smcameron's Favorites

Found several (quantity unknown) in an unused gopher trap hole. These salamanders are common in my backyard in leaf litter, under potted plants, and in the soil along the fence line. More abundant after rains and in the spring when the ground is very damp.

This is an interesting story with a happy ending. My friend David Ferry and I were driving along Hwy 87 at 60 mph near Crystal Beach, Texas, when I glimpsed what I thought was a Least Bittern standing on the very edge of the road with cars whizzing past. I made a U turn and went back where we indeed found a Least Bittern, resting back on its tarsus joints within inches of passing traffic. I picked up the bird and we stood on the side of the road to examine it. My best guess is that (1) it took a glancing blow off a car windshield, perhaps, or (2) It was totally exhausted from migrating across the Gulf of Mexico. It did not seem to be badly injured and its wings did not seem to be broken. Rather than just leave it here on the road to be crushed and killed I decided we would take it to a nearby marsh area off the roadway where it could die in peace and dignity. So we drove off with Dave holding the bird in his lap and heading to a marsh well off the road where I know Least Bitterns were present. We put the bird down on the edge of the marsh and it just stood there looking at us. I was about to just drive away and let nature take its course, but decided to take a few more shots of the bird. I got down low to the bird's level and it went into the characteristic bittern pose by stretching its neck high and trying to look like a swaying bit of marsh grass. It kept a watchful eye on me from both sides of its raised bill and image 1 shows this action. The bird then started slowly walking away from us. I bent down to take another shot and the bittern took flight and flew out into the marsh and out of sight. I choose to believe it recovered and is doing well.

near Crystal Beach,
Galveston Co., Texas
26 April 2018

Likely the same one seen at this location by Joey and Andrew last Friday. Lone male, expecting females to join him soon, probably after the storm this week

First time ever seeing one in a vernal pool or swim…just the coolest thing ever!

CSP survey with Joey kellner

Grey Fox or Red Fox, I couldn’t tell. Ran half way across the road in front of Henley Gate, changed its mind as my car approached, and ran back down the bike path towards Goleta Beach. Screenshots taken from dashcam video.

I have to admit, the Mountain Beaver is an animal I have wanted to see for many years, but chalked it up there with Spotted Bat and Pygmy Sperm Whale in that I know they are out there, but the odds of me finding one are......

So, I was more than delighted to have been able to spend a good 15 minutes watching this one at close range as it repeatedly carried mouthfuls of dry grass and green conifer twigs to its burrow under the snow.

Found by Sophie Cameron. Appeared to be drinking from the creek (photo 3 is as found). I was hopeful that my adventures in this canyon would be rewarded with one of these secretive snakes, but I never thought I would actually see one. I was out of my mind when I saw it and was more excited to find this guy than any other snake I have ever found. Was very bitey, and bit me and Sophie several times. At one point, it latched onto Sophie's shirt and held on, even chewing into the shirt like it was prey. One of my all time favorite wildlife encounters by far!!!