Latest Field Herping Report *pics*

[Removed_2815]

Hello,
Here are a few more photos of various herps that I was able to observe during my tracking research of E. Spiny Softshell turtles.
Enjoy!

A couple of very well disguised Fowler's toads:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Baby%20Fowlers.JPG

A couple of days ago a wild-type female Garter snake wandered into our boat and dropped her litter. Interestingly, the babies were kind of trapped inside the boat so I was able to collect them all and release them after taking some photos. Notice there are three wild-types and seven melanistics:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Garters%20in%20bucket.JPG
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Garters%20in%20bucket%201.JPG
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Baby%20Garters.JPG

Adult Melanistic Garter:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Melano%20Garter.JPG

The DeKay's are out in full-force too:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/DeKays%20en%20masse.JPG
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Garters%20and%20DeKays.JPG

An E. Ribbonsnake:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/E.%20Ribbonsnake.JPG
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/E.%20Ribbon.JPG

A Fox Snake nest:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Fox%20Nest.JPG
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Fox%20Eggs.JPG
Note: the log was so rotten that when I tried to turn it, the branch broke off revealing this cavity. I was able to wire the piece of wood back on and I am happy to report that there was a 100% hatch rate (these eggs were in an NWA so people couldn't hassle them).

I was also able to locate many more Milksnakes, Fox Snakes, Map Turtles, Softshell Turtles, etc, etc, but I have already posted these species below...

Cheers,
Ryan
P.S. Here's a piece of plastic I will likely not flip over again any time soon:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Opossum.JPG
:)

[Matt_K]

Awesome pics man!! Possums are some MEAN friggin' animals!! It's almost like he/she is grinning at you! :D

[Simon]

the Fowler's Toad's pictures is awesome~!
I usually hate frogs/toads ( don't know why...they're really the only animals that I don't like...)

That Possume looks happy enough to chew your hand off for bugging it~

Awesome finds!!!

[Ryan and Katie]

Great pics!! Very cool...

[CamHanna]

A great bunch of pics, thanks for sharing. I love the DeKay's in the bottom right.

[Rhonda]

Those are great pics! I haven't seen any pics of my childhood favorite snake though. Have you seen any smooth green snakes? I use to catch them all the time as a child but I haven't seen any in probably 14 years!

[Removed_2815]

Thanks all!

Originally posted by Rhonda
Have you seen any smooth green snakes?
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Smooth%20Green%20Snake.JPG

Cheers.
Ryan

[marisa]

I LOVE those melanistic garters! Wow they are amazing looking!

Marisa

[CamHanna]

I've never found a smooth green in my life!! Acording to the Ontario herp atlas there's only ever been one recorded in my county (Perth) more than 20 years ago. I've always kept an eye out while camping any where different but to no avail. Do you have any tips.

[Stockwell]

Nice work, and exceptional photography, Ryan.... as always!
Best regards

[Siretsap]

The smooth green snake and the collared garther snake are on my to find list...

Damn that possum is ugly, why such big teeth on such tiny animals ? wouln't want one of those to snag my finger when I try to lift a log or something.

[Ontario_herper]

very nice....

[mrcanada21]

Thanks for sharing those pics, I always enjoy your pics and enthusiasm. Possums put on a very convincing display but are vertually completely harmless... of course I'v never actually tested that thoery but I'v been told that by people that are very knowledgable on them. Thanks again, keep em comin.

Russ

[karmeleon]

Possums are mostly all show. While working for the parks a possum got trapped in a garbage container. I would not reccomend this to everyone but I just picked it out by its big tail and let it go on its way.

[Yness]

I have attempted to go herping around my brothers place (he lives about an hour and a half outside the 'Peg. I have had no luck though he insists that there is a garter snake nest on his property...Great pics

[Vanan]

Damn nice Ryan! That's crazy about the garter giving birth in your boat. 7 melanistics too! Wow! Awesome find and spectacular pics! Wanna trade places? :D

[Jordan B]

OMG! You are so lucky! All those snakes under 1 slab of sheet medal! Nice Job!

Jordan