Hello all, after the merging of the forums I have not posted much on here. So in case you don’t know me, my name is Nicholas Hess and I’m fifteen and from Los Angeles.
Anyways, I finally finished editing, organizing, and uploading all my photographs from 2017. Last year was by far the most productive herping year for me so far. I entered 118 species into the H.E.R.P. Database, 89 of them from California, the others from a trip I took to Oregon and Arizona. These are my top 100 species because a few species I only saw as DOR, only got terrible shots, or were lame invasive species that aren’t as meaningful to me. Also 100 is a nice round number compared to 118. There is no rhyme or reason to the way I organized this post. It is roughly taxonomical and within that is ordered from least favorite specimen/find/photograph to my favorites. It’s impossible for me to pick out absolute favorites so it’s only roughly linear. For some I added back story some I didn’t, depending on how interesting it was.
2017 was relatively rainy compared to past years in California’s infamous drought. I took a lot of local day trips and a couple overnight trips with Jeremy Wright who was a pleasure to herp with. I got a lot of lifers this year, far more than in past years.
Here’s a brief chronological summary of 2017 by month: January was filled with a lot of amphibian life in socal. February was the month of Rosy Boas and Cal Kings. March produced some of my best herp in habitat shots. April was filled with Mountain Kings. May and June were very productive in the desert, lots of fun road cruising. July sucked herping wise except for a sea turtle. August was amazing, I went to Oregon with my Mom to catch the total eclipse and went herping with Dr. Richard Hoyer, and then herped Southern Arizona with my dad. September herping was virtually nonexistent. October consisted of one trip to the Mojave and a lot of freediving. November was basically October without any herping at all. December was very exciting with some local southern salamander magic and a trip to Northern California with my dad where we met with Zach Lim in Santa Cruz and Chad Lane in Mendocino County and found a ton of salamanders.
Aside from herping, I did a lot of freediving/underwater photography, tried to do more landscape photography, and had some pretty majestic experiences with mammals. In the summer-winter I made a lot of improvement on my underwater photography skills. The kelp forests off socal prove to be home to a plethora of bizarre and fascinating inhabitants. I’ve only scratched the surface of what I can possibly find. Despite the fact that this is a herping forum, I will display some of my nonherp photography in this post. I wasn’t able to figure out a convenient/organized way to include these shots in this post so it’s gonna be quite random. Enough jibber jabber, let’s get to the photos now.
Invasives
I found several invasive species in urban and natural settings. I’ve only included a couple of the cooler ones in this post though.
Species #1: Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Lithobates berlandieri)
I found several of these cool looking frogs while searching for my lifer Checkered Garter (Which I still haven’t seen) near the Salton Sea in Riverside County.
Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Lithobates berlandieri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #2: Asian Flat-Tailed House Gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus)
Not the most spectacular shot but it was a H.E.R.P. county record.
Asian Flat-tailed House Gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #3: Moorish Wall Gecko (Tarentola mauratinica)
I personally discovered a population of these geckos in Los Angeles County in 2016 but wasn’t able to get any good shots. Despite them being an invasive species I enjoyed photographing them a lot.
Moorish Wall Gecko (Tarentola mauratinica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Moorish Wall Gecko (Tarentola mauratinica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Moorish Wall Gecko (Tarentola mauratinica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Lizards
Species #4: Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)
Saw some of these guys in AZ and didn’t spend any time at all trying to photograph them.
Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #5: Western Long-tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus graciosus)
I’m always very happy when I manage to spot these highly camouflaged lizards amongst the branches of a bush.
Western Long-tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus graciosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #6: Common Side-Blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans)
These guys are usually the most commonly seen lizard in my area.
Common Side-Blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Common Sideblotch Lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #7: Great Basin Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis longipes)
This is one of my favorite “fence” lizard shots. And yes, it is in situ.
Great Basin Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis longipes) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #8 Southern Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus vandenburgianus)
Southern Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus vandenburgianus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #9: Granite Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus orcutti)
These lizards are a common sight, but some can be extremely colorful.
Granite Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Granite Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #10: Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis)
Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #11: Purple-backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister magister)
Purple-backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister magister) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #12: Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus jarrovii)
They may be really common where they live, but I love them!
Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus jarrovii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus jarrovii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #13: San Diego Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii)
San Diego Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
I tried something different on this shot.
Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #14: Northwestern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea principis) LIFER!
Found my lifer principis up in Orgegon.
Northwestern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea principis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #15: Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) LIFER!
I love the distinctive banding on these alligator lizards.
Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #16: Sonoran Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis sonorae)
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis sonorae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #17: Tiger Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris)
Coastal Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegri)
Coastal Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Great Basin Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris tigris)
Watching this Kestrel eat a whiptail was very cool. Especially since they are one of my favorite bird species.
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) eating a Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #18: Belding's Orange-throated Whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra beldingi)
Evidently I didn’t get very good shots of these speedy lizards.
Belding's Orange-throated Whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra beldingi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species 19: Skilton's Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus skiltonianus)
This individual was a stunner.
Skilton's Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus skiltonianus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Skilton's Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus skiltonianus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #20: Red-Tailed Skink (Plestiodon gilberti rubicaudatus)
Red-Tailed Skink (Plestiodon gilberti rubicaudatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #21: Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus)
I actually found three different ssp.
Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus)
Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Banded Gecko (Coleonyx abbotti)
San Diego Banded Gecko (Coleonyx abbotti) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbotti) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Tucson Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus bogerti) LIFER!
Tucson Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus bogerti) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #22: Western Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides rhodostictus)
Western Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides rhodostictus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
I love the way they swing their tails around.
Western Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides rhodostictus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #23: Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis)
Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #24: Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater)
Here are two chuckwallas of different color variants. The first from Joshua Tree, the second from Palm Springs.
Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #25: Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalis)
Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #26: Southern California Legless Lizard (Aniella stebbinsi)
I seldom see these guys, but when I do I always see them in huge numbers.
Southern California Legless Lizard (Aniella stebbinsi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern California Legless Lizard (Aniella stebbinsi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #27: Banded Rock Lizard (Petrosaurus mearnsi)
Banded Rock Lizard (Petrosaurus mearnsi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #28: Granite Night Lizard (Xantusia henshawii)
Granite Night Lizard (Xantusia henshawii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbotti) and Granite Night Lizard (Xantusia henshawii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #29: Southern Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos calidiarum)
Southern Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos calidiarum) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos calidiarum) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #30: Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)
I saw a few of these guys in Sothern Arizona but all of them were tiny.
Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #31: Great Basin Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores)
Great Basin Collared Zard (Crotaphytus bicintores) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
I found this individual at a known population on the coastal slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Great Basin Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #32: Longnose Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)
Male vs. Female
Longnose Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Longnose Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #33: Peninsula Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus nocticolus nocticolus)
Peninsula Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus nocticolus nocticolus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #34: Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma inornata)
Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma inornata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #35: Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainville)
Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainville) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #36: Colorado Desert Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma notata) LIFER!
Not the greatest shot or find but it was still a lifer for me.
Colorado Desert Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma notata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #37: Sandstone Night Lizard (Xantusia gracilis) LIFER!
One very successful herping trip with Jeff Nordland, Chris Patnaude, Nathan Smith, Jeremy Wright, and Dave Zeldin, produced my top three lizards of the year. Thanks a ton to Jeff for organizing such a fun outing! It was a long trek into the canyon where these night zards dwell but once we reached the canyon bottom, we were instantly rewarded when Jeff spotted this beauty hanging on a wall.
Sandstone Night Lizard (Xantusia gracilis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Sandstone Night Lizard (Xantusia gracilis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #38: Switak’s Banded Gecko (Coleonyx switaki) LIFER!
It didn’t take long to find one of these unique geckoes with five different cars driving the same stretch of road. Dave was the lucky one to spot this bugger and share his find with everyone else. Awesome find Dave!
Penninsular Banded Gecko (Coleonyx switaki) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #39: Flat-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcalli)
On the same trip, before it got dark, I saw this horned lizard sitting in a bush from the car within just a minute or two of searching. I couldn’t believe I had spotted one so quickly and from a moving vehicle. This was the first of three seen.
Flat-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcalli) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Of course while herping, you often see other wildlife as well. Here are some of my favorite nonherp encounters/photographs I took while herping 2017.
Red Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Tarantula (Aphonopelma sp.) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
They may be common elsewhere, but this was the first time I ever got decent shots of a bald eagle.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
I know in certain desert canyons in San Diego County these guys are very approachable and common. But I was still excited to see them as they weren’t found in that canyon and I hadn’t seen any close up for some time.
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Somehow in all my years of herping and hiking in prime bear habitat, I had never seen a wild bear until this August in Arizona. I didn’t get the greatest shots but I was very excited.
American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
My favorite wildlife encounter of the year is most certainly the time I photographed a mother bobcat and her kittens. As I was looking for boas in a large outcrop, out of the corner of my eye I saw an adult bobcat perched high on a rock. I slowly approached and when I was about 20 ft away, I photographed it for well over five minutes. I called Jeremy over for him to get some shots. After the bobcat left the cave, Jeremy spotted two kittens in a crack in the outcrop. We got some quick shots and left the premises soon after, as to not disturb them.
Bobcat (Lynx rufous) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Bobcat (Lynx rufous) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Bobcat (Lynx rufous) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Bobcat (Lynx rufous) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Bobcat Kitten (Lynx rufous) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Anurans
Species #40: Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor)
Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #41: California Treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina)
California Treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #42: California Toads (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus)
California Toads (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #43: Baja California Treefrog (Pseudacris hypocondriaca)
Baja California Treefrog (Pseudacris hypocondriaca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Baja Treefrog (Pseudacris hypochondriaca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #44: Northern Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) LIFER!
Northern Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #45: Woodhouse’s or Great Plains Toad? PLEASE VERIFY!!! Either way LIFER!
Found in Cochise County.
Toad ID Please! by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Toad ID Please! by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Toad ID Please! by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #46: Red-Spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus)
Red-Spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Red-Spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Red-Spotted Toad (Anaxyrus puctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #47: Sonoran Desert Toad (Ollotis alvaria)
Sonoran Desert Toad (Ollotis alvaria) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #48: Lowland Leopard Frog (Lithobates yavapaiensis) LIFER!
Lowland Leopard Frog (Lithobates yavapaiensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Lowland Leopard Frog (Lithobates yavapaiensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #49: Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) LIFER!
Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #50: California Red-Legged Frog (Rana draytonii)
One of three found in Los Angeles County.
California Red-Legged Frog (Rana draytonii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #51: Southern Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana muscosa)
Southern Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana muscosa) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #52: Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii)
I can never get enough of spadefoots incredible eyes!
Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #53: Arroyo Toad (Anaxyrus californicus) LIFER!
My lifer Arroyo Toads were actually little tadpoles that I wasn’t sure about the ID. After the tadpoles were verified as arroyos by Sam Sweet, we returned and found adults. Not only were they lifers for me, but they were found at a locale where there population status was previously unknown.
Arroyo Toad (Anaxyrus californicus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
In this shot you can see how the toad had dug himself into the sand.
Arroyo Toad (Anaxyrus californicus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Turtles
Species #54: Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata)
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #55: Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Although I could barely make out my fingertips in the murky water, watching this sea turtle off San Diego was a very special moment for me. In case you didn’t know, there is a tiny population of turtles off California living in shallow water. This was likely the only turtle within a 30 mile radius so needless to say I got extremely lucky.
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Since we’re on the subject of marine life here are some of my favorite underwater photographs from 2017:
Pacific Angel Shark (Squatina californica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Moray Eel (Gymnothorax mordax) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Two-Spot Octopus (Octopus bimaculoides) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spanish Shawl (Flabellina iodnea) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Moderator: Scott Waters
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Salamanders
Species #56: Black Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris)
Black Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Black Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Black-Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #57: Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major)
These guys are godzilla slenders compared to tiny black-bellies.
Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #58: California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus)
California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus) and Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #59: Coast Range Newt (Taricha torosa torosa)
Coast Range Newt (Taricha torosa torosa) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
I used my underwater camera for this one.
California Newt (Taricha torosa) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #60: Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris)
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
fullsizeoutput_393e by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #61: Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii)
Yellow-Eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica)
Yellow-Eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii)
I used to have a hard time finding Ensatina in socal but this year I found a ton!
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschcholtzii eschcholtzii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) LIFER!
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberii) LIFER!
Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #62: San Gabriel Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli)
I was very pleased after finding 9 of these under studied salamanders. I found them at a spot I had scouted on my own and I was not sure if they lived there or not, but the habitat looked good so my dad and I decided to give it a shot. After evaluating the habitat we quickly figured out where their favored microhabitats were and found 9 in a short amount of time.
San Gabriel Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Gabriel Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #63: Red-Bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis)
Red-Bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Red-Bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Red-Bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #64: Wandering Salamander (Aneides vagrans) LIFER!
Wandering Salamander (Aneides vagrans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Wandering Salamander (Aneides vagrans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Wandering Salamander (Aneides vagrans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #65: Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus)
Santa Cruz Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus niger)
Santa Cruz Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus niger) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Santa Cruz Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus niger) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) LIFER!
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #66: Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) LIFER!
Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #67: Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) LIFER!
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #68: Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) LIFER!
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile)) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
That’s all salamander wise. Here are some fun spot and identifies you can try. Reply if you think you get it. Most are pretty easy.
Spot and Identify #1 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #2 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #3 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #4 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #5 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #6 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #7 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Snakes
Species #69: Colorado Desert Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis annulata)
Colorado Desert Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis annulata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #70: Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)
Mojave Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans candida)
Mojave Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans candida) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
This one is interesting looking, could be a slight intergrade with California Glossy as it was found near the hills in the coastal/desert transition zone.
Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans eburnata)
Desert Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans eburnata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #71: Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus)
Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #72: Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola)
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #73: Red Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum piceus)
Sadly this was the only live coachwhip I saw this year.
Red Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum piceus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #74: California Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis lateralis)
California Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis lateralis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Chapparal Whipsnake (Coluber lateralis lateralis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis lateralis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Striped Racer (Coluber lateralis lateralis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #75: Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)
San Diego Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer annectens)
San Diego Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer annectens) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Pacific Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer)
Pacific Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Pacific Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Sonoran Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis)
Sonoran Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Scenery by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #76: Western Rattlesnake
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri)
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus organus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus organus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus)
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #77: Two-Striped Gartersnake (Thamnophis hammondii)
Two-Striped Gartersnake (Thamnophis hammondii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Two-striped Gartersnake (Thamnophis hammondii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Two-Striped Gartersnake by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #78: Colorado Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens)
Colorado Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Colorado Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #79: Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
San Bernardino Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus)
San Bernardino Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus similis)
San Diego Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus similis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus similis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis)
Northwestern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #80: San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi)
San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #81: Western Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis)
Western Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #82: Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #83: Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus)
Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #84: Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus)
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #85: Western Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei)
I have a soft spot for Long-Nosed Snakes, probably because I don’t see very many. This one was found at 8:30, early in the night, with Jeremy, after this snake we saw nothing but DOR’s for the rest of the night! I don’t regret it though because this was the only rhino for the year.
Western Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #86: Northwestern Gartersnake (Thamnophis ordinoides) LIFER!
Northwestern Gartersnake (Thamnophis ordinoides) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Gartersnake (Thamnophis ordinoides) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #87: Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)
In February and March I became quite good at finding these sought after boas under rocks. I found 13 boas total which is more than I found in all my previous herping years combined so I am pretty content on how that went!
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
P2110803 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
This individual is still the prettiest rosy I’ve ever seen, aside from the desert rosy and one I found in Los Angeles County last year.
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
This was an exciting moment! My dad and I were in classic rocky habitat looking for specks. Despite flipping conditions being dry, I couldn’t resist flipping a perfect slab that was calling me. There ended up being a wee ruber under it. Although I was Happy I had flipped a snake, it wasn’t the crote I was hoping for. After stepping away for a moment to call my dad over, I returned to see a large rosy stretched at the base of the outcrop. Still not the snake I was hoping for, but it’s always fun to find two snakes at once.
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) and Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca)) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
After a long day of flipping with no yield, My dad, Jonathan Mills-Anderson and myself decided to call it a day. On the last outcrop detached from the main hillsides we had searched I flipped a couple rocks as the sun was setting. Our spirits greatly lifted when I pulled out this large rosy from the rocks with only seconds before the sun would drop below the horizon.
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca)) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca)) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
After that day of flipping, it was dry from then on. That didn’t stop us though cause it was off to the desert for me and Jeremy where we struck gold on two different occasions.
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Aside from the 10+ other snakes we found this night, these boas were the icing on the cake. Believe it or not, all three of these snakes were found within fifty feet of each other! After taking quick shots of the first, I walked down the road to release it and spotted another on the road, seconds later Jeremy found a third! All at one stop.
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) LIFER!
After a very unsuccessful night of cruising with only dor’s, with Jeremy, we were very pleased to say the least when I spotted this guy on the side of the road.
Desert Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #88: Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana)
I flipped this little beauty during our first day in Southern Arizona.
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #89: Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) LIFER!
The population of mountain garters in the San Bernardino Mtns. always fascinated me. Finally my dad and I decided to make an expedition after them.
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #90: Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon)
I’ll never forget the time Dr. Richard Hoyer grabbed a stunning blue Yellow-bellied Racer in a blink of an eye. Before I could even register what was under the board, Richard had a massive and striking blue snake in his hand and a smile on his face. I had no idea they were so large and blue there which made the experience all the more exciting.
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #91: Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)
On that same day with Richard, we found more than just the racer. Before heading out we both knew our chances of seeing anything at all were very low as it was August and it hadn’t rained recently. I would have been happy with just a north western but somehow we got extremely lucky and found three boas.
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Fast forward a couple months and I was back in rubber boa territory, this time in the Santa Cruz Mountains, in the middle of December of all months, with my dad and Zach Lim. Again I didn’t have my hopes very high and in some strange because it was a dry Dece, miraculous way within five minutes of getting out of the car, Zach had already found a boa under some trash.
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #92: Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica)
On a fun outing with my friend Xander, Kyle, Jeremy, My dad and Carl Gerhardt in the San Bernardino Mountains, my dad flipped all of our lifer southern rubber boa.
Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
While photographing the rubber, Kyle flipped our other target for the day…
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) and Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #93: Baja California Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes)
On the same night with the three rosy boas, Jeremy and I cruised this sub adult lyre snake. This was only the second lyre I’ve ever seen aside from one in a crack.
Baja California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Baja California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Baja California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #94: Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus)
Specks were high on my list for 2017. I had struck out on them the year before badly. I actually found a good number of them.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
The next two snakes were found in the same desert outcrop together. When I saw the first snake, it buzzed me and retreated into a crack. I was very frustrated as this was the first for the year for me. After a lot of waiting and coaxing, I eventually persuaded the snake to come out of the crack. However I was a bit disappointed when I saw it because I remembered it as a larger snake with deeper colors. I didn’t think much of it though. While photographing the speck, suddenly we heard a rattle go off from the same crack as before. This time the snake was exiting the crack and it was then that I realized this was the first snake that buzzed me. Photographing these two beautiful snakes was one of my favorite moments of the year.
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #95: Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber)
Ruber are often an underappreciated species. Some individuals I’d call the most impressive snakes of California. Unfortunately I didn’t take the time to photograph many, but the one that I did produced my favorite snake shot so far.
Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
In-situ Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) in situ by NicholasHess, on Flickr
This is likely my best shot from the year. My goal was to find a nice ruber and photograph it in the wildflowers. Credit to my friend Xander for the idea to place the lens on a rock and trigger the shutter button with the snake hook. So don't worry I didn't actually get my fingers that close!
Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #96: Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) LIFER!
Klaub’s were #1 on my list when we went to AZ. Conditions weren’t perfect but we still managed four in a couple of days which I was content with. The first was the largest and prettiest.
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Here you can see an original and a severely edited version of the same shot. For the record I don’t make edits like this with intent to mislead viewers. I will always tell if my shot portrays an image that does not match what I saw in nature.
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake Edit by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
The second and third were much smaller.
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
The last was not as large or as pretty as the first, but gave me my favorite in situ shot!
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #97: California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)
I found a fair number of cal kings considering I don’t live near any grassland habitats where you can flip them all the time. The first of the year I found with Xander, Jeremy, and my dad in San Diego Co. We first found a small banded and then Jeremy flipped our lifer striper (which did not want to pose well).
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Ball python by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
I found this one on the crawl in grassland habitat.
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
On the same day I photographed the ruber in the wild flowers I walked up on this young king crawling amongst the rocks. Later in the day I flipped another under AC.
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) in situ by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #98: Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepsis virgultea)
One of the rarest and most unpredictable snakes in California is the Patch-nosed Snake. I had only seen DOR’s or a fleeting glimpse in recent years so this encounter felt very deserved. It was extra cool because earlier that day I walked a zonata.
Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepsis virgultea) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepsis virgultea) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepsis virgultea) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #99: Red-Spotted Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus)
My #1 goal in Oregon was to find a Red Spotted Garter Snake. With the help of Richard Hoyer, this became possible. I have always been a huge fan of garter snakes. Needless to say I was ecstatic to see such a colorful snake. I only got one good shot of it but it’s one of my favorite and most memorable from the year. Thank you so much Richard for showing me around and being so patient while I photographed everything!!!
Red-Spotted Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Before the final species, I want to post some landscape shots. I have a lot to learn in this area of photography. They aren’t the greatest but there’s some nice habitat and memories held in these shots.
Cloudy Riverside Sunset by NicholasHess, on Flickr
When the hills look like this you know it’s gonna be a good year!
Socal Spring Hills by NicholasHess, on Flickr
LA Co. Desert by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Mountains by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Clemente Island by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Wilson River, Oregon by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Sky Islands by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Monsoons by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Scenery by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Francisco at Night by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Sunset by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Totality by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #100: San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra)
Perhaps it is a bit cliche, but I find it very difficult to think of a more beautiful snake than The red black and white Mountain King. I found two in the same canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains on different dates as well as two seen the same day we flipped the southern rubber in the San Bernardino Mountains.
This one was a young one I walked on a warm May day in a riparian canyon. When I first spotted it I only saw a small dark colored snake quickly slithering away from me. The flicker effect really messed with me and I wasn’t sure what I was looking at at first.
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
After Kyle had flipped the first zonata, I was hungry for my own. I did find one but not you hope… Luckily though I had gotten good shots of the first from that day.
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
And finally the best for last!
My favorite find of the year must be the first zonata I found in 2017. It was the first, it was the biggest, it was the reddest and the best. I thought the conditions were perfect. It was nice and warm, the lizards were active and I could just smell the snakes. Around every corner, on every rock wall behind every tree trunk, I was expecting to see a live candy cane maneuvering along the forest floor. After awhile my intensive day dreaming payed off and stretched across the trail, eight feet ahead of me was the most perfect sight every herper dreams about.
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Well that’s a wrap guys! Thanks so much for making it this far and taking time to enjoy my post. I am incredibly thankful to have gotten to know Jeremy Wright so well and rejoice in so many amazing encounters. I’m also glad I got to meet up with Zach Lim and Chad Lane in the Bay Area and North, thanks guys! Spending two days in the field with Dr. Richard Hoyer was an experience I’ll never forget. Hoyer is a wealth of knowledge and I learned so much from him and thoroughly enjoyed hearing all his stories as the pioneer of the use of artificial cover flipping and his studies on rubber boas. Thank you so much once again, Richard. I am incredibly thankful to have spent so much time over the last eight years with my father traveling to so many different places and spending countless hours together doing what we love.
If 2018 is half as good as 2017, I wouldn’t be able to complain. That being said… I have so many ideas on how to improve my photography, and there are still many species I have yet to find. Panamint rattlesnakes, blind snakes, checkered garter snakes, sierra nevada ensatina, mojave fringe toed lizard, great basin rattlesnakes, san joaquin coachwhip, cope’s leopard lizard, baja coachwhip, valley garter snakes, wandering garter snakes, the list keeps going, all would be lifers. There is still so much to do! I also have begun to take a more artistic and abstract approach to my photography. I plan on taking photos in ways I’ve never done before. Freshwater underwater photography could open a lot of photographic opportunities. My goal is to fill 2018 with exploration and new techniques and styles, and see where that takes me. If you're interested in purchasing prints of my photographs, now you can! Head to my website: http://www.nicholashessphotography.com/ and see if you like anything! Lots of herp and nonherp photography there. Check it out
Ok 2018, what do you have in store for me this year?
Over and out,
Nicholas
Species #56: Black Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris)
Black Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Black Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Black-Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #57: Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major)
These guys are godzilla slenders compared to tiny black-bellies.
Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #58: California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus)
California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus) and Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #59: Coast Range Newt (Taricha torosa torosa)
Coast Range Newt (Taricha torosa torosa) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
I used my underwater camera for this one.
California Newt (Taricha torosa) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #60: Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris)
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
fullsizeoutput_393e by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #61: Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii)
Yellow-Eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica)
Yellow-Eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii)
I used to have a hard time finding Ensatina in socal but this year I found a ton!
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschcholtzii eschcholtzii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) LIFER!
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Oregon Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberii) LIFER!
Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #62: San Gabriel Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli)
I was very pleased after finding 9 of these under studied salamanders. I found them at a spot I had scouted on my own and I was not sure if they lived there or not, but the habitat looked good so my dad and I decided to give it a shot. After evaluating the habitat we quickly figured out where their favored microhabitats were and found 9 in a short amount of time.
San Gabriel Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Gabriel Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #63: Red-Bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis)
Red-Bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Red-Bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Red-Bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #64: Wandering Salamander (Aneides vagrans) LIFER!
Wandering Salamander (Aneides vagrans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Wandering Salamander (Aneides vagrans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Wandering Salamander (Aneides vagrans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #65: Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus)
Santa Cruz Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus niger)
Santa Cruz Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus niger) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Santa Cruz Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus niger) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) LIFER!
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Speckled Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #66: Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) LIFER!
Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #67: Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) LIFER!
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #68: Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) LIFER!
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile)) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
That’s all salamander wise. Here are some fun spot and identifies you can try. Reply if you think you get it. Most are pretty easy.
Spot and Identify #1 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #2 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #3 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #4 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #5 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #6 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spot and Identify #7 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Snakes
Species #69: Colorado Desert Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis annulata)
Colorado Desert Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis annulata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #70: Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)
Mojave Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans candida)
Mojave Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans candida) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
This one is interesting looking, could be a slight intergrade with California Glossy as it was found near the hills in the coastal/desert transition zone.
Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans eburnata)
Desert Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans eburnata) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #71: Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus)
Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #72: Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola)
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #73: Red Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum piceus)
Sadly this was the only live coachwhip I saw this year.
Red Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum piceus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #74: California Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis lateralis)
California Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis lateralis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Chapparal Whipsnake (Coluber lateralis lateralis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis lateralis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Striped Racer (Coluber lateralis lateralis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #75: Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)
San Diego Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer annectens)
San Diego Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer annectens) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Pacific Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer)
Pacific Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Pacific Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Sonoran Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis)
Sonoran Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Scenery by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #76: Western Rattlesnake
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri)
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus organus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus organus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus)
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #77: Two-Striped Gartersnake (Thamnophis hammondii)
Two-Striped Gartersnake (Thamnophis hammondii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Two-striped Gartersnake (Thamnophis hammondii) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Two-Striped Gartersnake by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #78: Colorado Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens)
Colorado Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Colorado Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #79: Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
San Bernardino Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus)
San Bernardino Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus similis)
San Diego Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus similis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Ringnecked Snake (Diadophis punctatus similis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis)
Northwestern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #80: San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi)
San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Diego Nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #81: Western Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis)
Western Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #82: Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #83: Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus)
Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #84: Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus)
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #85: Western Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei)
I have a soft spot for Long-Nosed Snakes, probably because I don’t see very many. This one was found at 8:30, early in the night, with Jeremy, after this snake we saw nothing but DOR’s for the rest of the night! I don’t regret it though because this was the only rhino for the year.
Western Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Western Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #86: Northwestern Gartersnake (Thamnophis ordinoides) LIFER!
Northwestern Gartersnake (Thamnophis ordinoides) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northwestern Gartersnake (Thamnophis ordinoides) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #87: Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)
In February and March I became quite good at finding these sought after boas under rocks. I found 13 boas total which is more than I found in all my previous herping years combined so I am pretty content on how that went!
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
P2110803 by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
This individual is still the prettiest rosy I’ve ever seen, aside from the desert rosy and one I found in Los Angeles County last year.
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
This was an exciting moment! My dad and I were in classic rocky habitat looking for specks. Despite flipping conditions being dry, I couldn’t resist flipping a perfect slab that was calling me. There ended up being a wee ruber under it. Although I was Happy I had flipped a snake, it wasn’t the crote I was hoping for. After stepping away for a moment to call my dad over, I returned to see a large rosy stretched at the base of the outcrop. Still not the snake I was hoping for, but it’s always fun to find two snakes at once.
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) and Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca)) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
After a long day of flipping with no yield, My dad, Jonathan Mills-Anderson and myself decided to call it a day. On the last outcrop detached from the main hillsides we had searched I flipped a couple rocks as the sun was setting. Our spirits greatly lifted when I pulled out this large rosy from the rocks with only seconds before the sun would drop below the horizon.
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca)) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca)) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
After that day of flipping, it was dry from then on. That didn’t stop us though cause it was off to the desert for me and Jeremy where we struck gold on two different occasions.
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Aside from the 10+ other snakes we found this night, these boas were the icing on the cake. Believe it or not, all three of these snakes were found within fifty feet of each other! After taking quick shots of the first, I walked down the road to release it and spotted another on the road, seconds later Jeremy found a third! All at one stop.
Coastal Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) LIFER!
After a very unsuccessful night of cruising with only dor’s, with Jeremy, we were very pleased to say the least when I spotted this guy on the side of the road.
Desert Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #88: Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana)
I flipped this little beauty during our first day in Southern Arizona.
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #89: Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) LIFER!
The population of mountain garters in the San Bernardino Mtns. always fascinated me. Finally my dad and I decided to make an expedition after them.
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Mountain Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #90: Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon)
I’ll never forget the time Dr. Richard Hoyer grabbed a stunning blue Yellow-bellied Racer in a blink of an eye. Before I could even register what was under the board, Richard had a massive and striking blue snake in his hand and a smile on his face. I had no idea they were so large and blue there which made the experience all the more exciting.
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Blue-Phase Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #91: Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)
On that same day with Richard, we found more than just the racer. Before heading out we both knew our chances of seeing anything at all were very low as it was August and it hadn’t rained recently. I would have been happy with just a north western but somehow we got extremely lucky and found three boas.
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Fast forward a couple months and I was back in rubber boa territory, this time in the Santa Cruz Mountains, in the middle of December of all months, with my dad and Zach Lim. Again I didn’t have my hopes very high and in some strange because it was a dry Dece, miraculous way within five minutes of getting out of the car, Zach had already found a boa under some trash.
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #92: Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica)
On a fun outing with my friend Xander, Kyle, Jeremy, My dad and Carl Gerhardt in the San Bernardino Mountains, my dad flipped all of our lifer southern rubber boa.
Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
While photographing the rubber, Kyle flipped our other target for the day…
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) and Southern Rubber Boa (Charina umbratica) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #93: Baja California Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes)
On the same night with the three rosy boas, Jeremy and I cruised this sub adult lyre snake. This was only the second lyre I’ve ever seen aside from one in a crack.
Baja California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Baja California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Baja California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #94: Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus)
Specks were high on my list for 2017. I had struck out on them the year before badly. I actually found a good number of them.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
The next two snakes were found in the same desert outcrop together. When I saw the first snake, it buzzed me and retreated into a crack. I was very frustrated as this was the first for the year for me. After a lot of waiting and coaxing, I eventually persuaded the snake to come out of the crack. However I was a bit disappointed when I saw it because I remembered it as a larger snake with deeper colors. I didn’t think much of it though. While photographing the speck, suddenly we heard a rattle go off from the same crack as before. This time the snake was exiting the crack and it was then that I realized this was the first snake that buzzed me. Photographing these two beautiful snakes was one of my favorite moments of the year.
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
South Western Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #95: Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber)
Ruber are often an underappreciated species. Some individuals I’d call the most impressive snakes of California. Unfortunately I didn’t take the time to photograph many, but the one that I did produced my favorite snake shot so far.
Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
In-situ Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) in situ by NicholasHess, on Flickr
This is likely my best shot from the year. My goal was to find a nice ruber and photograph it in the wildflowers. Credit to my friend Xander for the idea to place the lens on a rock and trigger the shutter button with the snake hook. So don't worry I didn't actually get my fingers that close!
Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #96: Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) LIFER!
Klaub’s were #1 on my list when we went to AZ. Conditions weren’t perfect but we still managed four in a couple of days which I was content with. The first was the largest and prettiest.
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Here you can see an original and a severely edited version of the same shot. For the record I don’t make edits like this with intent to mislead viewers. I will always tell if my shot portrays an image that does not match what I saw in nature.
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake Edit by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
The second and third were much smaller.
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
The last was not as large or as pretty as the first, but gave me my favorite in situ shot!
Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #97: California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)
I found a fair number of cal kings considering I don’t live near any grassland habitats where you can flip them all the time. The first of the year I found with Xander, Jeremy, and my dad in San Diego Co. We first found a small banded and then Jeremy flipped our lifer striper (which did not want to pose well).
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Ball python by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
I found this one on the crawl in grassland habitat.
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
On the same day I photographed the ruber in the wild flowers I walked up on this young king crawling amongst the rocks. Later in the day I flipped another under AC.
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) in situ by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #98: Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepsis virgultea)
One of the rarest and most unpredictable snakes in California is the Patch-nosed Snake. I had only seen DOR’s or a fleeting glimpse in recent years so this encounter felt very deserved. It was extra cool because earlier that day I walked a zonata.
Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepsis virgultea) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepsis virgultea) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepsis virgultea) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #99: Red-Spotted Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus)
My #1 goal in Oregon was to find a Red Spotted Garter Snake. With the help of Richard Hoyer, this became possible. I have always been a huge fan of garter snakes. Needless to say I was ecstatic to see such a colorful snake. I only got one good shot of it but it’s one of my favorite and most memorable from the year. Thank you so much Richard for showing me around and being so patient while I photographed everything!!!
Red-Spotted Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Before the final species, I want to post some landscape shots. I have a lot to learn in this area of photography. They aren’t the greatest but there’s some nice habitat and memories held in these shots.
Cloudy Riverside Sunset by NicholasHess, on Flickr
When the hills look like this you know it’s gonna be a good year!
Socal Spring Hills by NicholasHess, on Flickr
LA Co. Desert by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Mountains by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Clemente Island by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Wilson River, Oregon by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Sky Islands by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Monsoons by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Arizona Scenery by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Francisco at Night by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Desert Sunset by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Totality by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Species #100: San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra)
Perhaps it is a bit cliche, but I find it very difficult to think of a more beautiful snake than The red black and white Mountain King. I found two in the same canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains on different dates as well as two seen the same day we flipped the southern rubber in the San Bernardino Mountains.
This one was a young one I walked on a warm May day in a riparian canyon. When I first spotted it I only saw a small dark colored snake quickly slithering away from me. The flicker effect really messed with me and I wasn’t sure what I was looking at at first.
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
After Kyle had flipped the first zonata, I was hungry for my own. I did find one but not you hope… Luckily though I had gotten good shots of the first from that day.
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
And finally the best for last!
My favorite find of the year must be the first zonata I found in 2017. It was the first, it was the biggest, it was the reddest and the best. I thought the conditions were perfect. It was nice and warm, the lizards were active and I could just smell the snakes. Around every corner, on every rock wall behind every tree trunk, I was expecting to see a live candy cane maneuvering along the forest floor. After awhile my intensive day dreaming payed off and stretched across the trail, eight feet ahead of me was the most perfect sight every herper dreams about.
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra) by NicholasHess, on Flickr
Well that’s a wrap guys! Thanks so much for making it this far and taking time to enjoy my post. I am incredibly thankful to have gotten to know Jeremy Wright so well and rejoice in so many amazing encounters. I’m also glad I got to meet up with Zach Lim and Chad Lane in the Bay Area and North, thanks guys! Spending two days in the field with Dr. Richard Hoyer was an experience I’ll never forget. Hoyer is a wealth of knowledge and I learned so much from him and thoroughly enjoyed hearing all his stories as the pioneer of the use of artificial cover flipping and his studies on rubber boas. Thank you so much once again, Richard. I am incredibly thankful to have spent so much time over the last eight years with my father traveling to so many different places and spending countless hours together doing what we love.
If 2018 is half as good as 2017, I wouldn’t be able to complain. That being said… I have so many ideas on how to improve my photography, and there are still many species I have yet to find. Panamint rattlesnakes, blind snakes, checkered garter snakes, sierra nevada ensatina, mojave fringe toed lizard, great basin rattlesnakes, san joaquin coachwhip, cope’s leopard lizard, baja coachwhip, valley garter snakes, wandering garter snakes, the list keeps going, all would be lifers. There is still so much to do! I also have begun to take a more artistic and abstract approach to my photography. I plan on taking photos in ways I’ve never done before. Freshwater underwater photography could open a lot of photographic opportunities. My goal is to fill 2018 with exploration and new techniques and styles, and see where that takes me. If you're interested in purchasing prints of my photographs, now you can! Head to my website: http://www.nicholashessphotography.com/ and see if you like anything! Lots of herp and nonherp photography there. Check it out
Ok 2018, what do you have in store for me this year?
Over and out,
Nicholas
- herpseeker1978
- Posts: 1139
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 8:05 am
- Location: Albuquerque
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Great post man! I'm taking a trip to Morro Bay this spring, we're hoping to find a lot of what you have!
#16 is actually a Desert Grassland Whiptail Aspidoscelis uniparens
#16 is actually a Desert Grassland Whiptail Aspidoscelis uniparens
- Fieldherper
- Posts: 252
- Joined: June 11th, 2010, 10:46 am
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Awesome! Love these epic CA posts. Great photos.
FH
FH
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Great post, nice to vicariously watch you grow up and enjoy life. It gets even better! Your own car, some time off, and some spending money - man, that all spells freedom.
I like the way you stuck in the little interludes of non-herps, the little where's Waldo thing, landscapes etc in among the runs of numbers.
Speaking of which, your toad #45 is not a cognatus IMO. Paratoids defintely all wrong, cranial crests not really captured in the image. Dorsal pattern also wrong, but that's a weaker diagnostic. (Toads/spades, like turtles, can be buggers to ID. When taking pics it's always a good idea to try and get a good one or two of the crucial diagnostic characters. Those make the best vouchers anyway, if not the best art.)
If you ever want to come up and herp Utah, Nevada, or W Colorado just give a holler, or try it out on your own. There are a few good herpers, and some cool herps up here too. Some of the latter take a little local knowledge to come by them. Failing at herps (and there's always a chance at that!), there are some truly stupendous landscapes. And some unusual outdoor experiences to be had, e.g. squeezing through slot canyons. Same general primetime as your deserts - May/June. A few things e.g. valley garters & boas are more like Feb/Mar. July tends to suck, Aug/Sept can be pretty good. A not-so-distant starting point might be March or April in the SW corner of the state; be sure to hit Zion too, and maybe Snow Canyon State Park, for the landscapes.
cheers
I like the way you stuck in the little interludes of non-herps, the little where's Waldo thing, landscapes etc in among the runs of numbers.
Speaking of which, your toad #45 is not a cognatus IMO. Paratoids defintely all wrong, cranial crests not really captured in the image. Dorsal pattern also wrong, but that's a weaker diagnostic. (Toads/spades, like turtles, can be buggers to ID. When taking pics it's always a good idea to try and get a good one or two of the crucial diagnostic characters. Those make the best vouchers anyway, if not the best art.)
If you ever want to come up and herp Utah, Nevada, or W Colorado just give a holler, or try it out on your own. There are a few good herpers, and some cool herps up here too. Some of the latter take a little local knowledge to come by them. Failing at herps (and there's always a chance at that!), there are some truly stupendous landscapes. And some unusual outdoor experiences to be had, e.g. squeezing through slot canyons. Same general primetime as your deserts - May/June. A few things e.g. valley garters & boas are more like Feb/Mar. July tends to suck, Aug/Sept can be pretty good. A not-so-distant starting point might be March or April in the SW corner of the state; be sure to hit Zion too, and maybe Snow Canyon State Park, for the landscapes.
cheers
- herpseeker1978
- Posts: 1139
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 8:05 am
- Location: Albuquerque
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
I would say Woodhouse on #45, cognatus don't usually have the reddish flecks whereas the younger woodhouse's do
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Great Job on the 100!!!
You guys need to hit NW Australia before the Cane Toads decimate the entire nation's herp populations.
Just wait till you have your own driver's license
You guys need to hit NW Australia before the Cane Toads decimate the entire nation's herp populations.
Just wait till you have your own driver's license
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Cool dude
I particularly super dig that gater beneath the sun rays, spotted toad with the night backdrop (you expanded that idea from the gecko shot and improved the tech-neat), UN-common Chuck, the bobcat shots just amaze me (really beautiful), blue-phase YBR (is that the one helihooks was always talkin bout?), lateralis's, sonoran desert toad head shot, all the aquas, and I gotta know... did the moray chomp down that shrimp?
Also, really cool to see a photographer taking to the water. awesome year Nick
I particularly super dig that gater beneath the sun rays, spotted toad with the night backdrop (you expanded that idea from the gecko shot and improved the tech-neat), UN-common Chuck, the bobcat shots just amaze me (really beautiful), blue-phase YBR (is that the one helihooks was always talkin bout?), lateralis's, sonoran desert toad head shot, all the aquas, and I gotta know... did the moray chomp down that shrimp?
Also, really cool to see a photographer taking to the water. awesome year Nick
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Great pics, great post!
Bobcat kitten is fantastic.
Bobcat kitten is fantastic.
Amazing Achievement!
I can't reply to all forum posts (though I enjoy almost all of them very much), but this one is so special that I must.
Wow!!!
I especially enjoyed seeing the bobcat, and scenery photos.
This was a superlative thing to share with the online Herper community. Thanks!
Wow!!!
I especially enjoyed seeing the bobcat, and scenery photos.
This was a superlative thing to share with the online Herper community. Thanks!
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
That one could very well be a young sonorae, localities would help a lot.herpseeker1978 wrote:Great post man! I'm taking a trip to Morro Bay this spring, we're hoping to find a lot of what you have!
#16 is actually a Desert Grassland Whiptail Aspidoscelis uniparens
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Damn dude, you were on fire last year! hope 2018 is just as good.
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Awesome year. And you’re so young. Legend in the making.
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Amazing finds and photographs!
Glad to see you made the most of the epic conditions we had in 2017.
That 2nd Sidewinder shot really stood out to me, should definitely be published
Glad to see you made the most of the epic conditions we had in 2017.
That 2nd Sidewinder shot really stood out to me, should definitely be published
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Thank you for bumping this! Went back through and gave it even more attention than I did the first time.
You photographed the coast-side collareds! I assume the same population I've mentioned before?
Where did you see bighorn?
Still think that bobcat series is incredible
I think your #45 toad is Woodhouse’s, based on shape of cranial crests and gestalt of the face
Caught you using four different names for Striped Racer. Tricky, tricky.
You photographed the coast-side collareds! I assume the same population I've mentioned before?
Where did you see bighorn?
Still think that bobcat series is incredible
I think your #45 toad is Woodhouse’s, based on shape of cranial crests and gestalt of the face
Caught you using four different names for Striped Racer. Tricky, tricky.
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
you are a photographer, young man.
- Ross Padilla
- Posts: 2666
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 6:29 pm
- Location: I love L.A.
- Contact:
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Wow, you guys are awesome! Great post. One of the best ever. No doubt.
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
Thanks for the kind words everybody! 2017 was incredible no doubt! so far 2018 hasn't provided quite as much diversity, but has already produced some gems. I hope to make a 2018 sofar post soon!
If you enjoy wildlife photography ESPECIALLY HERPS be sure to check out my new website! I'm finally selling prints and haven't sold crap... yet! Take a look and let me know what you think: https://www.nicholashessphotography.com/Galleries
Nicholas
If you enjoy wildlife photography ESPECIALLY HERPS be sure to check out my new website! I'm finally selling prints and haven't sold crap... yet! Take a look and let me know what you think: https://www.nicholashessphotography.com/Galleries
Nicholas
- chris_mcmartin
- Posts: 2447
- Joined: June 9th, 2010, 12:13 am
- Location: Greater Houston TX Area
- Contact:
Re: 100 Species, A 2017 in Review Post
So much win.
Your "severely edited" Rock Rattlesnake pic would look great on a black T-shirt...
Your "severely edited" Rock Rattlesnake pic would look great on a black T-shirt...