Arizona 2009 p6

All text copyright © Eitan Grunwald. All photographs copyright © Eitan or Ron Grunwald except photographs by others are copyright per photo credits. All rights reserved. Terms

ARIZONA

July 2009

6 of 6

ARIZONA

July 2009

6 of 6

As the day and our trip comes to an end, we say good-by to the Cages. Thank you, Young, for some truly memorable days in the field, and for being such an exceptional herper and host. On our final night we’re treated to a spectacular sunset, then it’s back to the motel. But not before finding a few more on the road. After all, you can always count on Rattlesnakes. A sad postscript: Young Cage passed away in 2012. He was universally loved and respected, and he is greatly missed.

I decide to go for an early-morning roadcruise in neighboring New Mexico, hoping for a hognose. No snakes, but Box Turtles are out in force. A roadrunner runs alongside the, uh, road, stopping to perch for a moment before resuming its morning jog. Back in the Chiris, Ron and I meet up again with Young, his son Matt, and grandson Brandon. We hike the bald mountainsides and wooded ravines, searching for Twin-spotted Rattlesnakes (Crotalus pricei) and Mountain Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis pyromelana). Again we’re defeated by the unusually dry conditions. We split up, but once more Ron calls me to come and take a look: another Black Tail hiding in the rocks. Continue hiking, finding nothing but lizards. Lots of Yarrow Spinys blending into the background, and a Tree Lizard belying its name, basking on a rock. We settle for majestic scenery and miniature delights . . . . . . and console ourselves with a photo session of assorted snakes from the night before. We also console ourselves with air-conditioning. Better yet, it comes with a museum attached, one dedicated to desert herps, including a collection of live reptiles; an extensive exhibit of herp art and artifacts; and a huge store of herp-related books, gifts, clothing, and equipment. A must-see for any herpers visiting the area. After the museum we continue into New Mexico to release the remaining snakes from last night’s roadcruising. Young and family catch a new lizard for us.