Lake Creek Dam Herps of Texas report, 12May2018

It was a great night at Lake Creek Dam this month - four people observed six species of frogs and toads (four with photo and/or recording documentation) and two species of snakes (both with photo documentation). The weather was warm and dry. Several deer were in the downstream creek bed when we arrived, and a Great Blue Heron was on the dam. Lots of swallows (probably Cliff Swallows) and two Chimney Swifts were seen flying over the water before sunset, and at least one bat was seen after sunset.
Blanchard's Cricket Frogs (Call Index = 2, photos, recordings) were in the creek, and Green Treefrogs (CI = 2, a recording) were in the trees at the north end of the dam (plus others in the distance both upstream and downstream). A couple of Rio Grande Leopard Frogs (CI = 1) called at sunset from the cattails at the north end of the dam, and an American Bullfrog (CI = 1) called after sunset in the distance upstream, but no documentation was obtained for them.
After about 40 minutes at the dam, we went to the dry limestone block wall north of the creek. Several Gulf Coast Toads (CI = 0, photos) were wedged in the cracks, and one was also out on the grass. One Rio Grande Chirping Frog (CI = 0, photos) was seen on the wall, as well. Three Mediterranean Geckos were on the wall, and several mated pairs of small Walking Sticks were on the wall and sidewalk.
On the way back to the cars, there was a Texas Blind Snake (photos) on the sidewalk, and a Rough Earth Snake (photos) next to the sidewalk. A scorpion next to the sidewalk looked cool under the black light.
The monitoring period was 20:15 - 21:45.
Participants were Kathy, Carolyn, Ruthann, and Reggie.
Environmental conditions at the creek at sunset:

• Air temperature = 82.9 deg F
• Water temperature = 80 deg F
• Sky = No/few clouds
• Water level = Average
• Relative humidity at sunset = 41 %

Posted on 13 May, 2018 15:07 by k_mccormack