Last week western Riverside Co. finally got a good soaking of rain. The areas I hit received between 2.5 & 3". The ground is still very moist and it's finaly starting to turn green out there. It rained in two days what it rained during the entire season before. It's still been pretty cold in the low 60's and breezy. The night time low has been around freezing, which really kills the activity this time of year out there. It's also been too wet under most of the AC I've come across. I've seen very few lizards, but I was lucky enough to find a few snakes.
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena torquata deserticola) In situ
It's nice to see snow back on the local mountains again.
I don't know what it is but I've had my share of luck looking under the back rests of car seats. You can see half of it sticking out below.
Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus helleri) In situ, and the first pair I've found together in December.
I prefer not to photograph against the light, but in this case I had no choice without disturbing them.
There's still quite a few puddles everywhere.
San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus) This was a pretty good find at this site. I first started hunting at this spot in 1998, and since then this has only been the fourth Ring-neck I've found. I've actually found more
Tantilla here then Ring-necks.
One last shot of the mountains.
This place has an endless supply of rocks.
Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) A common rock dweller.
No Kingsnakes, so I had to go back and try my luck in Riverside. I found a lot of new places to flip that I hadn't seen there before. It was still too wet under most of the AC, but just perfect under some pieces.
I was having no luck this time. It was starting to get kind of late and I was about worn out. I had found two shed skins of
helleri, then I found this shed skin of an adult Cal king.
That really got me amped up after not seeing anything all day. Shortly after I found this little Salamander. I see very few of these out this way, but see tons along the coast.
Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major) This is the correct ID as far as I know.
Right away I came to this board and was rewarded with this little guy.
(coastal phase) California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)
I don't know why I'm obsessed with Cal kings, but when I find one it just makes my day. Even more so during days like this. Thanks for looking.
