2014 in review: The Midwest

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ThatFrogGuy
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2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by ThatFrogGuy »

As has been usual for me the past few years, 2014 was probably my best herping year to date.

These first few pictures are from the final days of 2013.

With the infamous winter of 13-14, winter herping in 2014 was scarce. However, there are nearly always salamanders to be found.

ImageEastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSouthern Two Lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageZigzag Salamander (Plethodon dorsalis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

With less herps around I pursued other wildlife, seeing these was definitely among my favorite nature experiences ever.
ImageRiver Otters (Lontra canadensis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRiver Otters (Lontra canadensis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRiver Otters (Lontra canadensis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

During one "warm spell" in January I checked to see if there were any early Jefferson's. Alas...
ImageVernal Pool by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Still, getting out and seeing nature kept me sane throughout the winter...
ImageAquatic Isopod by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageFrost on Berries by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCreek in Winter by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

The first real "warm spell" with rain didn't come until late February, significantly later than I'm used to.
Male Jeff
ImageJefferson's Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr
Female
ImageJefferson's Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Unfortunately it didn't last long, and I was left impatiently waiting for the rest of the spring migrations.
ImageSouthern Two Lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

One day in early March I managed to find my first reptiles, unfortunely they were a little less than lively. I was surprised because at this point the temperature had not exceeded 55 degrees. This turtle was still alive, though obviously probably not much longer.
ImageEastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

This was a major bummer. I have been looking for these for a long time. This would inspire me to search this location thoroughly during the spring.
ImageKirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandi) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageKirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandi) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Luckily it would not be too much longer before I saw some more lively reptiles.
ImageRed Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMidland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRed Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Enough warmth finally convinved the amphibians to start breeding.
ImageSpring Peeper (Psuedacris crucifer) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageWood Frog (Rana sylvatica) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

This was a cool observation I wish I'd gotten a better photo of.
ImageEastern Newt Preying upon Jefferson's Salamander Eggs by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

More amphibians.
ImageEastern Newt Preying upon Jefferson's Salamander Eggs by Zach Truelock, on Flickrps://flic.kr/p/kXNqkT]Image[/url]Midland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMidland Chorus Frogs (Psuedacris triseriata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMidland Chorus Frogs (Psuedacris triseriata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMidland Chorus Frog (Psuedacris triseriata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Red Spotted Newt (Notopthalmus viridescens viridescens) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSmallmouth Salamander (Ambystoma texanum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSmallmouth Salamander eggs (left) and Chorus frog eggs (right) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSpring Peeper (Psuedacris crucifer) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageJefferson's Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSpotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMidland Chorus Frogs (Psuedacris triseriata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSmallmouth Salamander Egg Masses (Ambystoma texanum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSmallmouth Salamander Embryo (Ambystoma texanum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageJefferson's Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageWood Frog (Rana sylvatica) & Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageStreamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageStreamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

If you can't tell, this is my favorite time of year to herp.

My first snake of the year was a Brown snake, found under tin intended for Kirtland's.
ImageMidland Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi wrightorum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

More mphibians!
ImageSouthern Leopard Frog (Rana sphenocephala) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSouthern Leopard Frog (Rana sphenocephala) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMidland Chorus Frog (Psuedacris triseriata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSmallmouth Salamander (Ambystoma texanum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Snakes started to be found more consistently.
ImageMidland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Apologies for all the non-herps but I have to share this one-another reason this is the best time of year. Darters don their mating colors.
ImageOrange-throat Darter (Etheostoma spectabile) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRainbow Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

This Smooth Earth snake was found in a shingle pile. They are not common finds in my area.
ImageWestern Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valerie elegans) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSouthern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageAmerican Toads (Bufo americanus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageVirginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCommon Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCommon Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMidland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Most of these finds I don't have any story behind, other than that they're mostly byproducts of searching for Kirtland's snakes.
ImageEastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSouthern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCave Salamander (Eurycea lucifiga) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMidwestern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus helenae) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCopper-bellied Water Snake by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Finally, one day in May, I found the holy grail...
ImageKirtland's Snakes (Clonophis kirtlandi) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageKirtland's Snakes (Clonophis kirtlandii) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageKirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Probably my favorite find of the year.
ImageKirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Aberrant Two lined larva
ImageAlbino/leucistic & Normal Southern Two Lined Salamander Larvae (Eurycea cirrigera) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

The Hoosier Herpetolgical Society had another good year for the annual herpout. Most of these aren't my finds.
ImageEastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMilk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMilk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageNorthern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRacer (Coluber constrictor) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

In early summer, a doe gave birth in my neighbor's yard.
ImageMother Deer and Fawns by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMother Deer and Fawns by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Various finds from late spring-summer herping.
ImageCave Salamander (Eurycea lucifiga) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCommon Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageFive-Lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

For whatever reason, I really suck at finding rat snakes, so I was very happy to see this one.
ImageBlack Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageBlack Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRingneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRed-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRed-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageNorthern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Result of all that commotion back in March:
ImageJefferson's Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Newt (Notopthalmus viridescens) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageLong-tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Many summer nights were spent watching and listening to the toads and treefrogs.
ImageAmerican Toad (Bufo americanus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageCope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr
Over the summer I learned how to find rough greens reliably. I found this initial one on a fishing trip when I noticed the area looked goof for spotlighting. Night visits revealed many more rough greens at this spot and some elsewhere, though I've yet to find more than one per night.

Some in-situ
ImageRough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

In July I made a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, for going in pretty blind I think I did ok, and found my targets.

ImageBlack-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageBlack-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMountain Stream by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageBlack-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

My main goal, I ended up finding 11.
ImageRed-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon jordani) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRed-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon jordani) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRed-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon jordani) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRed-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon jordani) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMental gland by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

Other finds
ImageOcoee Salamanders (Desmognathus ocoee) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageImitator Salamander (Desmognathus imitator) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSpotted Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus conanti) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

In August, herping typically slows down, however it turned out to be a great month for me.

ImageNorthern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

I met up with Nick Scobel one weekend, and we went in search of vipers. We ended up finding 5 copperheads.
ImageNorthern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageNorthern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

And a pretty milk.
ImageMilk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

A friend in a pretty urban area called me to come see a snake in his yard, I was quite surprised to see a neonate racer.
ImageRacer (Coluber constrictor) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

During August I was lucky enough to see a female Timber Rattlesnake at her birthing log.
ImageTimber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageTimber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageTimber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

You know fall is coming soon when you start to find these.
ImageMarbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

A cool observation, I was unaware Nerodia would/could eat crayfish. I suspect it had recently molted.
ImageMidland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleauralis) preying upon crayfish by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageEastern Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

In October, I made my annual trip to Southern Illinois. Cold weather kept the numbers few but we still found things and had a good time.
ImageSpring Peeper (Psuedacris crucifer) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageGreen Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMarbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageWestern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous leucostoma) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageWestern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous leucostoma) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageWestern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous leucostoma) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSouthern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSouthern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageMuskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImagePickeral by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageWestern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous leucostoma) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageWestern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous leucostoma) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageSpotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

A few final shots of late season 'manders.
ImageEastern Newt (Notopthalmus viridescens) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

ImageRed-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

All in all, 2014 was pretty great and I can't wait for 2015.

-Zach
Coluber Constrictor
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by Coluber Constrictor »

.
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Carl Brune
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by Carl Brune »

Good stuff. I still appreciate the old school mega post. Paticularly if it's from my area of the country.
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salamanderhunter
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by salamanderhunter »

Beautiful longtail salamander!
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Scott Waters
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by Scott Waters »

Very cool! I tweeted this out (@HerpNation), as well as posted on our Facebook page. Great stuff!

scott
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mfb
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by mfb »

We got the first snow of the season today in NE Ohio, so it was particularly nice to see your fantastic photos and think of the amphibians of February not too far away!
Y.Morgan
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by Y.Morgan »

That first red cheek is awesome - they all are actually! I also like the shot of the cottonmouth poking its head out. And all the chorus frogs chorusing - that must've been quite a sight and sound! Was that a wound on the belly of that dead Kirtland's - like something bit it? I also like the mammal shots. I'd like to be reincarnated as a river otter. The doe licking clean her newborn is special. Great post!
York
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ThatFrogGuy
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by ThatFrogGuy »

Thanks everyone!
Scott Waters wrote:Very cool! I tweeted this out (@HerpNation), as well as posted on our Facebook page. Great stuff!

scott
Wow I am honored, thank you Scott!
Carl Brune wrote:Good stuff. I still appreciate the old school mega post. Paticularly if it's from my area of the country.
Thanks Carl, I always enjoy and look forward to your year posts.
Y.Morgan wrote: Was that a wound on the belly of that dead Kirtland's - like something bit it?
Yea, I'm not really sure what happened there. I guess a bird could have dropped it or something.
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pjfishpa
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by pjfishpa »

Looks like a pretty good year to me! Congrats on the Kirtands too. Still have not found one here yet. Thanks for posting and good luck in 2015!
BethH
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by BethH »

So many beautiful creatures. Were all of those taken in Southern Indiana? I used to live in Henderson, KY and hike in Wyandott Woods and Hoosier National Forest, and would have loved to see many of those animals. Thanks for sharing your photographs!
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JBBoiler
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by JBBoiler »

Great post Zach. Salamanders can be difficult to photograph and you seem to have mastered it. I would love to show you around Northwest IN and also visit your area. A good goal for 2015.

JB
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ThatFrogGuy
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by ThatFrogGuy »

BethH wrote:So many beautiful creatures. Were all of those taken in Southern Indiana? I used to live in Henderson, KY and hike in Wyandott Woods and Hoosier National Forest, and would have loved to see many of those animals. Thanks for sharing your photographs!

Thanks! All except the smoky mountain and IL animals.
JBBoiler wrote:Great post Zach. Salamanders can be difficult to photograph and you seem to have mastered it. I would love to show you around Northwest IN and also visit your area. A good goal for 2015.

JB
Thanks, that would would be awesome! I'm actually attending Purdue in West Lafayette now so this spring I hope to get up North.
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walk-about
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by walk-about »

Zach - WoW waaht an epic post! Those Kirtland's by the crawdaddy domes are sweeet! (great image). Red-cheeked sals really nice too. Love all the Jeff's and texanum/barbouri as well. But my favorite was the Red-ear Slider on ice. Great post.

Dave
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by Barry R »

Looks like a great season Zach, and great pics!
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Re: 2014 in review: The Midwest

Post by NickAsher »

Ill pick you up on the way up north zack no worrys youll get up there next spring....
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