A Traveler and his Cat exploring America.





Monday, September 22, 2014

A Little Rain Brings Them Out


 I haven't seen these guys - California newt - since last rainy season.  It just makes me wonder where they are all those dry months.  Well for one they must be busy making little California newts.

I spotted several of these little ones and only one adult during my hike.  You have to be really careful walking on the trail for they blend in so readily with the ground, it is only their slow movement that gives them away.  Oh my day would be ruined if I accidentally stepped on one.  Of course his day would be more than just ruined.

As it is with birds, I grabbed this shot first just to get something in the camera.  Then I was able to slowly move in on him with my macro lens in the first two pictures.  I was surprised he posed for me for as long as he did.

As cute as they are, you don't want to pick one up for their skin produces a potent toxin.  
This is why they are free and safe to move about so slowly.



16 comments:

s.c said...

Nice shots. Here in the Netherlands this kind of animals are very rarely seen but there must be lot of them but they keep their distance I assume.

biebkriebels said...

Wonderful photos, very well done. He, she was very willing to pose for you.

E.liza"BETH" said...

what a cool little dude. neat-o!! ( :

TexWisGirl said...

so darn CUTE!

Linda Kay said...

Looks like the little critter was posing so you could get a good picture. We have all kinds of baby geckos running around on our patio and porch...moms and dads must have been busy this summer.

EG CameraGirl said...

I've never seen them except in photos but I'm glad I now know not yo touch them.

MarkD60 said...

great shots! Colorful little critters!

Jeanne said...

cute little toxic bugger!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Great shots- and I did not know that about the toxin on their skin!

Rose said...

Great shots! You feel by them the way I do by toads...just can't stand to see one hurt.

Randy said...

Nice close ups.

Randy said...

Nice close ups.

Randy said...

Nice close ups.

Lúcia said...

You always find cool creatures in your adventures! ;-)

What Karen Sees said...

What a beautiful little guy. I don't think I've ever seen a California newt before!

Katie (Nature ID) said...

A red-bellied newt! What a great find. Where were you?