How Little I Know -- Undisclosed Location, San Mateo Co. 10/11/2013

One of the great thrills of my naturalist year thus far came back in July, when, after 10 years of hoping to spot them, I happened upon a location where it's relatively easy to see San Francisco Garter Snakes out in the open. Those who know me know that in the last two years I've dedicated myself to becoming a well-rounded naturalist, albeit one who still can't memorize all the scientific names. Still, herps have been, and continue to be, a passion. The SF Garter Snake was one of three species of herptile in the SF/Monterey Bay Areas west of the Coast Ranges I haven't seen. (The other two are the SC Long-toed Salamander and Gilbert's Skink. ) It was the one I was most eager to see, but it had always eluded me. Then one day Jessica and I decided to drive north to go for a walk, and before we'd even gone very far, there were the snakes. I saw four that day, all at a safe distance (for the snakes) from the path.

Yesterday, suffering from my annual cold and its attendant asthma, I decided to revisit the spot, since it doesn't require much physical exertion. I didn't expect much, as the weather has turned colder and it was windy, but the sun came out, and so did the snakes. I saw a total of six, from juveniles to adults. It's such a thrill to see these beautiful reptiles, and to see them in a way that doesn't distress or disturb them. I had my new 75-300mm lens, which meant that I could stand quite far back from the snakes, and still manage my usual photos-of-dubious-quality. In addition to the Garters, there was a lot of other things around, as well, ranging from a young Bobcat, to three different species of warbler, to other herps, including a young Coast Garter Snake, several treefrogs, and many fence lizards. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day, even with a cold.

One thing I particularly like about this spot is how aware the park staff is of the snakes, and the care they take to make sure that the animals are not harassed or absconded with. Although habitat destruction is the greatest threat facing the San Francisco Garter, poaching is a real and significant concern. I'm not naming the spot in question, because I feel it is better not to post locations for the San Francisco Garter Snake on public forums. It makes me hopeful, though, to know that this particular population have some very conscientious custodians.

Posted on October 25, 2013 04:28 PM by