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Post by graeme45 on Feb 27, 2019 12:22:38 GMT -8
As much as I love birds, I get the same rush and excitement from adding a mammal, fish, reptile or amphibian to my life list. This being my 3rd year in Chilliwack there are some local critters I'd love to find. GBHR seems to be a hot spot for Bobcats. I'd love to find a Northern Alligator Lizard. Seems like they are quite common in the summer, I just need to find one. I'd also be very excited to see a Rubber Boa. The Othello Tunnels area seems like a good spot to start but the posts were from a few years ago. Lastly, a shot in the dark, but a local nonetheless, the Giant Pacific Salamander. Has anyone on this site ever been lucky enough to see one?
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Post by Randy on Feb 27, 2019 12:48:39 GMT -8
Excellent thread! I have never seen any of those (except the bobcat as mentioned was a recent one). Interested what others will have to say!
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Post by Gord on Feb 27, 2019 13:11:53 GMT -8
Graeme, I agree fully. I very much enjoy seeing other flora and fauna when out in nature. I've seen Alligator Lizards in several locations but the most reliable has been out in Harrison. Ive found them at the East Sector Park at the far north east corner of the Bridal Trail Loop where it goes against the mountain. There's good rocky shale boulders here for them. Likewise I have seen Rubber Boa at this location. www.fraservalleybirding.com/Site%20Guide/East%20Sector%20Park/index.htmAlso worth looking further north at the corner of Rockwell Drive. There's a trail that runs south from here and I've seen the lizards here as well. Thacker Marsh in Hope along the mountain I have also seen Alligator Lizards. www.fraservalleybirding.com/Articles/Suckers%20Creek.htmWhile up in Hope, the Othello Tunnels and Kettle Valley Railway Trail are still good too for both species. I have not had the fortune to see a Pacific Giant Salamander yet. Good luck and thanks for the good topic. Let us know your success. If I see any I'll be sure to pass them along in the meantime.
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Post by oldfulica on Feb 27, 2019 16:17:14 GMT -8
As much as I love birds, I get the same rush and excitement from adding a mammal, fish, reptile or amphibian to my life list. This being my 3rd year in Chilliwack there are some local critters I'd love to find. GBHR seems to be a hot spot for Bobcats. I'd love to find a Northern Alligator Lizard. Seems like they are quite common in the summer, I just need to find one. I'd also be very excited to see a Rubber Boa. The Othello Tunnels area seems like a good spot to start but the posts were from a few years ago. Lastly, a shot in the dark, but a local nonetheless, the Giant Pacific Salamander. Has anyone on this site ever been lucky enough to see one? After birding the region for about 30 years I have only seen one Rough-skinned Newt in the amphibian category. I would like to see the others you mentioned and a Mountain Beaver.
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Post by Harrier on Feb 27, 2019 19:06:05 GMT -8
Northern Alligator Lizards are reasonably common among the rocks on the Rotary Trail in Chilliwack in the summer. I used to see them all the time up at Lindeman, but not so much in the last few years.
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Post by graeme45 on Feb 28, 2019 13:29:33 GMT -8
Thanks for all the info everyone. Northern Alligator Lizard, Rubber Boa, and Red Fox (San Juan Island) are my non-bird goals for this year. I'll be in Cancun for a week during Spring Break. I booked a birding tour for one day so hopefully there'll be a handful of lifers (both bird and other). I'll also try to get some snorkelling in as well.
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Post by murraybrown on Feb 28, 2019 13:47:54 GMT -8
Graeme, last summer I encountered an alligator lizard on the trail at Green Point Park on Harrison Lake. It was almost directly adjacent to the cabin on the island at the north end of the bay. It was the first one I've seen in a few years and I fear they are decreasing in numbers like so many other forms of wildlife in our area. I used to walk the Othello Tunnel trail as well but was never lucky enough to see the rubber boa. As you indicated there was a lady who lived in Hope and she reported seeing them quite frequently. good luck, and let us know if you find any of these interesting creatures.
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