adventures

I dragged my parents pitfalling for a day, and forced them to wear (hot) snake chaps through the tall grass.


Western Fence Lizard, Sceloperus occidentalis


All lizards are weighed, measured from snout to vent (their 'privates'), and toe clipped to keep track of recapture and get a genetic sample.


Male fence lizards display their bright blue bellies for females by doing 'pushups'. Females' bellies are a duller blue and don't have the black border.


Alligator lizards are another common catch, along with Skinks.


Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinatus


My favorite pitfall array at White Oak.


Dawn and I were sent on a wild cat chase looking for two errant mountain lions, and were pleased to wend our way along the ridges of the park and see all the finally blooming yuccas.


The fall 2007 fire ravaged this valley where the interns used to live, which allowed more erosion of the hillsides.


Some oaks survived and were regenerating.