Skinks at Massasauga P.P.

In fall 2012 Alyssa and I did a canoe trip through The Massasauga Provincial Park.  I like fall camping, the mosquitoes and black flies were almost non-existent, and the temperature is comfortable.  While our snake observations for the trip were limited to Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), we did spot this Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) basking on the rocks as we had lunch.

I swapped my sandwich for the camera and went on a mission to get a shot, these little guys are quick!  The Carolinian population (Pinery, Point Pelee and Rondeau among a few other isolated locations) is listed provincially as Endangered; the Southern Shield population (Georgian Bay east toward Brockville) is Special Concern provincially.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) was in full bloom and fairly common on some of the lakeshores.

Doesn't get much better than kicking back on a warm rock and listening to the loons.