THE PHOTO: This is a photo of a white phase Speckled Rattlesnake, photographed in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona last May. This particular image was taken to showcase the way that each Speckled Rattlesnake population has adapted coloration that enables them to blend in with the color of rock that is most prominent in their range. Because the mountains in the Tinajas Altas Mountains of Arizona and Mexico consist predominantly of white granite, the Speckled Rattlesnakes there are mostly white. In other ranges, Speckled Rattlesnakes may be bluish, red, or brown.
THE PROJECT: I have endeavored to photograph all of the 13 different species of rattlesnakes that live in Arizona. Last year I took a month long trip to the state, and found and photographed 5 of the species. I am in Arizona again now, on a 3 week trip, and I have found and photographed two more species. So I now have 7 species photographed, and 6 yet to be photographed. In a few days I will relocate from the low desert into an area of higher elevation, where I hope to find as many as 3 of the montane rattlesnake species. I will continue to come to Arizona each year until I have taken satisfying photographs of all 13 species. And then after the project is finished I will probably keep coming back, because I have fallen in love with the Sonoran Desert and its wildlife!