Awesome Field Herping In Half Moon Bay, California (pic heavy)

[Anya]

So, Uh, I haven't gotten my fishing license yet, because it takes 3 months for residency to kick in...but...I went field herping the other day. I couldn't resist! It was gorgeous and sunny...Fear not, though, I released all of these guys after briefly terrorizing them, ID'ing them, and taking my pictures.

1. 'Slender Salamander' Very tiny salamander. These are adults. Found about 8.






2. 'Western Fence Lizard' Just about the cutest darn lizard I've ever met. Great little personality. Note the bright blue underbelly, and yellow at the hindlegs.





3. 'Yellow Eyed Ensatina' salamander. I was gentle- the picture where it appears to be dead, was when it was getting caught up in it's own defensive glue. It secretes the glue from it's tail when frightened (As you can see in the picture), and it's sticky enough to temporarily seal a potential predator's mouth shut. Still feel a bit bad. Didn't realize how delicate of a little guy he was until after I sent him on his way and researched info on him.




4. 'Alligator Lizard' He was cool. And the biggest thing I caught.



5. Either a Coast or Mountain Garter Snake. Pretty hard to tell apart.


Aaand then just some scenery shots. I love this part of the world.









<3

[gardenfiend138]

Awesome finds! That's about all I find when I herp in Santa Cruz too, but I've found sharp tails, rubber boas, and northern pacific rattlers around too! I am terrible at catching lizards though!

[ChrisS]

Nice finds! I wish it would hurry up and warm up enough to go field herping here

[Mike41793]

Nice finds! I wish it would hurry up and warm up enough to go field herping here

x2!