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