A Northwest Ohio Weekend

This past weekend I vacationed in Northwest Ohio with my sister's family. The weather was in the 80s, though often overcast and each day and/or night it rained, cooling things down a bit.

Habitat shot with Lake Erie in the background.


A non-native turtle residing in the pond just outside the Nature Center.


Viceroy.


Itchy Bunny.


The area has quite a large number of Eastern Garter Snakes. I like the range that can be found in the colors and patterns in these common herps. Here are a few, to show the variety.

Another habitat shot.


Goat's Beard.


My newphew Max (age 11) has recently gotten into birdwatching. We went on a few "early morning strolls" and saw many cool birds, like this sleepy Common Nighthawk.


Several turtles were seen crossing the road as they searched for a place to lay their eggs. In each encounter we'd help them get to the other side - Common Snapping Turtle.


One place we visited loaned out nets and field guides. We liked this place. Emily caught a Bullfrog.


Sarah liked it.


The frog in question.


I got in the game and netting something. Here's Emily inspecting the catch.


A tiny Northern Water Snake.


My brother-in-law netted a dragonfly.

This dark Water Snake appeared to have no red pigment.




Warbler on its nest.


Can an insect be a highlight of a herping trip? I think so. Max found a beetle that I've wanted to see ever since I was a kid - Eyed Click Beetle.


A Midland Painted Turtle that was given a personal escort across a paved two-lane raod.


Barn Swallow.


One snake I specifically wanted to find was a Fox Snake. I succeeded in doing that.



Max and I posing with the snake.


Tufted Loosestrife

Seeing our first Prothonotary Warbler was a great "lifer moment" for Max and I.


One of only two DeKay's Snakes that were found.


It was a pretty awesome weekend exploring the Northwest region of my home state.

Awesome finds! The fox is probably my favorite.

Wow tons of great species and photos. I need to get out and go herping around here just to see how the ecosystem is thriving. I'm definitely hearing about a lot of larger snakes being found lately. My boss found a 5 foot bull snake in his tool shop yesterday and showed some photos of him catching it and releasing it.

WOW, great photos Tim! Nothing can replace the enjoyment of spending time with the family and nature.

Great post. I love the eye click beetle and the fox snake.

Great photos, Tim! It's so nice to see people getting their kids outside to explore nature!

Kathy

looks like fun -I especially like the fox snake!

Wow! What a great day you guys had. Thank's for sharing all the pictures with us! And great photography BTW.