Reptiles

Ornate Box Turtle - Garden City, KS During an early morning search for Prairie chickens outside of Garden City, Kansas, we came across a bump in the road that didn't look quite right. It turned out to be an Ornate Box turtle. These little guys are found in the grasslands of the great plains. They are endangered and are definitely in need of some help. We helped this one turtle by getting off the road and back into the Sand Sage. They are one of 6 species of box turtles in the USA with the others found here. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Ornate Box Turtle - Garden City, KS
Prairie Rattlesnake - Pecos Pueblo, NM This long and very cryptic youngster was hiding in plain site on the pathway at Pecos Pueblo in New Mexico. We almost stepped on the little guy as we were heading up to look out point. There were signs everywhere warning of encounters with the skinny reptiles, but it is rare that you see one. Notice there are only two buttons which means this is a young snake. We watched him for a bit and then he travelled into the grass and off the path. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Prairie Rattlesnake - Pecos Pueblo, NM
Red-eared Slider - Queen Elizabeth Park, BC This is a Red-eared Slider most commonly found in the South of North America. It is the most common pet turtle in the world. Because of that fact, it is also on the top 100 most invasive species in the world. It can be found in most ponds around North America. Please don't confuse this release critter for the endangered Western Painted Turtle here in Vancouver, which has no red ear but red along it's sides and belly. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Red-eared Slider - Queen Elizabeth Park, BC
Brown Anole - Varadero, CU This very drab lizard has a very bright secret under his chin. This native of Cuba has a patch of skin on his throat that he can extend showing off the sunset colors so very different from the rest of his body. To look at him from above, you would have a very tough time picking him out from the branches and dead leaves, but from the view of a female or a rival male, its pretty clear to see him. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Brown Anole - Varadero, CU
Allison's Anole - Varadero, CU This stunning lizard is an endemic to Cuba and a select few islands around the area. They are striking to be sure with the sky blue upper half and the green bottom. I can only imagine that when they are sitting on the top of a leaf, their head's match the sky and the bottoms match the plant. This should make it difficult to see for lizard hunters, like the Great Lizard Cuckoo. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Allison's Anole - Varadero, CU
Cuban Curly-tailed Lizard - Varadero, CU The first thing you notice about this lizard is the tail that wraps up in a little loop and the yellow that flashes back and forth as he runs to a location that they deem safe. This Cuban Curly-tail was in the resort across from Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. They are fairly common in the garden and grass areas on the ground. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Cuban Curly-tailed Lizard - Varadero, CU
Brown Anole - Sunrise, FL This invasive species is found naturally in Cuba and the Bahamas but is now common place in Florida. The are prolific breeders and push out most native species. When they are displaying, they have a flap of skin that protrudes from their throat warning other males and advertising to other females. This
Brown Anole - Sunrise, FL
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle - Playa la Flor, Nicaragua It always amazes me when babies are the exact duplicate of the parents right out of the egg like this little Olive Ridley Sea Turtle at Playa la Flor. This very handsome little turtle was heading for open ocean after we were able to release 180 of the hatchlings at dusk. While in search of birds in Nicaragua, we came across a national run facility for the breeding of Sea Turtles or Tortugas de Marinas. Locals have consumed turtle eggs for as long as they have interacted and have considered it a tradition. With turtles becoming a rare and endangered species, the ministry of environment has sent armed guards to protect the spawning turtles and their eggs as well as put together campaigns to explain the importance of leaving the eggs on the beach. I am hopeful for my grandchildren to see this wonderful spectacle. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle - Playa la Flor, Nicaragua