Observaciones de easpears

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.