|
Date / Conditions
|
Summary
|
January 01, 2006
Clear
86°
|
Mike Cravens, his friend Brian, and I organized a trip
to Southern Texas. On the way down the temps were surprisingly warm.
We decided to check boards and tin on the road sides, without luck.
We also started to realize how drought stricken Texas was. This would
prove to make our herp finds few and far between. A total of 0 snakes. |
January 02, 2006
Clear
86°
|
We woke up south of San Antonio in
Live Oak County Texas. We checked out various tin sites. The
first site proved to be the only productive site. We found a mediterranean
gecko, rosebelly lizard, great plains narrow-mouthed toad, and a southwestern
rat snake. We set up camp in Zapata County Texas, where I saw a bull
frog and had a small alligator, that I didn’t even see, scare the heck out
of me. A total of 1 snake. |
January 03, 2006
Clear
87°
|
We started the day by checking various
tin sites in Jim Hog and Hidalgo County Texas. The drought taunted
us more as we only found a few blue spiny lizards. We ended the day
at a National Wildlife Refuge where we rescued an old southwestern rat
snake out of a culvert. A total of 1 snake. |
January 04, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
84°
|
We started this day an Cameron County
Texas looking for the speckled racer. Searching till dark yielded
no serpents. The only herps were four-lined skinks, a rosebelly lizard,
and red eared sliders. Maybe tomorrow! A total of 0 snakes. |
January 05, 2006
Clear
73°
|
We decided to give the speckled
racer another shot. However we were shut out again. The drought
was not ending anytime soon. However, I was harassed by the border
patrol from a helicopter. We left Cameron County in the afternoon and
headed to a National Wildlife Refuge in Atacosca County Texas. We
saw a DOR gulf coast ribbon snake. I also saw my first american alligator.
Our luck continued. A total
of 1 snake. |
January 06, 2006
Clear
72°
|
We headed back south to Hidalgo
and Cameron Counties. Our efforts for an Indigo was not rewarded.
All we saw were a rosebelly lizard and a rio grande leopard frog.
A total of 0 snakes. |
January 07, 2006
Clear
79°
|
We headed north to a National Wildlife Refuge in Aransas
County Texas. Our totals were a little better this day. However,
the drought was still very much present. We looked hard without
any luck. However, after viewing our first ever whooping cranes,
we road cruised a beautiful texas rat snake. We later found a gulf
coast ribbon snake out on the move. Before we left, I got pictures
of an adult alligator from only a few feet away. A total of 2 snakes. |
January 08, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
71°
|
We were now on our way back to Saint
Louis. We took a scenic route in Cameron and Vermilion Counties in
Louisiana to view hurricane damage. We saw devastation, many red
eared sliders, and several american alligators. It was a great bird
trip, but not so much a herp trip. I did get some lifers in both categories
so I consider it a successful trip. A total of 0 snakes. |
January 12, 2006
Partly Cloudy
59°
|
The temps were warm so, I went to
one of my spots in St. Charles County Missouri to find my first Missouri
snake of the year. I was successful, but the wind limited my luck
to one eastern garter snake. A total of 1 snake. |
January 16, 2006
Clear
62°
|
The temps again were warm, so my
sister and I went to my other spot in St. Charles County Missouri.
We arrived late. By this time it was cloudy, windy, and about to rain.
I only managed to see a large eastern yellow-bellied racer sticking his
head out of a crevasse. A total of 1 snake. |
January 19, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
62°
|
I couldn’t help but feel like I was
wasting my time at home. It was warm and sunny. I should be
snake hunting! However, I got to my spot in St. Charles County Missouri
where it was now cloudy and very windy. Needless to say, I would
have had just as much luck on the couch. A total of 0 snakes. |
February 14, 2006
Clear
69°
|
I
went to one of my spots in St. Charles County Missouri, but I had no
luck. Maybe next time! A total of 0 snakes.
|
February 24, 2006
Partly Cloudy
64°
|
I tried to get lucky with some salamanders and chorus frogs at
one of my spots in St. Charles County Missouri. I was unsuccessful. A total of 0
snakes.
|
February 28, 2006
Partly Cloudy
64°
|
I had to keep my consecutive months with
a snake streak alive, so off to my spot in St. Charles County Missouri.
After I long walk, I see a large black rat snake sticking his head out
of a rock crevice. I then noticed an eastern garter snake just up the
hill. A total of 2 snakes.
|
March 01, 2006
Partly Cloudy
75°
|
I felt the need for a snake or several, so
I hit one of my St. Charles County Missouri spots. Immediately I
saw a garter snake take off into the thick grass. I never found him.
After an hour or so of no luck I looked down at my feet, and in the grass,
was a mass of garter snakes. It was a nice mating ball. I counted
five snakes trying to mate and several satellite snakes. It was truly
amazing. The day eventually ended with all eastern garter snakes.
A total of 15 snakes.
|
March 09, 2006
Cloudy
64°
|
I still wanted to find some salamanders.
I went to my spot in St. Charles County Missouri. I only found one
dead ringed salamander. However, I did photograph a spring peeper.
A total of 0 snakes.
|
March 24, 2006
Cloudy
41°
|
Back to St. Charles County Missouri
for more salamandering. After some tips on where a spotted salamander
was, I went there and BINGO! Finally a spotted salamander. I had
missed them breeding two years in a row. I’m glad I final caught it.
After a photograph, I drove to a knew location and found another spotted
salamander. This was even prettier. Lastly, within inches of
the salamander, I found a western Chorus frog. I wanted to see a
chorus frog badly. This was only the second western chorus frog I
have seen in my life and the first I had the privilege of photographing.
It was a great day! A total of 0 snakes. |
March 26, 2006
Clear
54°
|
My brother, dad, and I headed to St.
Charles County with hopes of finding some snakes. I wanted to see
if any copperheads were out yet. The answer is no, but we still saw
a few snakes including the first ring-necked snakes and first western
ribbon snake of the year. The totals include: 8 prairie ring-necked
snakes, 2 black rat snakes, 1 eastern yellow-bellied racer, 1 eastern garter
snake, and 1 western ribbon snake.
A total of 13 snakes.
|
March 31, 2006
Clear
64°
|
I was in the Kansas City area chasing storms, so during
our free time my dad and I herped. We stayed in Jackson and Cass counties
in Missouri. We did OK. We found 29 prairie ring-necked snakes
(many of which were gravid), 1 black rat snake, and 1 DOR red-sided garter
snake. No tornadoes. A total
of 31 snakes. |
April 01, 2006
Clear
80°
|
On the way back from a storm chase, the gang and I saw
a DOR great plains rat snake in Barber County Kansas. A total of 1 snake.
|
April 08, 2006
Partly Cloudy
52°
|
While cutting grass for a customer, I spied an eastern
garter snake sunning himself. A total
of 1 snake.
|
April 09, 2006
Clear
63°
|
It is snake time in St. Charles County Missouri.
My brother, my dad and I were back at it again. We had seen a couple
black rat snakes and several prairie ring-necked snakes when I checked
a copperhead den. After scanning carefully, I finally found an adult
viper coiled in the leaves. As I was photographing him in situ, he
exploded in defense, scaring me to death. I worked fast and let him
on his way. That snake made me nervous. He was too erratic and
unpredictable for me. We both left on a good note. Later, I
flipped a large piece of plywood and found two adult black rat snakes and
an eastern yellow-bellied racer coiled together underneath. We found
one more adult black rat snake under a nearby board. The totals are
6 black rat snakes, 4 prairie ring-necked snakes, 2 eastern yellow-bellied
racers, and 2 osage copperheads. A total of 14 snakes.
|
April 14, 2006
Mostly Sunny
80°
|
My brother and I hit one of my St.
Charles County Missouri spots today in hopes of finding a grahams crayfish
snake. We didn’t find the crayfish snake, but we did flip our first
water snakes of the year. We found 4 northern water snakes and 2 eastern
garter snakes. A total of 6 snakes. |
April 15, 2006
Cloudy 82°
|
My mom and I decided to herp Jefferson
County Missouri. She needed the exercise and I needed a milk snake.
After finding a couple of ring-necked snakes, I flipped a rock and found
a juvenile speckled kingsnake. After the photo session, my mom flipped
the next snake, another juvenile speckled kingsnake. Two kings in
a row. How about another! My mom answers with the hat trick
by shouting, “Ryan. Milk Snake!” I was stoked. After a
great photo session and cleaning my camera lens of snake feces, we moved
on. What would snake number 4 be. I answered my own question
when I looked under a rock my mom lifted and found an earth snake.
I checked closely to see if it was the lifer I have been waiting for a couple
of years. Five liabel scales later and a smile across my face, we put
the rough earth snake back under his rock. We continued on. I
said, “that looks like a good milk snake rock.” Apparently the milk
snake under it thought so too. This was my first multi-milk snake day.
After releasing it back, we continued. The last significant find was
a sub-adult racer. This was the best outing of the year so far.
The numbers go something like this: 12 prairie ring-necked snakes,
4 lined snakes, 2 speckled kingsnakes, 2 red milk snakes, 1 eastern yellow-bellied
racer, and 1 rough earth snake. A total of 22 snakes.
|
|
April 22, 2006
Partly Cloudy
81° |
Was at my grandparent’s home in Warren
County Missouri, so I had to herp. While Kyle and I herped I pointed
to a rock and said, “Milk snake rock.” Underneath was an adult milk
snake. That is twice in a row that I have called a milk snake.
The day ended with 16 prairie ring-necked snakes, 1 western ribbon snake,
and 1 red milk snake. A total
of 18 snakes.
|
|
April 23, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 91° |
While waiting for a storm to mature
in Lincoln County Kansas, I decided to flip some rocks. I found 1
prairie ring-necked snake and 1 Texas horned toad. I really liked the
horned toad. No tornadoes. A total of 1 snake.
|
April 27, 2006
Partly Cloudy 72°
|
Mike Cravens and I had decided to meet up at a spot in Jefferson County
Missouri. We wanted to find milk snakes and coachwhips, which we
did not find. However, we did see a species we hadn't seen before at this
spot. I spotted a large copperhead at the edge of a large rock. After
pictures were taken, we let the snake go. The next great find belonged
to Mike. He flipped the most beautiful copperhead I had ever seen
under a rock. The snake was as pink as you will ever see. We
spent a while photographing him and then we let him go. The last
major find was a nice juvenile speckled kingsnake. The totals include:
6 western worm snakes, 5 prairie ring-necked snakes, 4 lined snakes,
2 eastern yellow-bellied racers, 2 osage copperheads, and a speckled kingsnake.
A total of 20 snakes.
|
May 06, 2006
Partly Cloudy 66°
|
While at my grandparent's house in
Warren County Missouri, my brother and I spent some time looking for some
herps. It wasn’t an eventful day. My favorite find was a very
large male broad-headed skink. The totals include 6 prairie ring-necked
snakes, 1 northern water snake, and 1 northern water snake.
A total of 8
snakes.
|
May 13, 2006
Cloudy 57°
|
Again, my brother and I herped at
my grandparent's house in Warren County Missouri. Once again, not much
was found, but it was an enjoyable event. I did manage to find my first
woodhouse’s toad in several years. Also seen were 6 prairie ring-necks
snakes. A total of 6 snakes.
|
May 14, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 63°
|
Mike Cravens, my brother Kyle, and I met up in Farmington
and then headed to a location in Wayne County Missouri. We were hoping
to score a pygmy rattlesnake. However, knowing it was a long shot,
we didn’t get our hopes up. We started around noon. The first
couple of hours were extremely slow. We herped prime habitat and only
managed to find a couple of flat-headed snakes and a ring-necked snake.
We were really griping about our bad luck when I picked up a small rock
and noticed a nice juvenile speckled kingsnake coiled underneath.
We were pleased with this. Thinking it may be a fluke, we continued.
We started complaining again, this time about how we weren’t finding any
milk snakes. However, Mike’s foot moved a small rock and coiled underneath
was a neonate red milk snake. After photographing and releasing the
snake we decided it would be in our best interest to flip a couple more of
the nearby rocks. A few rocks later another juvenile milk snake.
The three of us were thinking, “What is going on. Well, our spirits
were lifted, so we continued. The speckled kingsnake apparently jump
started the rest of the day for us. As soon as we got to our goal location
we found a couple of small eastern yellow-bellied racers. While Mike
was photographing the second racer, I continued looking. Kyle and
I saw a good looking rock. I got this rush of feeling, like I know
there is something cool under there. I didn’t know it at the time, but
Kyle had the same feeling. Upon lifting the rock, I saw a flash of
red on the left side and a brown patterned snake on the right side.
A couple of seconds later, I was holding a red milk snake and a beautiful
great plains rat snake. On the way back to the car to head home we
flipped our fourth and last milk snake of the day. It turned out to
be the prettiest of the four milks. Our dead day turned into an outstanding
day. No pygmy’s, but I look forward to returning. The totals are
7 flat-headed snakes, 4 red milk snakes, 2 prairie ring-necked snakes, 2
eastern yellow-bellied racers, 1 speckled kingsnake, and 1 great plains
rat snake. A total of 17 snakes.
|
May 17, 2006
Scattered Clouds 77°
|
I started my first day of work today in St. Charles County
Missouri. While walking a field, I saw a black rat snake and an eastern
yellow-bellied racer. A total of 2 snakes.
|
May 18, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 73°
|
While working, I saw three eastern yellow-bellied racers.
A total of 3 snakes.
|
May 19, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 84°
|
Saw a northern water snake at work today.
A total of 1 snake.
|
May 21, 2006
Sunny 85°
|
Mike Cravens, Brian Willy, my brother, my dad, and I decided
to hit a new area in Maries County Missouri. We got there and shortly
found our target area. Within minutes we had found several ring-necked
snakes, a worm snake, and a stunning copperhead. We continued to the
next area. It wasn’t long before we turned up a couple of milk snakes.
Through the course of the day, we turned up several ring-necked snakes, flat-headed
snakes, rough earth snakes, and milk snakes. The last find of the day
was another beautiful copperhead. The totals include 23 prairie ring-necked
snakes, 7 red milk snakes, 5 flat-headed snakes, 3 rough earth snakes, 2 eastern
yellow-bellied racers, 2 osage copperheads, 1 western worm snake, 1
speckled kingsnake, and 1 juvenile great plains rat snake. This may
be the best outing of the year. A total of 45 snakes. |
May 22, 2006
Scattered Clouds 82°
|
I saw 3 eastern yellow-bellied racers and a black rat snake
today at work. A total of 4
snakes.
|
May 23, 2006
Scattered Clouds 80°
|
Dustin, my brother and co-worker spotted a nice juvenile
prairie kingsnake at work today. We later saw a black rat snake.
A total of 2 snakes.
|
May 25, 2006
Scattered Clouds
91°
|
We found a black rat snake at work today. A total of 1 snake.
|
May 26, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 90°
|
Saw an eastern yellow-bellied racer at work today.
A total of 1 snake.
|
May 27, 2006
Clear 93°
|
Brian Stertz, my dad and I spent today in Holt County Missouri
looking for snakes. We found a black rat snake and a prairie ring-necked
snake early on. We then decided to road cruise. Around 10:00p.m.
I noticed a white snake in the road. Getting out I noticed that it was
a timber rattlesnake. It was a great night. A total of 3 snakes.
|
May 28, 2006
Clear 93°
|
Went back to the spot in Holt County Missouri today.
We saw 5 diamond-backed water snakes, 3 red-sided garter snakes, 1 northern
water snake, a DOR bull snake, and a DOR western fox snake.
A total of 11 snakes.
|
May 29, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 92°
|
Saw a black rat snake at work today. A total of 1 snake.
|
May 30, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 89°
|
Again I saw a black rat snake at work today.
A total of 1 snake.
|
May 31, 2006
Overcast 74°
|
While trimming at work, I found an eastern yellow-bellied
racer and a smooth earth snake. A
total of two snakes.
|
June 02, 2006
Scattered Clouds
83°
|
Today I saw an eastern yellow-bellied racer dart into the
thick grass at work. A total
of 1 snake.
|
June 05, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 81°
|
I saw an eastern yellow-bellied racer today at work. A total of 1 snake.
|
June 06, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 83°
|
I got an eastern yellow-bellied racer off the road at work
today. A total of 1 snake.
|
June 07, 2006
Partly Cloudy 88°
|
Saw two prairie ring-necked snakes and a DOR midland brown
snake at work today. A total
of 2 snakes.
|
June 09, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 89°
|
Observed an eastern garter snake today at work. A total of 1 snake.
|
June 12, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 74°
|
While walking a wooded hillside, I spotted a large northern
red-bellied snake. A total of
1 snake.
|
June 15, 2006
Scattered Clouds 89°
|
During work, my coworker Josh spotted a neonate osage copperhead.
It was a nice find. A total
of 1 snake.
|
June 19, 2006
Scattered Clouds 91°
|
While hiking around at work, I hear my coworker Matt say
"A snake darted under a rock". He said he thought it was a copperhead.
Well, I just had to look under the rock. It turned out not to be a
copperhead. Under the rock was a buzzing juvenile timber rattlesnake.
After a photo session we let the snake go and we went back to work.
Also seen were 2 prairie ring-necked snakes and an eastern garter snake.
A total of 4 snakes.
|
June 21, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 95°
|
Work brought us to the top of a bluff today. There
were a lot of good looking crevices and rocks up here. One crevice
really looked appealing. I was picturing a beautiful adult timber rattlesnake
coiled underneath it. Wait a minute! That snake isn’t mental.
It’s real! I had found my second timber rattlesnake in three days.
The snake was on his way shortly after pictures were collected.
A total of 1 snake. |
June 23, 2006
Scattered Clouds 88°
|
My dad, brother, and I decided to road cruise in Monroe County
Illinois. The night was very slow. The only snake turned out
to be a midwest worm snake of all things. A total of 1 snake.
|
June 24, 2006
Scattered Clouds 86°
|
While at my grandparent’s house in Warren County Missouri,
I found a small variety of things. There was nothing of much interest
snake-wise except for 11 prairie ring-necked snakes and 2 large common snapping
turtles. Snapping turtles aren’t too common there, so those were
a treat. A total of 11 snakes.
|
June 26, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 78°
|
While picking up debris from a previous storm at work,
I found a couple of nice boards. Under one of the boards were three
large western ribbon snakes. A total
of 3 snakes.
|
June 27, 2006
Scattered Clouds 83°
|
I decided to check the
board again. Only one of the western ribbon snakes remained.
Also saw a snake dart into some thick cover. I wasn’t able to get an
identification on it. I suspect it was an eastern garter snake.
A total of 2 snakes.
|
June 28, 2006
Scattered Clouds 90°
|
While at work, I spotted a black rat snake basking on a
log. A total of 1 snake.
|
July 01, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 95°
|
I herped my grandparent’s property in Warren County Missouri
again today. I found 7 prairie ring-necked snakes, a northern water
snake, and a midland brown snake. A total of 9 snakes.
|
July 05, 2006
Scattered Clouds 83°
|
Again, we were walking in the forest when my coworker Josh
says, “There is a snake and I almost stepped on it”. I was surprised
to find that it was the third timber rattlesnake of the summer. Unfortunately,
it had a broken neck. The good news is, the snake was healthy as could
be. The snake had no problem surviving. After a photo session,
we let the snake on its way. A
total of 1 snake.
|
July 09, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
92°
|
Mike Cravens and I decided it was time to find an ozark
hellbender in Howell County Missouri. I had never seen one before so
I was very excited. We started our search early. The water was
cold, so I stayed in the shallow water. All that in and out of the
water stuff gives me heart attacks. Anyway, certain people in the
group said I wouldn’t find any in the shallow water. Within the hour,
I proved them wrong. In two feet of water, I turned a rock and noticed
the adult hellbender underneath. I was excited. They are magnificent
animals. This has to be my favorite find of the year. Mike later
got a hellbender in deeper water. This one was bigger and missing
a couple feet. Also seen along the river were common map turtles, sculptins,
an armadillo, and a midland brown snake. Later that night, we road
cruised in Taney County Missouri in hopes of finding a western pygmy rattlesnake.
That wasn’t to be. We did find a nicely colored southern copperhead.
A total of 2 snakes.
|
July 10, 2006
Overcast 85°
|
Mike Cravens and I found ourselves in Taney and Stone Counties
in Missouri. We were looking for a grey-bellied salamanders. We
didn’t have any luck, but we did find an eastern yellow-bellied racer that
actually lived up to it’s name. It had a yellow belly.
A total of 1 snake.
|
July 15, 2006
Scattered Clouds 96°
|
I again herped my grandparent’s property in Warren County
Missouri. All that was found were 2 prairie ring-necked snakes.
A total of 2 snakes.
|
July 22, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
85°
|
At my grandparent’s house
in Warren County Missouri, I flipped a fiberglass board and found a nice
red milk snake underneath. Later I learned that I found the same
snake last year. Also found were 6 prairie ring-necked snakes.
A total of 7 snakes.
|
July 24, 2006
Partly Cloudy 91°
|
While scaling a hill at work, I notice a snake coiled up
under an outcropping. It was a red milk snake. It was a dandy
one at that. It had large red blotches and thick black outlines.
After some photos, I sent the snake on his way. A total of 1 snake.
|
August 03, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
91°
|
I saw a black rat snake at work today. A total of 1 snake.
|
August 04, 2006
Scattered Clouds 92°
|
I saw a black rat snake and an eastern yellow-bellied racer
at work today. A total of 2
snakes.
|
August 07, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
95°
|
Not much to report at work today. I spotted a neonate
northern red-bellied snake crawling through the leaf litter.
A total of 1 snake.
|
August 08, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
88°
|
While walking a trail at work, I saw a racer take off into
the forest. A total of 1 snake.
|
August 11, 2006
Scattered Clouds 89°
|
After a morning of working, we came back to lunch with
a surprise. One of my colleagues had brought back a 3 foot osage copperhead
that he had accidentally killed with a tractor. Dang! Later that
day my boss said I could spend the rest of my work time checking out the
glade. So the gang and I looked around. Matt then spotted
a nice osage copperhead coiled up under a crevice. That was a great
way to end my summer job. A
total of 1 snake.
|
August 13, 2006
Overcast 91°
|
Mike Cravens wanted to meet up and do some herping in St.
Charles County Missouri and Jersey County Illinois. We later meet
up with Bill ? and herped a while longer. Not an impressive day,
but we found a few things. We found 3 eastern garter snakes and a juvenile
eastern yellow-bellied racer. A total
of 4 snakes.
|
August 20, 2006
Overcast 91°
|
Brian
and I met up with Wayne and Bill in Montgomery county Missouri. It
was hot and we didn’t see anything. At the end of the day I collapsed
of dehydration. It wasn’t a fun day. But I recovered.
A total of 0 snakes.
|
August 27, 2006
Overcast 91°
|
Kyle
and I just had to get out! It had been a while since we had herped.
The high temperatures lately have kept us indoors. We decided to nail
Jefferson County Missouri today. There was a lot of effort put into
today with little reward. We got one lined snake and one nice speckled
kingsnake. A total of 2 snakes.
|
August 28, 2006
Overcast 91°
|
Mike
and I decided to road cruise for snakes in Monroe and Randolf COunties in
Illinois. Not much was found, but I was very happy. We saw a
midland brown snake, diamond-backed water snake, and a prairie kingsnake,
which made the trip worth it. We also saw a DOR black rat snake and
a DOR northern copperhead. A total
of 5 snakes.
|
September 02, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
85°
|
I
herped my grandparents property in Warren County Missouri today.
It was hot and very dry so not much was found. I did find a newly
metamorphed ringed salamander. I was stoked with this find.
I also saw two prairie ring-necked snakes. A
total of 2 snakes.
|
September 03, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
85°
|
Kyle
and I herped in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties Missouri today.
Not much was seen. I did find my first St. Louis County red-backed salamander.
Also seen were 7 prairie ring-necked snakes, 1 morthern water snake, and
1 western ribbon snake. A total of 9 snakes.
|
September 04, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
85°
|
Kyle,
my dad and I met Mike at a spot in St. Charles County Missouri. It
was again warm and extremely dry. All that could be had was 4 northern
water snakes. A total of 4 snakes.
|
September 09, 2006
Mostly Cloudy
85°
|
I
again herped my Grandparent’s property in Warren County Missouri. I
found another newly metamorphed ringed salamander. I also found 8
ring-necked snakes and 1 northern water snake. A total of 9 snakes.
|
September 10, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 85°
|
My
father and I went out to Jersey County Illinois. I was thrilled to
flip a nice red milk snake under a sheet of tin. I also saw an eastern
garter snake, a northern ring-necked snake, and a DOR northern copperhead.
A total of 4 snakes.
|
September 15, 2006
Light Rain
81°
|
I
met Mike at a spot in Jefferson County Missouri. We had a descent
day. We found 4 prairie ring-necked snakes, 3 lined snakes, i eastern
yellow-bellied racer, 1 juvenile speckled kingsnake, 1 red milk snake,
and a great plains rat snake. A total
of 11 snakes.
|
September 16, 2006
Partly Cloudy
93°
|
While
driving through Iowa, we saw a snake in the road. When I got to him
it turned out to be a western fox snake. Later in the day we got two
nice tornadoes. A total of 1 snake.
|
September 17, 2006
Light Rain
82°
|
While
driving back from Kansas city, we stopped at various locations. The
first snake, found in Pettis County Missouri, was the most beautiful speckled
kingsnake I have ever seen in my life. The speckles were bright banana
yellow. We ended the day at one of my spots in St. Charles County Missouri.
We found 7 priarie ring-necked snakes, 1 juvenile osage copperhead, 3 DOR
black rat snakes, and 1 DOR prairie kingsnake. A total of 13 snakes.
|
September 23, 2006
Overcast 76°
|
While
doing homework at my home in St. Louis County Missouri, my brother says
there is a snake in the backyard. I get out there to see a nice eastern
garter snake coiled up in the yard. A total
of 1 snake.
|
September 24, 2006
Overcast 65°
|
Kyle
and I decided to herp Montgomery County Missouri today. We had a
good day. We found 7 prairie ring-necked snakes, 4 flat-headed snakes,
2 eastern yellow-bellied racers, 1 western ribbon snake, a four foot speckled
kingsnake, and a DOR rough green snake. A total of 16 snakes.
|
September 29, 2006
Clear 73°
|
My
dad and I were going to LaRue this weekend, so we decided to road cruise
on the way down there in Monroe County Illinois. We only saw one live
snake. That was a juvenile black rat snake. We encountered several
DOR’s. They include 2 midland brown snakes, a black rat snake, a smooth
earth snake, a rough green snake and a prairie kingsnake. It was a
depressing night. A total of 7 snakes.
|
September 30, 2006
Clear 75°
|
The
next day we looked for snakes in Jackson and Union Counties in Illinois.
However it was cold in the morning so Mike Cravens, who I met up with, and
I hope to find a western lesser siren. We lucked out with our new lifelister.
We got two of them. Later at Larue, My dad and I herped with Bill Rudden.
The day started slow, but picked up. We didn’t find anything spectacular,
but it was fun nonetheless. Our totals include 25 western cottonmouths,
6 western ribbon snakes, 3 yellow-bellied water snakes, 1 midland brown
snake, and 1 midwest worm snake. A
total of 36 snakes.
|
October 01, 2006
Clear 82°
|
I’m
at LaRue Road again today. Today would be much better than yesterday.
Early in the morning I discovered a mississippi ring-necked snake. The
temperature was in the 40’s. I was hoping to see a copperhead, timber
rattlesnake, mud snake, and green water snake today. It was almost
a perfect day. I missed the timber rattlesnake by less than an hour.
While walking the road, I ran into Warren Wazuk and his gang. He said
he had just seen a copperhead. He took me to the spot, and true to
his word there it was. I was happy. He then took time out of
his day to show me where he had seen two timber rattlesnakes earlier in the
day. They weren’t there when I arrived, as I expected. Soon I
was blessed with a call from my dad. He found a small western mud snake
coiled up on the road. When I arrived the mud snake was there
along with a couple of mississippi green water snakes. Mike Cravens,
Scott Albert, Brian Willy and a friend of theirs were on the scene when I
arrived. We had a nice photo session then continued. The last
significant find was another copperhead. The totals include 28 western
cottonmouths, 7 rough green snakes, 6 yellow-bellied water snakes, 2 mississippi
green water snakes, 2 southern copperheads, 1 eastern garter snake, 1 mississippi
ring-necked snake, 1 southern black racer, 1 black rat snake, and a western
mud snake. Thanks to all who helped me on my quest. Glad to meet
everyone again. A total of 50 snakes.
|
October 07, 2006
Clear 73°
|
My
dad, brother Kyle, and I headed down to Wayne and Stoddard Counties Missouri
to herp. While driving down, I stopped at a tin site in St. Francios
County Missouri and found an eastern yellow-bellied racer. Continuing
down I noticed a skinny snake on the black topped road. It was a nice
rough green snake. By time we got to our location it was the end of
the day. Not much was seen. The totals include 3 broad-banded
water snakes. Also seen were a DOR broad-banded water snake and a DOR
western cottonmouth. A total of 7 snakes.
|
October 08, 2006
Clear 75°
|
We
stayed in southern Missouri to herp today. Today was better.
Unfortunately, the day got kicked off with a beautiful DOR western mud snake.
Not much else was seen for the next couple of hours. We then started
walking the bluffs. We saw 14 western cottonmouths and 5 broad-banded
water snakes. A total of 20 snakes.
|
October 13, 2006
Clear 60°
|
While
at my grandparent’s in Warren County Missouri, I saw 2 eastern yellow-bellied
racers and a prairie ring-necked snake. Also seen was a newly metamorphed
ringed salamander. A total of 3 snakes.
|
October 18, 2006
Overcast 66°
|
I went
to my spot in St. Charles County Missouri to look for salamanders.
Early on I found a nice spotted salamander. Then while driving to the
next location, I saw a stick stretched out in the road, or was it? It
was a juvenile prairie kingsnake. I was stoked. I wasn’t expecting
to see a snake today let alone one that I rarely see when I am looking for
them. I finished the day with two ringed salamanders. A total of 1 snake.
|
October 21, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 65°
|
I was
looking for salamanders at my grandparents property in Warren County Missouri.
I found only one, but it was a nice one. It was a brightly colored young
ringed salamander. No snakes though. A total of 0 snakes.
|
October 22, 2006
Partly Cloudy 48°
|
I decided to go with Mike
Cravens to look for Small-mouthed salamanders in St. Louis County Missouri.
After a while of searching we found three in close proximity to each other.
We then failed to find anymore. We did find a dead midland brown snake
and three live eastern garter snakes. Two were rolled under logs and
one was on the move in the open. The temperature was pretty cold, so
I was very surprised. As Mike Pingleton stated, “Snakes are where you
find them.” A total of 4 snakes.
|
October 29, 2006
Clear 70°
|
The
temperature was warm so my brother Kyle and I met my dad at my spot in St.
Charles County Missouri. We immediately started finding stuff.
I saw a racer shoot down the hill. I followed the snake with my eyes
until it disappeared. I then looked back at where the snake was startled
from. There was another snake, a colorful snake. All I remember
is looking in my hand and seeing a large speckled kingsnake. This was
a new species for me at this location. I have now gotten all the Lampropeltis
that occur in the area. After photographs, we continued. I headed
to a copperhead den that I know of, seeing snakes on my way there. When
I got there, sure enough a copperhead had his head poking out of the crevice.
I then noticed a second one tucked in the crevice farther back. It
was a great day. The totals are 6 eastern yellow-bellied racers, 4
eastern garter snakes, 2 black rat snakes, 2 osage copperheads, 1 prairie
ring-necked snake, 1 western ribbon snake, 1 northern water snake, and a
speckled kingsnake. A total of 18 snakes.
|
November 09, 2006
Scattered Clouds 75°
|
I decided to hit my spot in St. Charles County, Missouri
solo. Nothing appeared to be out. I saw two snakes in crevices.
One was an osage copperhead and the other was an eastern yellow-bellied racer.
However, it was good to be out. A
total of 2 snakes. |
November 25, 2006
Mostly Cloudy 71°
|
It was suppose to be in the 70’s today so, my brother and
I decided to hit my spot in St. Charles County Missouri. We first noticed
an eastern yellow-bellied racer sunning about 30 feet up on a bluff face.
The next snake was an eastern garter snake as it bolted through the leaf litter.
I then noticed an osage copperhead poking his head out of a crevise.
The next site also had a juvenile copperhead soaking up the sun as well as
an eastern yellow-bellied racer. The last significant snake find
was a black rat snake on the move. We then decided to spend a little
time looking for some salamanders. We found two large spotted salamanders.
It was a good day. Our totals are 3 eastern yellow-bellied racers,
2 black rat snakes, 2 osage copperheads, and an eastern garter snake.
A total of 8 snakes. |
December 16, 2006
Scattered Clouds 65°
|
My dad and I visited my spot in St. Charles County, Missouri
and met up with Brian Willey and his dad for some herping. The weather
seemed approving, but we found zero snakes after hunting for several hours..
Brian and his father parted ways and we traveled to another St.
Charles County spot to do some salamander hunting with some success. A total of 0 snakes.
|
December 28, 2006
Scattered Clouds 63°
|
My dad and I visited my spot in St. Charles County, Missouri
with the thought in mind it may be the last opportunity of the year. Also
on the line today was my current streak of consecutive months in a row seeing
a snake in its natural habitat. I was not about to let that go without
an all out effort. The all out effort is exactly what it took to finally
come up with a single snake today, a black rat snake, set well back
in a crevice. At least the streak continues. A total of 1 snake.
|
