9.11.04 - Yavapai & Maricopa Co

Scott Potts and I got a late start (after dark) and decided to head to lower elevation. In fact we headed to an area where we were going Dove hunting the next morning. So that meant herping in an area that we have never been to before. On the way down we found this Southwestern Black-head snake in southern Yavapai County. Soon after that we started finding neonate Western Diamondbacks and Mojave Rattlesnakes as they are quite common this time of the year. Driving to even lower elevation we found more neonate Western Diamondbacks and Mojave Rattlesnakes along with quite a few Sonoran Desert Sidewinders. A nice little surprise as we found a young California Kingsnake and then later in the night we found a Sonoran Gopher snake. By 0200 hrs we found our place to camp out for the night to get ready for our Dove hunt in the morning. As it is in the desert at night (away from city lights) the stars were amazing. Woke up around 0500 hrs and got ready for the Doves, around 0600 hrs we got our chairs set up (LOL) and waited for the birds...... they didn't disappoint us. While looking for a downed Dove, Scott encounter a Sonoran Coachwhip. No picture as the camera was in the truck.

Kerby...  and Scott

           
California Kingsnake        Sonoran Gopher snake

Got a late start (already dark) and found this Southwestern Black-head Snake in southern Yavapai County. Soon after that we started finding neonate Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes and Mojave Rattlesnakes. This time of the year they are quite common.

Southwestern Black-head snake

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Mojave Rattlesnake
 

Sonoran Desert Sidewinder