Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We are planning a 4 day trip for the second weekend in May. This is the earliest I've been out West and was wondering what everybodies opinions are. I think with good weather we should be alright. Anybody with good finds in May? We will probably stay around Sanderson the first night and then 2 nights in Study Butte and the last night either in Alpine or back in Sanderson. Obviously alterna and lepidus are high on the priority list. Thanks in advance. Chris Drake

2nd weekend is going to be right around the full moon. First, I would try to at least wait until the moon cycle gives you a better chance. Second, I would closely monitor the weather over the next few weeks. If their has not been decent rain in the areas you are considering, I would seriously consider going to the Del Rio area. West Texas has seen very little rain since the tropical depressions of last September. These conditions are very similar to last season, in which movement was very limited, at least in my experience. Movement didn't start picking up until after rains began in mid-July. Contrast this with 2007, when the extesive rains throughout the spring and summer translated into phenomonal movement.
Good luck, no matter which route you choose.

John

We have observed a number of Alterna in May. I think earliest movements will be in Val Verde county or east. Just keep our current regulations in mind. Still not against the law to walk around with lights and cameras. Just have fun, be safe and be polite. I am getting the itch myself. Can't wait to get out.

Good Luck,

Steven X

These conditions are very similar to last season, in which movement was very limited, at least in my experience. Movement didn't start picking up until after rains began in mid-July. Contrast this with 2007, when the extesive rains throughout the spring and summer translated into phenomonal movement.

Aha. I was halfway around the world in the summer of '07--a good season, from what you've said. Last year I ventured out several times but like you said it was pretty dry until I moved out of the state, when the season picked up.

My theory is that numbers of snakes found is dependent on my presence or absence in Texas.

Therefore, this year should be great! Except for whenever I get a chance to make it back down there.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

Now first off the snakes and other wildlife are there year around, but they are more or less active based on season and weather cycles. That early in the year may not be the best time to try and observe anything in higher elevations that tend to cool off early after sunset such as Alpine, if it were me I would look for some place that is staying warm later at night to increase my odds.

Lance
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Herp Conservation Unlimited

If people really learn from their mistakes, I should be like the smartest guy in the world

Thanks guys for the replies. I will be watching and keeping my fingers crossed for rain over the next 3 wks. Last year it rained on us pretty heavy while we were there. Especially in Black Gap. The amphibians were out in full force but little snake movement. We were told after leaving Sanderson someone found an alterna on the east side of Sanderson. Just my luck We do obey the current laws as silly as they are. We were stopped in Black Gap last year by 3 park rangers and asked if we were collecting. We told them we had not and that we were just photographing and they made the statement "you are heading to the exit right" which told me it was probably time to go without arguement. I think we'll do 2 days around Sanderson and 2 days around Terlingua. Just can't wait. Chris Drake

>>We told them we had not and that we were just photographing and they made the statement "you are heading to the exit right" which told me it was probably time to go without arguement.

Should have told them to write you a ticket. That dude was probably drunk AGAIN.
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Herp Conservation Unlimited
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Not really. We were actually heading out but looking on the way out. The first thing I thought was that they may have been drinking. They came driving up from one of the dry creekbeds and were hauling butt when they got behind us. I pulled off to let them pass not knowing who it was and they pulled up next to us. I figured no point in a confrontation since we were not having any luck there and was heading for the door anyway. Chris

So if you run down to the Gap you should bring one of those portable breathalizers with you to test the Rangers/LE?

That is funny......
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Herp Conservation Unlimited

If people really learn from their mistakes, I should be like the smartest guy in the world