trip for Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila)
Western Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans) by Chad Lane, on FlickrBlunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila)
Untitled by Chad Lane, on FlickrOne of my favorite photos of them this year.
Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) by Chad Lane, on FlickrA cute little Coastal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii).
Coastal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Coastal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) pair, from the same hike. The female with the yellowish markings on the head, is the same female posted earlier after she's warmed up, we nicknamed her "lutosus lookalike" due to some interesting markings, sadly a friend found her dead (infectied ovium) a few weeks after these photos were taken, he lives close by, and observed this beloved young female for 2 years.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) pair. by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) pair. by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus). In-situ. Tuolumne County, California, 5600'.
In the Sierra Nevada to check out a small den, that I had not checked during spring. At most I've only seen 3 adults at a single time, occupied with 2 neonates. I'm sure more than three adults use this den, it's not a big den, and I suspect roughly less than 10 adults use it. This is an animal I observed first in 2010.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) tracks at the entrance of the den site.
Guess the tracks? by Chad Lane, on FlickrCan you find the snake? In-situ. Answer below.
in-situ where? by Chad Lane, on FlickrCoast Range Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii)
Coast Range Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii) by Chad Lane, on FlickrYellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon)
Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Yellow Bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by Chad Lane, on FlickrClose up with self portrait.
"Double portrait" Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by Chad Lane, on FlickrSan Francisco Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) The answered to "Find the snake above".
Visiting a common walking trail one afternoon, a few of us were able to observe 15-18 individuals, at one point I sat down on the trail, and watched 5 or so individuals forage, bask, and even witnessed some frisky behavior of a male. These time of observations are what I cherish and enjoy significantly in the field, just enjoying nature with the least amount of interaction outside photography as possible.
San Francisco Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
San Francisco Gartersnake (Thamnphis sirtalis tetrataenia) by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthern California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra)
Northern California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra) by Chad Lane, on FlickrDoing what they do best...
Northern California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra) by Chad Lane, on FlickrMt Lyell Salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus) On a short day trip, a poor photo, however the only one of that day.
Mt Lyell Salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrIn September I took my first trip out to Texas, Mexico and Arizona. While definitely not the most productive trip I've trip I've had, it came with new friends, new places, and new experiences! Most of all some great times and memories made! Every time I visit the southwest I fall deeper and deeper in love with the land (regardless how it potentially feels about me!) and the people. I couldn't have asked for better company on this trip, I hope to be able to make it out more often these next couple of years.
I want to thank Evan Arambul, Doug Duerre, Noah Fields, and special thank you to Kyle Vargas and Sarah Gartland.
If it wasn't for Kyle this trip wouldn't have been possible I want to thank him for putting up with me this last week. I really appreciate it and can't wait to do it again. Thank you man!
Here are some finds from the trip. I'll start out with one of my favorite photos of the trip, of my lifer Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis).
Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrTrans-Pecos Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster) Lifer.
Trans-Pecos Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Trans-Pecos Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster) by Chad Lane, on FlickrPrairie Ratsnake (Pantherophis emoryi) Lifer.
Prairie Ratsnake (Pantherophis emoryi) by Chad Lane, on FlickrBairds Ratsnake (Pantherophis (Elaphe) bairdi) Lifer.
Bairds Ratsnake (Pantherophis (Elaphe) bairdi) Lifer. TX. by Chad Lane, on FlickrCouch's Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus couchii) Lifer.
Couch's Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus couchii) Lifer TX by Chad Lane, on FlickrPrairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus virdis)
Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus virdis) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus virdis) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus virdis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrMexican Hognose Snake (Heterodon kennerlyi)
Mexican Hognose Snake (Heterodon kennerlyi) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Mexican Hognose Snake (Heterodon kennerlyi) by Chad Lane, on FlickrMexico kicked our asses... here's my only three photos I kept from my SLR photos.
Striped Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus virgatus ) Sonora Mexico, Lifer
Striped Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus virgatus ) Sonora Mexico, Lifer by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Striped Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus virgatus ) Sonora Mexico, Lifer by Chad Lane, on FlickrMexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei deppei) Sonora Mexico. Lifer.
Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei deppei) Sonora Mexico. Lifer. by Chad Lane, on FlickrArizona finds.
Twin Spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) Lifer.
Twin Spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) by Chad Lane, on FlickrSonora Whipsnake (Coluber bilineatus)
Sonora Whipsnake (Coluber bilineatus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Sonora Whipsnake (Coluber bilineatus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrReflections of myself, and friend Sarah Gartland.
Reflections Sonoran Whipsnake (Coluber bilineatus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrOrnate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)
Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrI did a short jaunt to visit two dens in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, one of which I had not visited in some years, (pictured below). I observed a pair, including a female I've seen for over a decade, and the male the last 6+/- years. It seems this pair had not moved since early spring. A neat photo showing how cryptic their camouflage can be.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrCrotalus oreganus den site, some of the den sites in this area have fascinating rock formations such as this one which is known as "Tombstone" rock of bladed slate and phyllite. Along with oak woodland Blue Oak (Quercus doughlasii) is endemic to California.
The land is many of times as interesting as the animals themselves that we enjoy and love.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) Den site. by Chad Lane, on FlickrThis series is from a different den site from a separate day.
"Unobscured."
As I walked towards a den, I merely glanced though some thick brush and towards the base of a tree was a basking Crotalus oreganus that seemingly forgot how to camouflage properly. It was so thick this was the only photo I could capture.
Unobscured. by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus)
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) in-situ. by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis)
Northwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis) by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus)
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) in-situ. by Chad Lane, on FlickrMountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans)
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by Chad Lane, on FlickrOn another day I was able to capture this time-lapse footage of a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus). Which was my last C. oreganus photo/video of the year, a female I've been watching since 2010. Although I have a lot of other plans next year, I hope to make time to visit this den at least a few times throughout the year. Sierra Nevada Mountains, California.
https://youtu.be/6TP7ve7ueu8
Still.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) basking in-situ. by Chad Lane, on FlickrA few off topic photos from my day.
"Simplicity."
Simplicity. by Chad Lane, on FlickrA beautiful end to my day before my drive home.
Evening light though the pines.
Evening light in the Pines. by Chad Lane, on FlickrUpon the first rains in October, I headed out to get some much needed Mander therapy. Walking through the forest you hear nature without human interference, Squirrels running around, song birds singing, deer grazing in the meadow on the forest edge. You can hear the water running through the river, the wind whispering quietly. These are what one would expect to experience, but upon the evening after dark on the forest floor awakes the lesser-known and misunderstood. The forest floor is teeming with life after nightfall if you look closely you can observe the wonders of the forest floor.
Small mammals abound, frogs calling, crickets chirping, and if you look close enough on the forest floor you can find Salamanders, searching for food in the dark of the night.
I'm swiftly becoming a fan of walking Amphibians at night and observing.
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris)
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) In-situ. by Chad Lane, on FlickrOregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) x Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica)
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) x Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) x Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) by Chad Lane, on FlickrA beautiful moonlit evening to end the night.
A moonlit evening. by Chad Lane, on FlickrTowards the end of October I did a rocket run literally whole day trip. Although not all species were photographed it was a great day with great friends. Taricha rivularis (lifer), Taricha granulosa, Taricha torosa, Rana boylii, Aneides flavipunctatus, and Gambliea sila in a single day, life is great.
Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) This years Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambeila sila) let me approach within 6' of him for roughly and hour while I snapped away, the most forgiving sila I've ever encountered.
Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) by Chad Lane, on FlickrOn my way up North from looking for Gambelia I spotted this Road Runner and was able to nab my first photo of one.
Road Runner by Chad Lane, on FlickrSpeckled Black (Aneides flavipunctatus) This A. flavipunctatus was doing it's best yet poorly in doing so, A. lugubris impression. As spotted in-situ.
Speckled Black (Aneides flavipunctatus) in-situ by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Speckled Black (Aneides flavipunctatus) attemping to be an Arboreal Salamander. by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus) Mendocino County, California. in-situ by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Speckled Black (Aneides flavipunctatus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrRed-bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) Lifer.
Red-bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) Lifer by Chad Lane, on FlickrNeeding some more Hydromantes in my life I went out to find Limestone Salamander (Hydromantes brunus). Not used to turning VC(VR) off on my new lens, so a few of my recent wide angles I used a Tripod without turning the VC off, which resulted in less than tack sharp images, however since the images have great memories from the animal to the people I was with, I decided to post a few of them regardless. This image the animal is particularly soft.
Limestone Salamander (Hydromantes brunus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrAn unexpected but not unsurprising find. Valley Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitch)
Valley Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitch) by Chad Lane, on FlickrA failed trip results in the itch to do some photography, I Believe Convergent Ladybird Beetle (Hippodamia convergens) in winter aggregation.
I Believe Convergent Ladybird Beetle (Hippodamia convergens) in winter aggregation. by Chad Lane, on FlickrUnknown Jumping Spider species.
Jumping Spider unknown sp. by Chad Lane, on FlickrMy wife rarely opts to come out with me, one evening I mentioned I was thinking of doing a short night hike for a few things and I was going to being one of our dogs with me, and she said she'd join.
Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) from the Sierra Nevada.
Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) from the Sierra Nevada. by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) from the Sierra Nevada. by Chad Lane, on FlickrOn my last major trip of the year I spent with my good friends Natalie, and Mike Spencer on a trip I've been meaning to take up to humboldt and Del Norte Counties in extereme Northwestern corner of California to knock off Salamanders. One of my favorite trips of the year I can't wait to go back.
My lifer Painted Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii picta) from Humboldt County, California
Painted Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii picta) by Chad Lane, on FlickrCoastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) Lifer male Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei). Only my second time attempting a wide angle night shot, not quite was I was aiming for, but a decent try I'd guess.
Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) by Chad Lane, on FlickrDunn's Salamander (Plethodon dunni) Note to self turn VC/VR OFF when doing tripod work with lifers! This is a better example of the softness that it causes when doing tripod work, the Salamander is soft, and background has a lot of blur that shouldn't have been there from a combination of wind and leaving the VC on.
Dunn's Salamander (Plethodon dunni) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Dunn's Salamander (Plethodon dunni) by Chad Lane, on FlickrMike found this Pterotus obscuripennis, a species of firefly found on the Pacific coast.
Guess what it is. (I'll edit later) by Chad Lane, on FlickrCoastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) female.
Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) female. by Chad Lane, on FlickrCoastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus)
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrDunn's Salamander (Plethodon dunni) Lifer.
Dunn's Salamander (Plethodon dunni) by Chad Lane, on FlickrDel Norte Salamander (Plethodon elongatus) Lifer.
Del Norte Salamander (Plethodon elongatus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrNorthwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile)
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) by Chad Lane, on FlickrDunn's Salamander (Plethodon dunni) Lifer.
Dunn's Salamander (Plethodon dunni) by Chad Lane, on FlickrSouthern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus)
Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrCoastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei)
Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) by Chad Lane, on FlickrClouded Salamander (Aneides ferreus) Lifer. Poor photo, heavy rain + Mander that doesn't want to sit.
Clouded Salamander (Aneides ferreus) by Chad Lane, on FlickrPainted Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii picta)
Painted Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii picta) by Chad Lane, on FlickrPainted Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii picta) Del Norte County.
Painted Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii picta) by Chad Lane, on FlickrLater November rains allowed for some movement of Ambystomatids.
California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense)
California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense) by Chad Lane, on FlickrSanta Cruz Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum)
Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum) by Chad Lane, on Flickr
Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum) by Chad Lane, on FlickrI hope you enjoyed!
Cheers,
Chad
