Week 1 found the 2014 Crew Leaders, Beth & Celina, beginning work and training.  As is typical in Colorado in early Spring, the weather jumps regularly from summer-like conditions (excellent for herping!) to near winter.  

The crew was able to get out for parts of 3 days for training this first week, with Short-horned Lizards (SHL) observed each day out on Pawnee National Grassland.  As is typical for SHL this time of year, all but one of those observed were adult males - they tend to emerge from hibernation earlier than do adult females.  We found a neonate female (born last August) out on Saturday when the temperature was in the mid-70's.  She was still covered in dirt as they often are after emerging from hibernation.  

We had a few other exciting observations in the brief time we were out this week, including a Many-lined Skink, several Prairie Rattlesnakes, and a Lesser Earless Lizard.