Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all, I just wanted to ask some of the experienced field herpers if mid to late Sept. is to late for a trip to the big bend area? I'm not just concentrating on alterna, I like Crots and other species as well. I just thought that it might be a little late in the year, but it's the only time my brother and I can get together. Thanks.
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Matt Kauffman

Hey all, I just wanted to ask some of the experienced field herpers if mid to late Sept. is to late for a trip to the big bend area?

No, it's not too late; especially if you're looking for more than just a few target species. I can't remember the latest I've been out there, but it was October if not November. I recall young-of-year snakes like garters and bull/gopher snakes, plus amphibians (more so if it rains).
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

I have seen alterna as late as mid October. On that trip, we were there for 3 or 4 nights, there was a front coming through and we saw about 40 snakes the night before the front came through and not another snake for the rest of the trip.
Melissa and I saw a bairds on top of a cut on 277 and an atrox on dirt pandale the day after Christmas. After July, it is more about being in the right place at the right time, in other words, luck.
Later
Rick

Thanks guys, that helps a lot.
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Matt Kauffman