We had a deluge yesterday here in the Corpus Christi area, so I thought I would head southwest and see what was swimmin'! I wanted to be in west Texas for the annual gray band fest, but this week a local drive was in order. I was disappointed at the lack of snakes out but it was an amphibian lovers' dream! I started out late and it was 71 degrees so the cooler temps and rain probably kept the snakes down in hiding. I did see one dor Pantherophis e.meahlmorum. Most of what I saw consisted of hopping and leaping, sometimes flying 'phibs lining the roadway. Great plains arrowmouth toads were out in great abundance as well as Gulf coast, Couch's spadefoot, Hurter's spadefoot, and I am pretty sure I have a shot or two of a sheep frog. Also seen were several Rio Grande leopard frogs, although my sneaking up on them for a shot failed many times, so I settled on a fresh hit that wasn't too mangled. I was surprised that no checkered garters were out taking advantage of the buffet, but glad none were seen to be a part of it. Tonight should be good for snaking, and I think I will go north into Calhoun and Refugio counties. This episode was in Jim Wells and Live Oak counties, Texas. Also not seen and sorely missed were Mexican milk snakes, known to come out during light, warm showers. Photos in next post, as I forgot to make more space in the account.
Todd Hughes