How many LI'ers have Lizards running around their yard? (Rocky Point: organic, to live in)

[Johninwestbury]

The little "frogs" that seem to blend in with the sand are Fowlers Toads. I saw plenty of little ones in the pines this past summer.

[hotkarl]

I've heard reports of rattlesnakes still in existence in the LI Pine Barrens. Very rare sightings over the last 50 or so years. I totally believe it's possible.
Then again, I've also heard of UFO sightings on the Island as well...heh heh.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by hotkarl

The Italian Wall Lizard. Very colorful and beautiful little animal, about the same size as the Florida Anole (AKA: Chameleon).
They were introduced in Garden City in the 1960's I believe.
If you don't happen to just see one, chances are you wont even know they are there. First time I saw one, I had to do a double take and rub my eyes.
I had heard rumours about their existence on the LI, and that's when I realized what
I saw was indeed a lizard scurrying across my driveway. At first I thought I was cracking up.

They love rocks. Especially rock walls and garden rock design features. I've seen them hanging out on water features pool side too. They like to bask in the sun, just like most LI'ers. Ha.
Once you see one in your yard, you learn to see them all over your yard. You become aware of their existence, and begin to notice them more often.
They blend in very well with gardens and landscaping features. Natural Camoflage.

I had rented a bungalow in Islip Terrace. The steps leading up to the house had stones set into concrete. Coming home from work one day, I saw a lizard. Nahhhhh -- looked closely and sure enough it was an Italian wall lizard catching the afternoon sun. I picked him up and let him run around my fingers for a while. It was so mcuh fun to have a few child-like minutes.

It has been years since I've seen one. Thanks to the OP for this thread and bringing back a happy memory

[CleanCutHippie]

Originally Posted by hotkarl

I've heard reports of rattlesnakes still in existence in the LI Pine Barrens. Very rare sightings over the last 50 or so years. I totally believe it's possible.
Then again, I've also heard of UFO sightings on the Island as well...heh heh.

That would be crazy! I kinda hope they are still there and thriving far away from stupid ppl that would harm them.

[CleanCutHippie]

Originally Posted by Johninwestbury

The little "frogs" that seem to blend in with the sand are Fowlers Toads. I saw plenty of little ones in the pines this past summer.

There are hundreds upon thousands of them at Jones Beach in the spring/late summer. Mostly babies but a few adults. I see some by the bay on the rocks near the water too. Makes me wonder if they eat shrimp or other small crusteaceans? Is it possible they lay eggs in the bay too since there is no other body of water near by? I wonder.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by OnOurWayHome

I live in Northport, and supposedly the local pond has giant turtles. I've heard after a rain storm they are out walking in the roads. In my backyard we get ducks(small ponds), rabbits, raccoons, turtles, and muskrats. I've seen swans in the large pond as well.

I haven't seen muskrats around -- that's pretty cool!

We've had a red fox walk through our front yard in Stony Brook, my neighbor across the road had a deer grazing in her back yard.

Three summers ago we had a gold crested egret in our pond munching on my fish. (I was in awe and rather peeved at once!) It had built a nest around the corner in my friend's tree and laid eggs. There was 1 hatchling that I know of.

We have opossums which drive my terriers absolutely nuts. One of my dogs killed a baby raccoon last spring...blech. Since the snow has been on the ground, the dogs have been bringing moles to the back door. Ewwwwww!

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by hotkarl

I have a ton of "hybrid" turtles in the local duck pond. Classic case of people letting the pet turtle go free. They appear to be Red-Ear Sliders mixed with Painted turtles.
Sliders are the common pet turtles you see for sale in the Pet Stores. Painters are naturally found throughout the Island.
I've also been running into the once thought to be rare Box turtle more often now, further west in Suffolk strangely, I've seen them as far west as Islip. I used to only find them on the east end.

We have box turtles in our yard rather frequently. My old lab used to carry them to the door for me. I've pulled my car over on several busy streets in Setauket to cross turtles who were candidates for being run over.

[longislandmike]

We only, seem to have, box turtles where I live !

[OldLongIsland]

I've seen one lizard in my yard, last year (which I thought was very strange). Every summer we get a ton of little green frogs that live in the trees and make crazy sounds at night (every now and then I see one swimming in the pool). The occasional turtle, years ago red foxes, but nothing beats the birds.

Last summer I came across a bunch of medium sized grey snakes in the Muttontown Preserve. First time in a long time I'd seen more than one snake in a year.

[TheTruth08]

Valley Stream has seagulls does that count? Lol.