The Silver State as I saw it 2014

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Jason Hull
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Joined: June 7th, 2010, 6:43 pm

The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by Jason Hull »

Since its all crickets and tumbleweeds here on the RMC forum I thought I'd post a few 2014 shots taken in Nevada.
Aside from the turtle shots all of these were taken with my point and shoot.


A couple of Pond Turtles.

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This pond turtle seems to be holding it's own among all of the larger sliders. I've seen one other adult male PT hanging out in this group also.

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Two of the amphibian species in the area.

So. Cal Toad

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Great Basin Spade foots.

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A couple of YOY Valley Garters near Lake Tahoe.

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Habitat.

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This Sierra Garter would have been three feet underwater in previous years.

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Some of the other colubrids around here.

Variable Ground Snake.

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Mojave Patch Nosed Snake.

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Great Basin Gopher Snakes.

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These are just a hand full of the Cal Kings that I came across this year in NV. First two are posers and the others in-situ.

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Lizard species are abundant in Nevada. These are just a few.

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The most common species in Northern Nevada are the fence Lizards.

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Some tend to reach pretty good size.

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Great Basin Collared Lizards.

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Cold shoulder from this couple.

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Northern Desert Horned Lizards.

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Long Nose Leopard Lizards.

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A couple fast movers.

Great Basin Whiptail Lizard.

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Northern Zebra tailed Lizard.

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One thing that I really enjoy checking out are some of the dwellings and other items left behind by those that were here before us.

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This trophy of death was on the window sill of the house above.

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A good portion of my time this season was spent searching north western contact zones for lutosus and stephensi. One night I came across this funny looking creature that exhibits characteristics of both species.


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And some pure luts to boot!

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Cheers, Jason
simpleyork
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Joined: March 6th, 2012, 12:45 pm
Location: utah

Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by simpleyork »

nice!! thanks for posting!
NACairns
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by NACairns »

Beautiful herps and habitat. I find the pond turtles interesting as they are not the first critter that comes to mind when I think of Nevada, are they wide spread? Where is the contact zone between lutosus and stephensi? Is it attributed to a major shift in habitat? Have you seen other hybrids?
Thanks for sharing.
Nick
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Jason Hull
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by Jason Hull »

Thanks for the good words guys!

The Pond Turtles have a small range here in western Nevada. They are in two of the main river systems in the area and possibly another. I've only seen them in two different locations personally.
Some people are skeptical as to wether or not they are native or if they were introduced to the state a long time ago. I have observed a large population of them not far west of Donner Summit wich is pretty close (50 miles or so) as the crow flies.

Stephensi and lotusus come into contact in areas of eastern California and west central Nevada. Presumably a good part of that is within the boundaries of area 51 in NV.

Cheers!
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Jeremy Westerman
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by Jeremy Westerman »

Love it Jason! Saved the best for last I see (lutosus)
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Rancorrye
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by Rancorrye »

Very cool. Looks like you had a good year. Love all the old dwellings and equipment too. Thanks for sharing.
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Jason Hull
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by Jason Hull »

Thanks fellas! Hope you had a good year as well!

Happy Hollidays!
:beer:
TimCO
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by TimCO »

Great post. Thanks for the ride!!
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DennyZ
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by DennyZ »

Great pics as always Jason. Happy holidays to you and hope to see you out there when the weather returns.
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JEDDLV
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by JEDDLV »

Good stuff Jason
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Jason Hull
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Re: The Silver State as I saw it 2014

Post by Jason Hull »

Thanks fellas!

Heres to a great New Year! :beer:
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