Even though the course has ended, I find myself still set in that mindset and frequently behaving like a herpetologist. Prior to the course, I never would have given a frog by the pool or a lizard on a wall a second thought. Post-herp, however, I chase after the frog by the pool to get a closer look and stop to take pictures of every passing Anole or Gecko I can.
I may not remember many of the details of the course, but what I do come away from this course with is a more open mind and curious spirit. As bizarre as my friends might find this new found fascination with the "slippery slimy", I'm happy with my widened interest and grateful to Dr. Welch for opening up my eyes to a whole new realm of creatures slithering, hopping, and crawling all around us. People often say to slow down in life and stop and smell the roses, but why stop there? We should take notice of all that nature has to offer. The more we understand (& appreciate) the creatures we share this Earth with, the better off we all (toad to human to ape) will be!
So in honor of this course, and my continued interest in the herp world, here are a few of my post-graduation finds!
This little Common House gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) found his way into my house while I was letting the dogs out. He quickly hid behind the dog bed. Like any good friend-of-the-herps, I chased after him to safely remove him from the house (knowing his fate would not be so sweet if he was there when the dog returned). Unfortunately, my approach startled him and the tail was lost in the process (seems I haven't lost my tail autotomy inducing touch). After a little back and forth with a cup and a napkin he was safely removed from the house and back in the garden where he belongs!
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The familiar face below is the prevalent city dweller Anolis carolinensis. While enjoying my coffee at a Tallahassee Starbucks, this fella came by to perch himself on the window sill and enjoy morning sun. He did a few head bob/push ups and showed off his dewlap which I explained to my friend is a behavior used in both mating ritual and territory defense. Then as quickly as he had come he disappeared down the wall.
My last discovery was a result of a pool rescue mission. This tiny frog was recovered during a dip in the pool and returned to the bushes outside. I have had more difficulty identifying this one, so if any one is familiar with N. Florida frogs (or perhaps the area inhabited overlaps with Charleston), I'd love to know the name of this 'little dipper'.
I plan to keep updating my herp discoveries and adventures, so hopefully my fellow herp-bloggers will have some identification input as well as posts/pictures of their own adventures!
Till next time!
