Gopher Snake (Pituophus catenifer) |
It was quite hot and muggy when we started our trek, the sun beating down mercilessly and the high humidity making us feel like we were broiling. Even the slight breeze didn't ameliorate the heat very much.
We hiked up to First Arroyo, encountering the Gopher Snake pictured here not long after crossing the Tellbrook Arroyo. The dogs never even noticed it while I stood photographing the individual.
After a shade and water break in First Arroyo we headed back. Along the way Willow went over to sniff what looked like a toad-shaped rock, but what was, in reality, a desiccated toad. I'm guessing it was a Chihuahuan Green Toad that unfortunately got baked by the sun. I think they usually only come out at night.
Made it back through construction on the way home, but I've pretty much determined to hike elsewhere for a while until the construction has moved eastward closer to the mountains.
Tapered tail |
Rounded rather than triangular-shaped head |
Similar, but not "diamond-shaped" markings |
This & the next 2: views of its head |
Headed into First Arroyo |
Shade break in the arroyo |
Torrey Yucca crown |
Willow and Frio |
This & the next 3: studies of a Soaptree Yucca |
Heelers at rest |
The long dirt road |
Probably a Chihuahuan Green Toad |
Anaxyrus debilis insidior |
Recent gullywasher turned up a washer |
Almost back into the upper flatland |
1 comment:
I like those different studies of the Yucca plant. And I'm glad that snake wasn't a rattler.
Post a Comment