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Backyard herping...

Posted: June 6th, 2016, 6:51 am
by ratsnakehaven
I'm curious as to whether we can post a video clip on this forum? Anyway, here's a few pics from our property. The first is a Western thread snake that I found hanging by a thread (spider silk) in a tree in the big wash out front.

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As you can see, the back half of the snake has been chewed on, but it was still alive. We think the suspect predator was a huntsman spider.

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This is the tree it was in, about 6 ft. up in the air...
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Have been having good luck seeing Smith's blackheaded snakes in the yard recently. I saw two in January and several over the rest of the spring, when it was cooler and moister. I think it has to do with how I've been working the property...
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I need to process more pics before I can post anymore....haha.

This post was inspired mostly by Robert. Hope this helps a little... :)

TC

Re: Backyard herping...

Posted: June 6th, 2016, 7:13 am
by NACairns
Cool observations. A bit jealousy inspiring that those are the sorts of things you see in your back yard.
Thanks
Nick

Re: Backyard herping...

Posted: June 6th, 2016, 8:36 am
by ratsnakehaven
Thank you. Lots of stuff on our little one acre. I'm trying to landscape for lizards and birds. The snakes just seem to follow the food, shelter, and moisture.

Re: Backyard herping...

Posted: June 16th, 2016, 10:01 am
by robert
Thanks for the photos. Bost had a really cold rainy spring, and the timing of emergence was thrown off. I did not find any Timbers or Copperheads). But now I am about a month away from visiting my brother in the Florida keys (with a stop in Everglades National park). Hopefully some good snakes (and exotic lizards--Tegus, Nile water monitors, Basilisks, Day Geckos, and old-world Chameleons).

And then in early Aug, AZ. Have my heart set on oxybelis. I know its a long-shot, but everyone has to have their White Whale.

Again, neat photos.

Re: Backyard herping...

Posted: June 20th, 2016, 4:15 pm
by ratsnakehaven
Thanks, Robert. Good luck in FL.