Arizona in August/september - tips?

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CamStatic
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Joined: December 5th, 2013, 3:14 pm
Location: Norway

Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by CamStatic »

Hello,
My hubby and I are planning a 2 weeks herping-trip to Arizona this year, and since we don't have that much experience in finding critters outside of Norway I thought I could ask here if there are any particular things that we as foreigners should be aware of.

We are trying to go in either early August or in September, and since I'm also a sucker for some nice T-storms it would be cool to hit two birds with one stone. But how do reptiles/local animals in general and T-storms go together? Are there less animals out and about when there are rainstorms? For the experienced Arizona-herpers, which of the two months would you rather have gone?

Also, are there any areas that we really ought to see, even if it's just for scenery purposes or general wildlife? I understand you can't give out exact locations for where to find reptiles, but a point in the right direction would be very helpful. I'm interested in photographing all sorts of wildlife like birds and mammals as well, so anything is of interest. :)

Thanks for any help you might have!


- Camilla
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ThamnElegans24
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Joined: November 23rd, 2010, 6:44 pm
Location: Mesa, Arizona

Re: Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by ThamnElegans24 »

Either month is great for field herping here in Arizona. They also tend to be pretty good for seeing some cool birds, insects, and mammals too. I personally prefer September because it's baby reptile season. But if you are looking to see some thunderstorms, than August is probably your best bet.

As far as must see areas go, I would have to say, from a tourists point of view, Sedona is a good place to start. Although the Grand Canyon is probably the biggest must see attraction Arizona has to offer. And if you hit it during a thunderstorm, you might not ever want to leave.

In my experience out of town herpers usually have a list of target species they want to see. If there are specific animals you are looking for then just ask. Yes you will likely catch a little flak, but you might also just get the help you need to see what you are coming here to see.
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ratsnakehaven
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Joined: June 8th, 2010, 9:08 am
Location: Southern Arizona

Re: Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by ratsnakehaven »

You should come to Southern AZ too. Will you fly into Phoenix or Tucson? I live south of Tucson near the Santa Rita Mtns and would like to meet Norwegians, and my wife would too, as she is of Norwegian decent.

August would give you the better chance of rain storms. It also would be the better month for amphibians. You should visit the major ecosystems, like different desert habitat, montane ecosystems, Plains ecosystems, etc. You could also give us the exact dates you will be here, mainly because field herpers are usually very busy in August. NAFHA also has their annual field herping meeting near the end of August out of Rodeo, NM.

Terry :beer:
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CamStatic
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Re: Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by CamStatic »

Hi again!
Because of work we decided to go 1st september and stay for two weeks. I wanted to go the last two weeks in august, but because of work it wasn't possible to make that happen.
We're not sure yet if we're flying into phoenix or tuscon, it depends a little on where we want to go first I guess. Any recommendations? Does it really matter which airport we arrive at?

We're either travelling with a buddy from Texas who knows AZ well as far as herping goes or we will be travelling alone together with a friend from Denmark.

Santa Rita Mountains is where they've spotted jaugars before, right? :) I guess the possibilities for seeing a jaguar is fairly slim, but just having the possibilities is exciting enough. I still haven't quite mapped out where we want to go, but we're absolutely going to grand canyon/Antelope canyon, and then the rest of our time will be spent in southern parts of AZ and California.

I would love to meet up with locals, so once our ticket is booked and stuff is falling more into place, I will post it here! But 1st of september is more or less set dates. :)
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ratsnakehaven
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Location: Southern Arizona

Re: Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by ratsnakehaven »

If you're going to see Grand Canyon and Northern AZ first, then fly into Phoenix. Contact us if you're in Southern AZ, around Tucson, or south... ;)

Terry Cox/
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CamStatic
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Re: Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by CamStatic »

Our trip is finally booked, flying to Phoenix 1st of September and will probably spend the first few days up in Grand Canyon and Monument valley. After that, we'll be going south for herping adventures. :)
Crotalusherper
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Joined: September 12th, 2011, 2:16 pm
Location: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Re: Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by Crotalusherper »

CamStatic,
Have a good time on your trip to AZ. Watch your step! I'm sure you already know, but, make sure to bring (or buy when you arrive) a full brim hat, chap stick ect. And its a good idea to keep a case or two of the 1 pint watter bottles in your rental car. I'm not sure if you have been to the SW US before but it is consideretly dryer here than the northern latitudes. And it effects your entire body if your even a little dehydrated.
Take lots of pics!!!
Crotalusherper
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CamStatic
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Re: Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by CamStatic »

Thanks!
I've never been in a dry heat-climate before, so this is a first. Gonna stack up on salty crackers and beverages! I think we all are getting cowboy-hats as well, just because we're tourists and we're allowed to be a little goofy and weird. :D
Leaving in a week, the upcoming days can't pass fast enough!!
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dwarfboakeeper
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Re: Arizona in August/september - tips?

Post by dwarfboakeeper »

Don't forget your non resident combo hunting/ fishing license. It's expensive but it's part of the experience.
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