February 19th found a ribbon snake while checking our fishless pond for spotted salamanders. A very warm year so far but also very dry. No sign of salamanders yet
Also checked out a sandstone glade on a bluff but really not enough good looking rocks. It was February 7th but did see a lot of turtles out sunning. There were a lot in the water in the first pic! Looked like mostly red-eared sliders. All seems to be large adults.
Also saw a black headed vulture which I'm not sure if that is common this time of the year.
Found 3 milksnakes and a garter in April on our property. Placed some roofing shingles under a piece of tin and it paid off big time! Almost dark and had to take a quick pic before they scattered
Only one stayed for a better pic!
A couple nice October finds with a hog-nose and copperhead!
And finally a coupe fence lizards. Was sitting in my truck and looked over and saw this!
Thanks for looking! Hope everyone has a great herping year!
Gary
First Snake of the year and few from 2016
Moderator: Scott Waters
Re: First Snake of the year and few from 2016
Awesome post Gary! Always good to see another Missouri glade herper post what they find. That set up with the shingles under the tin is a pretty good idea that I would like to try out some time if I ever get the tin and a place to do it.
Did you see any coachwhips last season?
Did you see any coachwhips last season?
Re: First Snake of the year and few from 2016
Thanks for the comment Soro!
Glade herping is a blast! We usually totally concentrate on glades and then our property. Time and time again we come back after a day of herping the glades and find more here! Found a couple trifecta's last year on the property. Prairie kings are the ones most difficult to complete the trifecta!
Only found one juvenile coachwhip last year. On a good year we might find half a dozen adults.
Also haven't found a county record now for several years so hopefully we are due!
Thanks again!
Gary
Glade herping is a blast! We usually totally concentrate on glades and then our property. Time and time again we come back after a day of herping the glades and find more here! Found a couple trifecta's last year on the property. Prairie kings are the ones most difficult to complete the trifecta!
Only found one juvenile coachwhip last year. On a good year we might find half a dozen adults.
Also haven't found a county record now for several years so hopefully we are due!
Thanks again!
Gary
Re: First Snake of the year and few from 2016
I agree with prairie kings being the least frequently encountered. It's strange, because they are a widespread snake and not rare my any means, I just happen to see a lot more specks and milks comparatively. That said, I only got the trifecta once last year, and what a day it was overall!
When you're talking about county records, do you mean for masticophis specifically or just in general?
When you're talking about county records, do you mean for masticophis specifically or just in general?
Re: First Snake of the year and few from 2016
Congrats on your trifecta last year!
As far as the county records I was referring to all species. Only have one on the coachwhips.
I have always thought of prairie kings as being a lot more scattered. Very common but sometimes we may go a year and only see one or two.
Good luck this year!
Gary
As far as the county records I was referring to all species. Only have one on the coachwhips.
I have always thought of prairie kings as being a lot more scattered. Very common but sometimes we may go a year and only see one or two.
Good luck this year!
Gary