Just another fun day, and night, and day in the “office.”
A couple of weeks ago, I posted a report on Running Errands. One of the featured errands was inspecting a new property northwest of Terlingua Texas. Earlier this week, I went back for an overnighter so I could get some photos for the listing. I just wouldn’t be a good land man if I didn’t thoroughly inspect the property and surrounding area. I didn’t find any snakes, but I had plenty of other surprises, and a few unanswered questions. Maybe some of the forums resident experts can help me out. We’ll get to that a little later.
With more time than before, I found a lot more habitat than on my first trip. I also took the liberty of naming some of the geographic features. Let me know if any are too hokey.
This large limestone bluff on the property looks perfect for Lepidus.
This dirt tank hold water for 2-4 weeks after rains and held lots of tadpoles and little toads.
Purple Rock Canyon starts just south of the property. The fractured and layered rock looks great for Alterna.
I found this scary little surprise in Purple Rock Canyon.
Purple Rock Canyon merges with Hidden Den Canyon. A good place for Pictigaster?
Hidden Den Canyon contained some interested caves.
I stopped for a shady lunch in Canyon View Cave.
While there, this little guy kept me company. More about him later.
This Tunnel Cave was narrow but deep. My flash couldn’t reach the back.
I found Hidden Den Cave on my second day there, AFTER hiking past it at NIGHT.
Luckily, it was vacant. The entrance was hidden behind some brush and was full of scat.
I had an eerie feeling that this was a mountain lion den, so I didn’t stay long. After reviewing my photos I’ve concluded the scat was not from a lion.
So, if you know your sh**, can you tell me what mammal left this behind?
OK, let's move on to some herper trivia. Despite not finding any snakes, I found LOTS of lizards. Can you name these Trans-Pecos lizards?
#1
#2
#3
#4 My friend from the cave. Bad pic, but a cool pose.
#5 This guy kept me company at the hunt cabin. Here he is eating a bee that stung me.
Here he is again, eating some ants. He allowed me within 2-3 feet for several minutes.
And here he is posing for the camera. Check out those claws!
#6
And with all these lizards, I was not surprised when some lizard eaters showed up.
Grainy photo, but not bad for a point and shoot digital zoom from about 300 feet.
I’ll be going back soon. I hope to find some of those Leps, Alterna and Pics I bet live there. Anyone want to help me find 'em?
