After exploring south-central and southeastern Arizona I headed north but I could not resist making a few stops in the Sonoran desert along the way. I was glad I did as I was able to aid a lifer to my trip list.
Forest of Saguaro Cactus and Ocotillo
https://flic.kr/p/Y63e7E by mitchberk, on Flickr
Chain Fruit Cholla
Chain Fruit Cholla by mitchberk, on Flickr
I was hoping to find a Red-backed Whiptail (Aspidoscelis xanthonota) and I succeeded. This lifer is one beauty of a lizard.
Red-backed Whiptail (Aspidoscelis xanthonota) by mitchberk, on Flickr
I spotted a Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake lying on top of some rocks. Armed only with my cameras (no snake sticks), I followed the snake seeking refuge in the rocks. I saw an elderly hiker passing by so I asked her if she wanted to see a rattlesnake. She responded by asking how many did I have. How many did I have and not which species did I have? Excuse me!! She did come over to see my snake and proceeded to tell me that someone just showed her a handful of neonate rattlesnakes hence the basis for her rather unusual question in her reply to me.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana), female
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana), female
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana), female by mitchberk, on Flickr
The orangish coloration of the chest, neck, and forelegs of this male Greater Earless Lizard (Cophosaurus texanus) was incredible.
Greater Earless Lizard (Cophosaurus texanus), male by mitchberk, on Flickr
Greater Earless Lizard (Cophosaurus texanus), male by mitchberk, on Flickr
This female Greater Earless Lizard was no slouch either when it came to vibrant coloration.
Greater Earless Lizard (Cophasaurus texanus), female by mitchberk, on Flickr
A Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) were very accommodating in posing in a tree for me. The only other feature that could improve this picture would be a lizard hanging from the Roadrunner's beak. I was lucky to come across photogenic roadrunners at two other locations.
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californicus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Now onwards to north-central Arizona.
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) in riparian habitat.
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Clark's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus clarkii)
Clark's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus clarkii) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Clark's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus clarkii) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus)
Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi), juvenile
Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi), juvenile by mitchberk, on Flickr
Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi), juvenile by mitchberk, on Flickr
Desert Grasslands Whiptail (Aspidoscelis uniparens)
Desert Grasslands Whiptail (Aspidoscelis uniparens) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Desert Grassland Whiptail (Aspidoscelis uniparens) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Gila Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis flagellicauda)
Gila Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis flagellicauda) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Plateau Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis velox)
Plateau Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis velox) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Dragonfly (species?) with right forewing missing in action.
Dragonfly ID? by mitchberk, on Flickr
Dragonfly (species?)
Dragonfly species? by mitchberk, on Flickr
Mating grasshoppers (species ID?)
Mating grasshoppers by mitchberk, on Flickr
Grasshopper (species ID?)
Grasshopper ID? by mitchberk, on Flickr
Robber Fly
Robber Fly (family Asilidae) by mitchberk, on Flickr
Red Rocks region
Red Rock by mitchberk, on Flickr
So ends another adventure in the great state of Arizona.
Arizona Herping Adventure: Part 2
Moderator: Scott Waters
- Fieldherper
- Posts: 252
- Joined: June 11th, 2010, 10:46 am
Re: Arizona Herping Adventure: Part 2
Very nice, as was part 1. Cheers.
FH
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