"The year 2006 was an extremely productive year for finding black kingsnakes in the field with 130 live specimens recored. Things got off to a slow start with the first kingsnakes of the year not encountered until April. During the Spring activity period however large numbers of these snakes were discovered as surface activity increased and many were found as they thermoregulated beneath roofing tin and boards. May was cooler than normal which increased the need for these snakes to seek refuge under sheltering objects that attracted heat. Summer was generally mild with considerable rainfall and we continued seeing kingsnakes through this period though in lower numbers than in the Spring. August showed a marked reduction in the number of kingsnakes found, as at this point there was little need for kingsnakes to utilize artificial cover. September resulted in another increase in activity as the snakes were both moving and also once again frequenting predictable situations where they could obtain heat during the day as the overnight temperatures dropped. We were optimistic that October and November would be productive months as well due to good surface moisture from the Summer rains, but cooler than normal temperatures and cloudy skies prevailed. The result was a few snakes found in October and none in November."

Phil Peak