Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm in the UK, but I'm expecting to be in Phoenix, AZ for a week at the beginning of June 2007.

I'd like to identify some locations where I stand a 'reasonable' chance of getting shots of the following:

1) Western Diamondback
2) Gila Monster
3) Roadrunner (not strictly related to this site, but I might as well ask!)
4) Chuckwallah

I'd ideally like the site to be within a day's return drive from the greater Phoenix area (Phoenix/Scottsdale) so I guess I'm looking at Kingman to Tucson as a North/South radius. I'd also welcome suggestions as to general herping sites in the area.

Thanks in anticipation.

>>1) Western Diamondback

Western Diamondbacks are common. If you find a quiet road going out through the desert somewhere at night, you will undoubtedly find a Western Diamondback.

>>2) Gila Monster

You can also find Gila Monsters around that area, particularly by hiking or driving quiet roads at night. However, Gila Monsters are strictly protected and interfering with them in any way is prohibited. AZ Fish and Game have been known to set up stings were people were fined for even helping one across the road.

>>3) Roadrunner (not strictly related to this site, but I might as well ask!)

Roadrunners are common and widespread. They tend to hang out in given area, so if you see one, hanging around that area might produce a good photo opportunity.

>>4) Chuckwallah

Many of the rocky mts around the Phoenix area harbor chucks. They are somewhat shy and can be difficult to photograph. You have to spot them from a distance. I haven't been there, but there is a park near phoenix called South Mountain Park (or something like that). Many people see chucks there.

If you just want good photos, I strongly recommend you visit the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson. Although it is a desert "zoo", there are many great photo ops in the natural cages, and many wild creatures live there as well. Most of the critters are habituated to humans and are less wary.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Thanks Chris,

I'll certainly bear all of this in mind.

I'll probably visit the Sonoran Desert Museum, but not for photography, as I only photograph non-captive animals, however, there might be a few interesting lizards in the locality.

It sounds as if Gila Monsters are higher valued than old ladies, because I've certainly helped old ladies across the road before now, then again, I've kissed old ladies before now....

You've been a great help.

Dave
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[email}d.mangham@virgin.net[/email]

I'll probably visit the Sonoran Desert Museum, but not for photography, as I only photograph non-captive animals, however, there might be a few interesting lizards in the locality.

There is actually a wild feral population of Ctenosaura hemilopha on the grounds that are pretty photogenic.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Thanks Chris, just been reading up on them on the web. Definitely worth a visit!

Dave
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[email}d.mangham@virgin.net[/email]

Try these. I live in the PHX Metro area and I turn to these folks when I have herping questions. Maybe I'll see you on the roads this summer!

sloanmonster.com/

www.reptilesofaz.com/h-accounts.html
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Diego

Diego & Tiffany's Zoo:
SNAKES
2.4.0 Corn Snakes (Different morphs)
1.1.0 Hypo Everglades Rat Snakes
2.1.0 Baird's Rat Snakes
1.2.0 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes
1.1.0 Trinket Rat Snake
1.0.0 Japanese Rat Snake
1.1.0 Salt and Pepper Bull Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Pacific Gopher Snake
1.0.0 Het Amel San Diego Gopher Snake
0.1.0 San Diego Gopher Snake
3.2.0 Sonoran Gopher Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Sonoran Gopher Snakes
1.1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
2.1.0 Gray Banded Kingsnakes (2.1 River Road)
1.0.0 Hypermelanistic California Kingsnake
0.1.0 Albino High White California Kingsnake
0.2.0 California Kingsnakes
1.1.0 Thayeri Kingsnake
0.1.0 Florida Kingsnake
1.1.0 Boa Constrictors
0.1.0 Dumeril's Boa
2.0.0 Rosy Boas (Mexican & Mid Baja)
1.1.0 Kenyan Sand Boas
0.1.0 Indonesian Dwarf Pacific Boa
1.1.0 Ball Pythons
1.0.0 Woma Python
1.1.0 Cape York Spotted Pythons
1.1.0 Macklot's Pythons
1.1.0 Western Hognoses
1.1.0 Malagasy Giant Hognoses
1.0.0 Blacktail Cribo

LIZARDS
1.0.0 Frilled Dragon
3.1.0 Bearded Dragons (2 Normal, 1 RedXGold, 1 Citrus)
0.1.0 Eastern Collared Lizard
1.0.0 African Fat-Tail Gecko
0.1.0 Merauke Blue Tongue Skink
1.4.0 Leopard Geckos
1.0.1 Yellow Niger Uromastyx
1.1.0 Chuckwalla
0.1.0 Banded Gecko

FROGS
2.2.0 Southern Bell Frogs
1.0.1 Green Tree Frogs
1.0.0 Bubbling Kassina
1.1.1 White's Tree Frogs
0.0.2 Gold Frogs

Thanks 'viborero'!

Haven't had chance to explore the links yet, but if I have time this evening I'll be giving them a go!

As you're from the local area, what are your thoughts/opinions on the following?
1) Hassayampa River Preserve
2) South Mountain Park

The former claims a decent lizard population, and the latter seems to offer a good chance of almost anything. Are they worth a visit.

You'll know if you see me on the road. I guess a lost limey will stick out like a sore thumb.

Thanks for all the help.

Dave
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[email}d.mangham@virgin.net[/email]

Dave,

Although I've done quite a bit of herping in and around the Wickenburg area, I've never actually made it to Hassayampa. There is a thread on the AHA forum about it, though. A quick search of that site should pull it up.

South Mountain is a great place to go for red-tail Chucks, Tiger Rattlers (although June might be a little early for these guys), and Blue Speckled Rattlers. Just avoid going there on the weekends, as it is a very popular hiking/horseback riding/picnic area.

Get signed on to the AHA forum and start checking out the Field Herping forum. There are some amazingly good herpers on that site and, if you ask, you might just find yourself tour guide!

As far as Gilas, they are everywhere, but you mnight want to focus on Cave Creek, which is very close to where you'll be. Lots of Desert Torts in that area, too.
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Diego

Diego & Tiffany's Zoo:
SNAKES
2.4.0 Corn Snakes (Different morphs)
1.1.0 Hypo Everglades Rat Snakes
2.1.0 Baird's Rat Snakes
1.2.0 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes
1.1.0 Trinket Rat Snake
1.0.0 Japanese Rat Snake
1.1.0 Salt and Pepper Bull Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Pacific Gopher Snake
1.0.0 Het Amel San Diego Gopher Snake
0.1.0 San Diego Gopher Snake
3.2.0 Sonoran Gopher Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Sonoran Gopher Snakes
1.1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
2.1.0 Gray Banded Kingsnakes (2.1 River Road)
1.0.0 Hypermelanistic California Kingsnake
0.1.0 Albino High White California Kingsnake
0.2.0 California Kingsnakes
1.1.0 Thayeri Kingsnake
0.1.0 Florida Kingsnake
1.1.0 Boa Constrictors
0.1.0 Dumeril's Boa
2.0.0 Rosy Boas (Mexican & Mid Baja)
1.1.0 Kenyan Sand Boas
0.1.0 Indonesian Dwarf Pacific Boa
1.1.0 Ball Pythons
1.0.0 Woma Python
1.1.0 Cape York Spotted Pythons
1.1.0 Macklot's Pythons
1.1.0 Western Hognoses
1.1.0 Malagasy Giant Hognoses
1.0.0 Blacktail Cribo

LIZARDS
1.0.0 Frilled Dragon
3.1.0 Bearded Dragons (2 Normal, 1 RedXGold, 1 Citrus)
0.1.0 Eastern Collared Lizard
1.0.0 African Fat-Tail Gecko
0.1.0 Merauke Blue Tongue Skink
1.4.0 Leopard Geckos
1.0.1 Yellow Niger Uromastyx
1.1.0 Chuckwalla
0.1.0 Banded Gecko

FROGS
2.2.0 Southern Bell Frogs
1.0.1 Green Tree Frogs
1.0.0 Bubbling Kassina
1.1.1 White's Tree Frogs
0.0.2 Gold Frogs

Diego,

Thanks, you're proving to be a great help!

Checked out Hassayampa on the AHA site as suggested, and it looks as if the nearby rest stop is pretty good as well. Pity I can't post on the forum without stumping up hard earned cash to join!

I haven't any maps of the locale yet, so can you give me any idea where Cave Creek is? (incidentally, it looks as if I'm actually staying in Scottsdale, not Phoenix!)

Again, thanks for all the help. Good luck with the Rosy Boas. If I stumble across one I'll let you know!

Dave

p.s I hope that's not you in the video clip!
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[email}d.mangham@virgin.net[/email]

Hey Dave,
You can actually register for the AHA forum without paying to be a member. You will be able to post in all but the members only and for sale forums, so you can at least post your questions in the field herping forum. As Diego has told you there are some great herpers on there who really know the area, so I'm sure you should be able to get all the info you need.

Chris

I used to live in Prescott. My experience is that you would be better off in the South Mtn area or Cave Creek then Hassayampa. I'm not saying Hassayampa is bad, just not worth the extra effort. South Mtn. is the best for chuckwalla's too.

I had the most luck with rosy boas cruising the road that goes from Skull Valley through Hillside and then on to Bagdad AZ. Also good for Gila monsters & lots of other herps too. If its rains all the better.
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Vichris
"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane"- Marcus Aurelius

Vichris Variables

Oh yes. Been on that road many a time. We found the most beautiful Peach Speck there. Never saw a Rosy though.
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Diego

Diego & Tiffany's Zoo:
SNAKES
2.4.0 Corn Snakes (Different morphs)
1.1.0 Hypo Everglades Rat Snakes
2.1.0 Baird's Rat Snakes
1.2.0 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes
1.1.0 Trinket Rat Snake
1.0.0 Japanese Rat Snake
1.1.0 Salt and Pepper Bull Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Pacific Gopher Snake
1.0.0 Het Amel San Diego Gopher Snake
0.1.0 San Diego Gopher Snake
3.2.0 Sonoran Gopher Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Sonoran Gopher Snakes
1.1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
2.1.0 Gray Banded Kingsnakes (2.1 River Road)
1.0.0 Hypermelanistic California Kingsnake
0.1.0 Albino High White California Kingsnake
0.2.0 California Kingsnakes
1.1.0 Thayeri Kingsnake
0.1.0 Florida Kingsnake
1.1.0 Boa Constrictors
0.1.0 Dumeril's Boa
2.0.0 Rosy Boas (Mexican & Mid Baja)
1.1.0 Kenyan Sand Boas
0.1.0 Indonesian Dwarf Pacific Boa
1.1.0 Ball Pythons
1.0.0 Woma Python
1.1.0 Cape York Spotted Pythons
1.1.0 Macklot's Pythons
1.1.0 Western Hognoses
1.1.0 Malagasy Giant Hognoses
1.0.0 Blacktail Cribo

LIZARDS
1.0.0 Frilled Dragon
3.1.0 Bearded Dragons (2 Normal, 1 RedXGold, 1 Citrus)
0.1.0 Eastern Collared Lizard
1.0.0 African Fat-Tail Gecko
0.1.0 Merauke Blue Tongue Skink
1.4.0 Leopard Geckos
1.0.1 Yellow Niger Uromastyx
1.1.0 Chuckwalla
0.1.0 Banded Gecko

FROGS
2.2.0 Southern Bell Frogs
1.0.1 Green Tree Frogs
1.0.0 Bubbling Kassina
1.1.1 White's Tree Frogs
0.0.2 Gold Frogs

Chris is right, Dave. No money is needed to join the forum. Once you do, start a post on the Field Herping Forum and we can take it from there.
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Diego

Diego & Tiffany's Zoo:
SNAKES
2.4.0 Corn Snakes (Different morphs)
1.1.0 Hypo Everglades Rat Snakes
2.1.0 Baird's Rat Snakes
1.2.0 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes
1.1.0 Trinket Rat Snake
1.0.0 Japanese Rat Snake
1.1.0 Salt and Pepper Bull Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Pacific Gopher Snake
1.0.0 Het Amel San Diego Gopher Snake
0.1.0 San Diego Gopher Snake
3.2.0 Sonoran Gopher Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Sonoran Gopher Snakes
1.1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
2.1.0 Gray Banded Kingsnakes (2.1 River Road)
1.0.0 Hypermelanistic California Kingsnake
0.1.0 Albino High White California Kingsnake
0.2.0 California Kingsnakes
1.1.0 Thayeri Kingsnake
0.1.0 Florida Kingsnake
1.1.0 Boa Constrictors
0.1.0 Dumeril's Boa
2.0.0 Rosy Boas (Mexican & Mid Baja)
1.1.0 Kenyan Sand Boas
0.1.0 Indonesian Dwarf Pacific Boa
1.1.0 Ball Pythons
1.0.0 Woma Python
1.1.0 Cape York Spotted Pythons
1.1.0 Macklot's Pythons
1.1.0 Western Hognoses
1.1.0 Malagasy Giant Hognoses
1.0.0 Blacktail Cribo

LIZARDS
1.0.0 Frilled Dragon
3.1.0 Bearded Dragons (2 Normal, 1 RedXGold, 1 Citrus)
0.1.0 Eastern Collared Lizard
1.0.0 African Fat-Tail Gecko
0.1.0 Merauke Blue Tongue Skink
1.4.0 Leopard Geckos
1.0.1 Yellow Niger Uromastyx
1.1.0 Chuckwalla
0.1.0 Banded Gecko

FROGS
2.2.0 Southern Bell Frogs
1.0.1 Green Tree Frogs
1.0.0 Bubbling Kassina
1.1.1 White's Tree Frogs
0.0.2 Gold Frogs

Thanks Diego,

Took Chris's advice. I'm in and I've posted.

Incidentally, is the Cave Creek you recommended the same Cave Creek that's off 32nd St North, off Carefree Hwy?

Dave
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[email}d.mangham@virgin.net[/email]

That's the place, Dave. Best of luck!
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Diego

Diego & Tiffany's Zoo:
SNAKES
2.4.0 Corn Snakes (Different morphs)
1.1.0 Hypo Everglades Rat Snakes
2.1.0 Baird's Rat Snakes
1.2.0 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes
1.1.0 Trinket Rat Snake
1.0.0 Japanese Rat Snake
1.1.0 Salt and Pepper Bull Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Pacific Gopher Snake
1.0.0 Het Amel San Diego Gopher Snake
0.1.0 San Diego Gopher Snake
3.2.0 Sonoran Gopher Snakes
0.1.0 Amel Sonoran Gopher Snakes
1.1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
2.1.0 Gray Banded Kingsnakes (2.1 River Road)
1.0.0 Hypermelanistic California Kingsnake
0.1.0 Albino High White California Kingsnake
0.2.0 California Kingsnakes
1.1.0 Thayeri Kingsnake
0.1.0 Florida Kingsnake
1.1.0 Boa Constrictors
0.1.0 Dumeril's Boa
2.0.0 Rosy Boas (Mexican & Mid Baja)
1.1.0 Kenyan Sand Boas
0.1.0 Indonesian Dwarf Pacific Boa
1.1.0 Ball Pythons
1.0.0 Woma Python
1.1.0 Cape York Spotted Pythons
1.1.0 Macklot's Pythons
1.1.0 Western Hognoses
1.1.0 Malagasy Giant Hognoses
1.0.0 Blacktail Cribo

LIZARDS
1.0.0 Frilled Dragon
3.1.0 Bearded Dragons (2 Normal, 1 RedXGold, 1 Citrus)
0.1.0 Eastern Collared Lizard
1.0.0 African Fat-Tail Gecko
0.1.0 Merauke Blue Tongue Skink
1.4.0 Leopard Geckos
1.0.1 Yellow Niger Uromastyx
1.1.0 Chuckwalla
0.1.0 Banded Gecko

FROGS
2.2.0 Southern Bell Frogs
1.0.1 Green Tree Frogs
1.0.0 Bubbling Kassina
1.1.1 White's Tree Frogs
0.0.2 Gold Frogs

Thanks Chris!

I've registered.
I've Posted.

Dave
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[email}d.mangham@virgin.net[/email]