3 Counties, 3 pairs of snakes

[dwakefield]

Yesterday was my first time herping close to the southern part of Lake Okeechobee. It was also my first time herping in Hendry and Glades County......and none of them disappointed.

Palm Beach County yielded a huge rat snake (unfortunately inaccessible inside it's hiding place), a Southern Ringneck, and a beautiful Florida King. Hendry County yielded another gorgeous Florida king and a second ringneck. Glades County gave us another beautiful rat snake (I know they are all technically "Eastern Rats"......but for the sake of those who like the old terminology, this one was a mix between a "Yellow" and an "Everglades". Yellowy-Orange coloration and a pink and black mottled tongue).

Here are some shots, in order of when they were observed.

"I look dangerous, right?" by Daniel Wakefield, on Flickr

"County line King" by Daniel Wakefield, on Flickr

Florida King, Hendry County by Daniel Wakefield, on Flickr

Yellow Rat Snake, Glades County by Daniel Wakefield, on Flickr

Yellow Rat by Daniel Wakefield, on Flickr

And a great sunset to finish off the day!

Sunset over the cane fields by Daniel Wakefield, on Flickr

Thanks for looking!

P.S. I always welcome comments about how I can improve my photos too!

[LouB747]

I gotta get to Florida. When is the best herping month, typically?

[dwakefield]

I may not be the best person to ask as I only moved here last May! I've been slowly learning when, where, and how to herp. The best month to go herping depends on what you want to do. Spring/summer is a great time for nightcruising.

[simus343]

I wouldn't say best month so much as best season. Spring in my opinion. It really gets kicking the first week of solid 70 highs up here in NW Fla. Central and South Florida has been going strong since January 1st according to some of the photos a few of my friends have taken down there. The real key is weather. Mid 60s to lower 80s on sunny days. With those conditions it is just a matter of habitat and right place at the right time. Then fall is good for seeing the baby snakes. Summer is a little slow, but still decent for nocturnal herping.

That's some great stuff there Daniel. I'd love to find a yellow rat snake some day. I've about burned out on the greys haha.

[dwakefield]

Thanks! Yeah, this was just my second Yellow since I've been down here. But this will be my first spring roadcruising, so I'm looking to find a bunch more. Get down here to the south!

[Roki]

I love that shot of the king snake looking away.

[dwakefield]

Thanks! Those kingsnakes are hard to photograph. They are so shiny! Living up to that Latin name...