So Cal So Far (Mojave, SD County, Tejon Ranch, etc.)
Posted: August 5th, 2017, 4:57 am
In March of 2017 I moved to Barstow, CA, for a temporary position studying desert tortoises. Although the job location elicited eye rolls and sentiments when sharing the news with family and friends (no offense to my fellow Barstow-ians), I was excited about the potential herpetofauna I hoped to encounter in the Mojave desert and surrounding areas. As an east coaster, I am amazed by the proximity of ecosystems created by the extreme topography of the western United States. The unusually wet 2016-2017 winter was a lucky bonus.
Desert Sunflower (Geraea canescens) by David Burkart, on Flickr
The desert was green and splattered with wildflowers for much of the spring, painting our field sites into kaleidoscopic landscapes of complimentary colors.
Desert Sunflowers (Geraea canescens) and Blue Phacelia (Phacelia distans) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Golden Cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa) by David Burkart, on Flickr
The tortoises were happy, and after some cold weather lizards and snakes started showing up.
Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Northern Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mojave Patch-Nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis mojavensis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) by David Burkart, on Flickr
This sidewinder and several horned lizards were removed from a cattle guard on a dirt road one afternoon:
Mohave Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cerastes) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Snakes have been pretty rare to encounter in the field, but most of the lizard species that occur in that geographic area are frequently encountered. I never thought I'd get accustomed to seeing horned lizards....
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) by David Burkart, on Flickr
In March I met up with Jeff N., aka SurfinHerp, for some herping in western San Diego County. The temperature was pretty low and overcast skies dropped some rain, but the herping was excellent. I was surprised by the abundance of animals that we encountered- Over time I have learned that the seasonal conditions that influence herpetofaunal activity in southwestern California are different than what I'm used to on the east coast, and looking back, I definitely missed many potentially great herping opportunities this spring by assuming that it was too cold or too early to herp. Cover boards produced the usual suspects:
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by David Burkart, on Flickr
San Diego Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major) by David Burkart, on Flickr
On a rocky hillside we encountered the most exciting find of the trip, a rosy boa on the crawl:
Northern Three-Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Northern Three-Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) by David Burkart, on Flickr
A few other shots from the hillside:
California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Jeff also joined me for a couple of trips to the Anza-Borrego area. I was very excited to experience this well known herping destination, and it did not disappoint (although I'll need to return for sandstone night lizards)!
The Milky Way by David Burkart, on Flickr
Colorado Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis annulata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Southwestern Threadsnake (Rena humilis humilis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Colorado Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis annulata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Palms (Washingtonia filifera) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mearns' Rock Lizard (Petrosaurus mearnsi mearnsi) by David Burkart, on Flickr
This brush lizard tried his hardest to intimidate me as I took a few photos:
Baja California Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricaudus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Baja California Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricaudus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Searching Canyon walls for nocturnal lizards reminded me of looking for green salamanders back east...
Granite Night Lizard (Xantusia henshawi) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Peninsula Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus nocticolus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
One night while cruising, Jeff pulled his car over and we got out to inspect a DOR king snake. After returning to the car and just before driving away, Jeff saw this previously unnoticed and very gravid glossy snake only a few meters in front of us.
Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Walking around Ocotillo Wells for flat-tailed horned lizards yielded nothing but desert iguanas and their tracks...
Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) Tracks by David Burkart, on Flickr
Desert Sunflower (Geraea canescens) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Fortunately, an invitation to partake in a lizard survey on the Coachella Valley Preserve provided me with the opportunity to observe this rare species.
Flat-Tail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Flat-Tail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I also encountered a rarer lizard, the Coachella fringe-toed lizard. I was disheartened to witness how restricted this species’ habitat is and to learn of the negative anthropogenic effects caused by the encroaching developed areas. Even in the middle of the preserve, I remained in view of the bordering palm-lined neighborhoods and Interstate 10.
Coachella Fringe-Toed Lizard (Uma inornata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I feel very lucky to have been employed to work in the Mojave desert this particular spring. The weather was relatively mild, the wildflowers were exploding, and the herpetofaunal activity was good.
Calico Cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Yellow-Backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Desert Chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I joined Todd Battey and some other herpers for a survey of Tejon Ranch on April 9th. Although it was a cold day, we still managed some great finds, and literally didn’t let the many felled limbs and trees stop us from having a great day exploring the property.
Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Pacific Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Yellow-Blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii croceater) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I also encountered some amazing herps (and spectacular terrain) on other trips around Southern California.
The Los Padres National Forest...
Blainville's Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Death Valley...
California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lyrophanes) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Night Hike in Mosaic Canyon by David Burkart, on Flickr
Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) by David Burkart, on Flickr
The Mojave National Preserve...
The Lava Tube by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mojave Fringe-Toed Lizard (Uma scoparia) by David Burkart, on Flickr
The Kelso Dunes by David Burkart, on Flickr
And Nevada...
Juvenile Banded Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum cinctum) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I try to road cruise once a week in the Barstow area and am discovering some great places to do so.
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lyrophanes) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Sidewinders have been the most common:
Mohave Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cerastes) by David Burkart, on Flickr
A terrestrial snake pretending to be arboreal:
Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
And then acting more like it should:
Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I recently encountered this beauty:
Mojave Green Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mojave Green Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I'm particularly proud of finding this next snake, as it was truly a serendipitous moment. A last minute change of cruising destination led my coworkers and I on an exploratory cruise down a road that mostly transects creosote scrub bajada. Only briefly does this road pass through some rocky hills, which I had previously speculated might be good rosy boa habitat. As we approached this segment, I almost announced to my passengers "If we're going to see a rosy boa, it would be in the next few minutes." The thought had barely escaped my mind when I found myself stopping the car and staring at a snake stretched out on the road. I instantly knew what it was. Would I have jinxed our good fortune if I had vocalized the aforementioned statement?
Northern Three-Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Northern Three-Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) by David Burkart, on Flickr
It has truly been an incredible experience to live, work, and herp in Southern California. Many thanks to all of the generous local herpers who have given me valuable advice and joined me on herping outings. I look forward to what the next couple of months may bring!
Sunset in the Mojave National Preserve by David Burkart, on Flickr
Desert Sunflower (Geraea canescens) by David Burkart, on Flickr
The desert was green and splattered with wildflowers for much of the spring, painting our field sites into kaleidoscopic landscapes of complimentary colors.
Desert Sunflowers (Geraea canescens) and Blue Phacelia (Phacelia distans) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Golden Cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa) by David Burkart, on Flickr
The tortoises were happy, and after some cold weather lizards and snakes started showing up.
Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Northern Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mojave Patch-Nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis mojavensis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) by David Burkart, on Flickr
This sidewinder and several horned lizards were removed from a cattle guard on a dirt road one afternoon:
Mohave Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cerastes) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Snakes have been pretty rare to encounter in the field, but most of the lizard species that occur in that geographic area are frequently encountered. I never thought I'd get accustomed to seeing horned lizards....
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) by David Burkart, on Flickr
In March I met up with Jeff N., aka SurfinHerp, for some herping in western San Diego County. The temperature was pretty low and overcast skies dropped some rain, but the herping was excellent. I was surprised by the abundance of animals that we encountered- Over time I have learned that the seasonal conditions that influence herpetofaunal activity in southwestern California are different than what I'm used to on the east coast, and looking back, I definitely missed many potentially great herping opportunities this spring by assuming that it was too cold or too early to herp. Cover boards produced the usual suspects:
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by David Burkart, on Flickr
San Diego Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major major) by David Burkart, on Flickr
On a rocky hillside we encountered the most exciting find of the trip, a rosy boa on the crawl:
Northern Three-Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Northern Three-Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) by David Burkart, on Flickr
A few other shots from the hillside:
California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Jeff also joined me for a couple of trips to the Anza-Borrego area. I was very excited to experience this well known herping destination, and it did not disappoint (although I'll need to return for sandstone night lizards)!
The Milky Way by David Burkart, on Flickr
Colorado Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis annulata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Southwestern Threadsnake (Rena humilis humilis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Colorado Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis annulata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Palms (Washingtonia filifera) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mearns' Rock Lizard (Petrosaurus mearnsi mearnsi) by David Burkart, on Flickr
This brush lizard tried his hardest to intimidate me as I took a few photos:
Baja California Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricaudus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Baja California Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricaudus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Searching Canyon walls for nocturnal lizards reminded me of looking for green salamanders back east...
Granite Night Lizard (Xantusia henshawi) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Peninsula Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus nocticolus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
One night while cruising, Jeff pulled his car over and we got out to inspect a DOR king snake. After returning to the car and just before driving away, Jeff saw this previously unnoticed and very gravid glossy snake only a few meters in front of us.
Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Walking around Ocotillo Wells for flat-tailed horned lizards yielded nothing but desert iguanas and their tracks...
Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) Tracks by David Burkart, on Flickr
Desert Sunflower (Geraea canescens) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Fortunately, an invitation to partake in a lizard survey on the Coachella Valley Preserve provided me with the opportunity to observe this rare species.
Flat-Tail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Flat-Tail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I also encountered a rarer lizard, the Coachella fringe-toed lizard. I was disheartened to witness how restricted this species’ habitat is and to learn of the negative anthropogenic effects caused by the encroaching developed areas. Even in the middle of the preserve, I remained in view of the bordering palm-lined neighborhoods and Interstate 10.
Coachella Fringe-Toed Lizard (Uma inornata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I feel very lucky to have been employed to work in the Mojave desert this particular spring. The weather was relatively mild, the wildflowers were exploding, and the herpetofaunal activity was good.
Calico Cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Yellow-Backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Desert Chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I joined Todd Battey and some other herpers for a survey of Tejon Ranch on April 9th. Although it was a cold day, we still managed some great finds, and literally didn’t let the many felled limbs and trees stop us from having a great day exploring the property.
Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Pacific Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Yellow-Blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii croceater) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I also encountered some amazing herps (and spectacular terrain) on other trips around Southern California.
The Los Padres National Forest...
Blainville's Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Death Valley...
California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lyrophanes) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Night Hike in Mosaic Canyon by David Burkart, on Flickr
Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) by David Burkart, on Flickr
The Mojave National Preserve...
The Lava Tube by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mojave Fringe-Toed Lizard (Uma scoparia) by David Burkart, on Flickr
The Kelso Dunes by David Burkart, on Flickr
And Nevada...
Juvenile Banded Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum cinctum) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I try to road cruise once a week in the Barstow area and am discovering some great places to do so.
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) by David Burkart, on Flickr
California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lyrophanes) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Sidewinders have been the most common:
Mohave Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cerastes) by David Burkart, on Flickr
A terrestrial snake pretending to be arboreal:
Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
And then acting more like it should:
Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I recently encountered this beauty:
Mojave Green Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Mojave Green Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) by David Burkart, on Flickr
I'm particularly proud of finding this next snake, as it was truly a serendipitous moment. A last minute change of cruising destination led my coworkers and I on an exploratory cruise down a road that mostly transects creosote scrub bajada. Only briefly does this road pass through some rocky hills, which I had previously speculated might be good rosy boa habitat. As we approached this segment, I almost announced to my passengers "If we're going to see a rosy boa, it would be in the next few minutes." The thought had barely escaped my mind when I found myself stopping the car and staring at a snake stretched out on the road. I instantly knew what it was. Would I have jinxed our good fortune if I had vocalized the aforementioned statement?
Northern Three-Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) by David Burkart, on Flickr
Northern Three-Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) by David Burkart, on Flickr
It has truly been an incredible experience to live, work, and herp in Southern California. Many thanks to all of the generous local herpers who have given me valuable advice and joined me on herping outings. I look forward to what the next couple of months may bring!
Sunset in the Mojave National Preserve by David Burkart, on Flickr