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Got back from my trip down to the Huachucas with my friend Austin Steagall and my girlfriend Mara Jones. It was my third attempt to find willardi (first really shouldnt count because the car broke) and we camped out for just one night. We started out leaving Tucson at around 2 pm on friday. Here is Austin a herping buddy of mine from here.

And here is Mara

Although the drive to the Chucas takes roughy 2 hours Mara still managed to catch a few z's.

Here is a shot of the huachucas as we drove towards them.

We arove at our destination at around 4 pm and immediately set off herping. Hoping for luck to be on our side before sunset. Unfortunately all we came up with was some Mountain spiny lizards (Sceloporus jarrovi) before we headed back after sunset and set up the tent. 8:45 am the next morning our quest for willardi (both me and Austins last montane rattlesnake to find) resumed. We searched through plenty of habitat like this

And I eventually stopped to take a picture of one of the many flowers I had just been walking by.

Shortly after that flower picture at 9:58 am as I stepped over a branch I caught sight of my first Crotalus willardi. Causing a reaction from me which made my girlfriend jealous.





After the obligitory long drawn out photo session (much thanks to Mara for her patience and for blocking the sun for us). We continued on to look for more. Unfortunately we didnt find any more willardi but we did find another first for both me and Austin. Slevins bunchgrass lizards Sceloporus slevini
Austin with female slevins

Mara with male slevins

We finally had to get back to Tucson due to homework obligations but I cant complain because I finally found the species that has captivated me since I first saw it on display.
Me and Austin before leaving.

...an even nicer willardi...if that were possible! Sheesh... 1st a corale & now a willards...some guys have all the luck

Looks like y'all had a great trip. Nice pix of a beautiful little rattlesnake. I visited that Museum (T-shirt in last pic)
when I was out that way quite a few years ago. Both it & the AZ Sonora Desert Museum are definitely worth stopping at.

~~Greg~~

Chip, fantastic shots as always and I really enjoy seeing the many field shots you post; I live vicariously through you in between my own trips to Arizona (which are just way to few and far between!). You caught the one herp that is highest on my wish list to see; someday.....someday, my wife and I hope to move out to that area and I can't wait. Looks like you all had a terrific time.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>Looks like y'all had a great trip. Nice pix of a beautiful little rattlesnake. I visited that Museum (T-shirt in last pic)
>>when I was out that way quite a few years ago. Both it & the AZ Sonora Desert Museum are definitely worth stopping at.
>>
>> ~~Greg~~
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL