What
Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)Observer
easpearsDescription
Crawling on the rocky steps of Douthat Lodge.
What
Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)Observer
easpearsDescription
Found by my parents. Moved safely off the road.
What
Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis ssp. sirtalis)Observer
easpearsDescription
Adult crossing a gravel road.
What
Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon ssp. sipedon)Observer
easpearsDescription
Adult sunning on rock along creek near Beaver Creek dam.
What
Eastern Mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea)Observer
easpearsDescription
Struggling in leaf-clogged ditch. Moved to more open water.
What
Eastern Black Bear (Ursus americanus ssp. americanus)Observer
easpearsDescription
Young black bear ran across the highway and then across a driveway where I quickly photographed it. Last seen heading deeper into the forest.
What
American Burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius)Observer
easpearsDescription
Growing around parking area.
What
Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata)Observer
easpearsDescription
Blooming along trail edge.
What
Lesser Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes ovalis var. erostellata)Observer
easpearsDescription
Blooming along trail edge.
What
Panicled Ticktrefoil (Desmodium paniculatum)Observer
easpearsDescription
Blooming along edge of day use parking area.
What
Seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia)Observer
easpearsDescription
Blooming all along the lake edge near beach.
What
Marsh Dewflower (Murdannia keisak)Observer
easpearsDescription
Blooming at the lake edge near beach.
What
Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans)Observer
easpearsDescription
Juvenile resting at water's edge near boat dock.
What
Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)Observer
easpearsDescription
Blooming at field edge.
What
Maryland Golden-Aster (Chrysopsis mariana)Observer
easpearsDescription
Blooming at field edge.
What
Red-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens ssp. viridescens)Observer
easpearsDescription
Eft crossing road near Bear Creek Hall.
Photos / Sounds
What
Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus)Observer
easpearsDescription
Found under a log and returned after some quick photos. See the last screenshot to sway any skink skeptics; I sent Ty just the first pic of the top of its head, and he knew right away without any other shots or context. Ty is the skink master...haha! The overall impression of a skink can tell you quite a lot.
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Coal Skink (Plestiodon anthracinus ssp. anthracinus)Observer
easpearsDescription
Found crossing the main road during the late afternoon on a sunny, mild to warm (78°F), and very breezy day. I got very close and captured a few photos with my phone before it darted quickly into a leaf pile along the ditch. Habitat is forested arid slopes of mica-schist mostly dominated by Chestnut Oak and some Virginia Pine. Possibly the first record for Bedford County.
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)Observer
easpearsDescription
Seen at edge of wetland from boardwalk.
Photos / Sounds
What
Stripe-necked Musk Turtle (Sternotherus peltifer)Observer
easpearsDescription
Found resting/basking on a small log in the middle of the Clinch River while I was kayaking during a survey of Clinch River State Park. First iNat record for Virginia (second at time of posting), first record for Russell County, and farthest north iNat record. Appeared to have two chunks bitten out from shell in different locations and at least two leeches attached near the tail. Released after a minute right where it was found.
What
Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea)Observer
easpearsDescription
Second Prince Edward County iNat record of Green Treefrog; possibly a boat hitchhiker to this area since no other close populations are currently known. Audio recording of NCRF and GRET from the Route 701 boat ramp at Briery Creek WMA. NCRF is the close clacking in the foreground and the GRET is the quiet, rhythmic honking every second in the background.
What
Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans)Observer
easpearsDescription
Audio recording of NCRF and GRET from the Route 701 boat ramp at Briery Creek WMA. NCRF is the close clacking in the foreground and the GRET is the quiet, rhythmic honking every second in the background.
Photos / Sounds
What
Swampfish (Chologaster cornuta)Observer
easpearsDescription
Found in swamp near bridge; about 2.5 inches long. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how rare this was until I looked at the photos hours later (it was getting dark but I would have tried for better photos). Much more striped and rosy colored sides than expected. Released unharmed back into swamp. First Virginia iNat record and fourth global (third individual) iNat record.
What
Blue-spotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus)Observer
easpearsDescription
Dipnetted from creek.
What
White River Crayfish (Procambarus acutus)Observer
easpearsDescription
Dipnetted one of the largest crayfish I've ever seen.
What
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)Observer
easpearsDescription
Growing in swamp with Resurrection Fern on trunk.