California, May 2022

In late May of 2022, I made a trip out to California. For a few days, I explored around the desert, mostly by myself. I did also meet a couple of friends. Then Roxanne and Ryan came out and we drove up to Ridgecrest to stay with my parents.

Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis), way up in a Joshua Tree.

Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus pyrrhus). I was very happy to see this species -- I had not seen one in California since I moved out of the state (1994).

Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes). I followed its tracks in the sand to a hole. Peering into the hole, I could see the snake.

Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos), as found.

Great Basin Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris tigris).

Leopard Lizards (Gambelia wislizenii) are one of my favorites and I am glad that I saw several. I was hoping for a gravid female with the orange colors, but that didn't pan out.

Leopard Lizard.

A closer look.

Another Leopard Lizard.

Another look.

Another Leopard lizard.

This Leopard Lizard had just emerged from its burrow in the morning to bask.

I spent some time looking for Mojave fringe-toed lizards while in California. They require sandy areas.

Mojave fringe-toed lizard (Uma scoparia).

Another look at the same lizard.

I guess this is a “good sign” when one is looking for fringe-toed lizards.

Mojave fringe-toed lizard (Uma scoparia).

Owens Peak “peaking” around Laurel Mountain.

It was great to see my parents.

Mom, Dad, Rox, Ryan.

Dad, Mom, Carl, Ryan.

Mom, Dad.

Mojave Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis).

Ventral view of the shovelnose.

One day I hiked up to the top of Argus Peak. I have now been to the top of all of the high points around Ridgecrest.

Looking down Homewood Canyon from where I parked.

Looking up at Argus Peak from a saddle between Homewood Canyon and Crow Canyon.

Looking down at the Great Falls Basin.

Almost there. A saddle just below the peak. There had been a fire here recently.

A flower found in the saddle. I recognized it as being the one of the cover of the “White-Inyo Range” natural history book. This turns out to be the Desert Mariposa Lily (Calochortus kennedyi).

At the summit.

Looking towards China Lake and Ridgecrest. It was very hazy in this direction. I could just make out Armitage Field.

Looking out across the Slate Range and the Panamint Valley towards Telescope Peak.

Looking down at Searles Valley.

Looking north towards Maturango Peak.

A Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis), about 15” long. I was pleased to find that these magestic lizards are still thriving in the larger vacant lots in Ridgecrest. Roxanne found a bunch while she was out for a walk.

A young White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus). Roxanne found a discarded object that formed “playpen” area where two of these young ground squirrels were frolicking around.

Great Basin Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola).

Action shot.

Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei).

Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus).

Great Basin Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola).

That's it for the trip. I look forward to the next visit.

Return to Carl's photos.