Early June 2013 Garters and More at Maumee Bay State Park and Surrounding Area
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.

It was a bit cool and overcast at Maumee Bay State Park.

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 nephew 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 road.

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.