A Mad Dash To Mingo (continued)

Adult Broadbanded, photographed in situ

Ventral markings of confluens

Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

A good-sized crayfish.

It looked like our day was drawing to a close as we trudged back the way we came.  As we passed the culvert, the one Yellowbelly was still laying on the culvert, soaking up the last of the day's warmth.  Soon it would be heading for its winter den.

As we drew near the spot where we fould the Spotted Salamander, Rick issued a terse "Mike!"  In the grass by his side of the road stretched an adult Broadbanded!  It was in excess of three feet, and not the prettiest one I'd ever seen, but a nice one nonetheless.  It remained still as we circled it with our cameras.

Eventually we picked it up for examination, and it made no move to bite or musk us.  This was the secret to dealing with Nerodia - catch them when they're cold!

The last snake picture of the day.

At last, we and the snake went our separate ways.  It had been a pretty good trip, 13 species found in about four hours of actual herping.  Rick was very pleased.  "We have to come back!" he said.  And we will.