Rare visitors

[Gail P]

It seems that my property is a hot spot for a few of Ontario's Species at Risk. Today this Five-lined Skink made an appearance



And just 2 days ago this Blanding's turtle found it's way here as well






We also usually see a few Eastern Hognose snakes each year, which is another SAR. All of these species are reportable, the MNR wants to keep a database on where they are and keep tabs on their status.

Considering the time of year, the turtle was likely a female looking for a nesting spot when she wandered right up to our house. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a better picture of the skink. It surprised me and I didn't have the camera handy. Came out the front door and saw a tail disappear over the edge of the front porch. It looked like a snake's tail, but snakes don't just launch themselves over the edge of things and drop to the ground, so I went down the steps at the side and around the front. The skink was just sitting there, clinging to the wall and didn't move. I sent my daughter inside for the camera, but by the time I had it, and was ready to shoot the skink had moved to where it was partly obscured by the plants. That was the only shot I got before it completely disappeared. I'll be watching for it from now on though.