This year, I promised myself I would make an effort to get out more this spring and herp. April and May are ALWAYS horrible months for me due to a variety of family and work obligations that always seem to occupy the two best herping months of the year where I live. Anyway, I've managed to steal away a bit already and I am hoping I can do more in May.
For work, I had to take a trip to Houston, TX, and thanks to some herp help from MAbernathy, I was able to see some animals for a few hours on a Sunday morning.
River Cooter I believe.
Tough to see, but a nice 18" snapper down there. I would have dove in for her but the creek edge was about a 5' drop and I had my DSLR rig strapped on so..
Rough Earth Snake! A lifer for me which was really cool. Little bugger was damn near impossible to photograph. So tiny and fast!
Ribbon as found under a log.
Same Ribbon
Lots and lots of turtles, which I miss terribly.
As I approached the shoreline of a drainage ditch I spotted a little snake hurry into the water. It tried to hide in a drainage tile but...
Nice young Nerodia...
Typical behavior.
So many turtles.
Cricket Frog I believe.
Southern Leopard.
Bronze Frog, another animal I have never seen!
I found this poor frog in the parking lot of the warehouse where I was working. I'm guessing Bullfrog based on the size but it was obviously difficult to tell.
That sums up 4 hours in Houston, TX, thanks again Mike!!
Next up was a spot in Sonoma County, CA. I had the morning to hit this area and I was really thinking I was gonna get skunked as it was rainy and cold (48F). I did not get skunked, however I did see an actual skunk, which was also cool.
Lots of sleepy lizards were flipped.
My favorite kind of invert.
Pac Ring in situ under a piece of rotting plywood.
Another Pacific Ringneck as found, this one was TINY.
As found next to a rock I moved.
So many skinks.
Lots with stumpy tails too.
Ahhhh yes.
My guess is adult male. Very cold and barely moved.
Quick vid: https://youtu.be/mHSIShuKZTs
Another gator.
The herping buggy.
That's all for now. I have plans to get out and hit the Sierras in May at some point for Mountain Kings! Hopefully 2017 will be my year.
Bart
My 2017 so far...
Moderator: Scott Waters
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- Joined: April 29th, 2017, 4:29 pm
Re: My 2017 so far...
Pretty sure I have the same gloves! Lol. I'm liking them so far.
Cool shots...I especially like the algae-covered turtle. Good luck with zonatas! Capitalize on this rain!
Dylan
Cool shots...I especially like the algae-covered turtle. Good luck with zonatas! Capitalize on this rain!
Dylan
Re: My 2017 so far...
Yeah, I think we're going to be good into June for zonata. I am hoping to get out within the next couple weeks.DMcDiarmid wrote:Pretty sure I have the same gloves! Lol. I'm liking them so far.
Cool shots...I especially like the algae-covered turtle. Good luck with zonatas! Capitalize on this rain!
Dylan
Thanks,
Bart
Re: My 2017 so far...
With a rig like that, you better be on T4R too!
Are you?
I too am hoping to get out to see a Zonata before it gets too warm. It's definitely warming quite quickly, which stinks. April was too cool and May was too busy for me. :/
Are you?
I too am hoping to get out to see a Zonata before it gets too warm. It's definitely warming quite quickly, which stinks. April was too cool and May was too busy for me. :/
Re: My 2017 so far...
I am on T4R but I don't post a ton up there. I suppose I could do a thread about my rig at some point though...Still BT wrote:With a rig like that, you better be on T4R too!
Are you?
I too am hoping to get out to see a Zonata before it gets too warm. It's definitely warming quite quickly, which stinks. April was too cool and May was too busy for me. :/
Here's a quick pic from this past weekend's trip in Northwestern NV.
I'm hoping to go out for zonata one last time this weekend and see if I can get lucky...
Bart