Pena Blanca Lake

Waking up to a cloudless sky, with temperatures already approaching 38°c, it was agreed that Lake Peña Blanca was a good destination for today. Everybody aboard the fun bus and we approached along Ruby Road. After a few impromptu stops along the way for Whip Tails and Spiny Lizards, we arrived at the Lake, and it was stunning. Walking from the car park to the lake shore we were treated to a display by an Elegant Earless Lizard ( Holbrookia elegans ) and we were observed by many Whiptail Lizards. Avoiding the temptation of a swim we took the trail around the lake. Gaining some height we looked out across the lake and saw many Red Eared Sliders ( Trachemys scripta elegans ) basking at the surface. At this point a cry of "Snake" from ahead got my heart pumping almost as fast as my legs. I rounded a corner and was pointed towards a hollow beneath a rock. Sat inside was the most incredible Black Tail Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus ) I've ever seen. The sheer contrast and clarity of the pattern really did make this animal stand out. Nobody wanted to leave this snake and move on. We are glad we did though, as round a bend in the trail we came across a Vine Snake ( Oxybelis aeneus )Read more