April 12th, 13th, and 14th- Zach's Herp-athon



I dedicated the last three days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, to herping three different counties- San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Santa Cruz. The weather was great, the company even better. Here are the results:



Day 1: San Mateo County



I spent Friday out on the hillsides of San Mateo County with Tim Spuckler from Ohio. Although we fell short on finding an early season zonata, we did find great habitat that I have never explored before, as well as some very photogenic serpents.



I met Tim at a dumpsite where we managed some very nice Western Yellow-bellied Racers:







Two racers were found underneath the same piece of cover. One looks like it had eaten a snake.





Juvenile with neonate coloration:







We moved along and managed a gorgeous Northern Pacific Rattlesnake:





Can't forget the ever common California Alligator Lizard:







The Santa Cruz Garters were also out and about. Here is a shot of my holding the largest SCGS I have ever caught:







After we were done getting musked on, we explored an area that I have passed by a countless number of times but never checked out. Glad we did, as the amount of rock outcroppings and rock cover was amazing:



First snake was a basking yearling Rattler. In-situ:





I managed a gorgeous adult Pacific Gophersnake under a rock:







We finished off the day with a few Ringnecked Snakes that I failed to photograph.



Had a great time as always, Tim. See you again next year.



Day 2: Contra Costa County



Saturday was spent with my fellow San Francisco native Luke Talltree and our East Bay pal Jared in the grassy hillsides of Contra Costa County. Having never been to this particular area before, I was amazed by untouched and pristine the habitat was. Jared and Luke led the way in finding the snakes!



First snake found was a basking neonate Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. I forgot to upload the image...so maybe Jared or Luke can chime in!



Second snake found was a joint lifer for Luke and me. From the corner of my eye I see Jared freak out. I run over and see black with yellow stripes. I have been trying to find a Striped Racer for some time now...I would have never thought that my "Lifer Lateralis" would be the Alameda Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus):











30 minutes in and we get a lifer!



After a photoshoot with a surprisingly calm racer that decided to coil up for us, we treked over to a pond where another Lifer for me was waiting:



Minutes in, Jared and Luke manage some stunning Diablo Gartersnakes (Thamnophis atratus zaxanthus), a lifer for me!







California Red-legged Frogs were abundant:







Leaving the pond, we cut through an oak clearing where ANOTHER Alameda Striped Racer crossed our path. Bolting away, we failed to get a picture.



We headed to some rock piles where a very big and angey, yet gorgeous Northern Pacific Rattlesnake was waiting:







A few more rocks later, we managed yet another Alameda Striped Racer!







I managed the largest Toad I have ever seen in the wild:







We closed out the day with my favorite finds of the day (I know...I am lame...), two California Nightsnakes. I photographed one:







Day 3: Santa Cruz County



I took a much needed day off from work to meet fellow CA Chapter members at the Soquel Demonstration Forest Survey. Great times were had by all, as we managed quite a few species. The highlights for me were massive California Giant Salamanders, as well as Forest Sharp-tailed Snakes!



Oh, before I forget, another highlight were two Santa Cruz Garters that crossed the road right in front of our cars! I am sure James, Owen, Lawrence, Norm, Porter, and Peter can chime in with pics.

I didn't take many shots, as I was mostly there to converse with other herpers haha.

















I had a blast these past three days. Nothing beats getting out in the field and hanging out with great company.



I want to thank Tim Spuckler, Luke, Jared, and the Soquel Crew!



Happy herping,



Zach

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