Uncovering creatures in the compost pile

Found this fat grub at the bottom of the compost pile.

When I decided to move the compost pile to the back of the yard, I didn't expect to disturb so many critters.

In addition to earthworms and smaller grubs, I found a couple of giant grubs and some reptiles when I invaded their winter home.

These big grubs are larvae for Rhinoceros beetles.

I relocated the sluggish Gulf Coast toad under a rock ledge and put compost on top if it. I expect to hear its croaks in a couple of months.

The rough earth snake slithered under some leaves after I uncovered it.

The Skink was so fast I couldn't get a good pic.

Bottom of the pile. Yes, that is a headless giraffe that was stuffed behind the compost bin.

I spy in the yard

That's pretty good camo, but I see you.

Do you really think you're hiding, little Rough Earth Snake?

Gulf Fritillary blends in.

Green anole plays keep away.

Slithering leaf mates: snake and skink

There is still no sunshine but on Saturday the temperature was approaching 60 degrees so it was a good day to spend a couple of hours raking leaves and pulling weeds before it started raining again.

However when you start raking, you disturb creatures under the leaf litter.

First I found this tail sticking out when I swept away an inch of crunchy leaves.

Exposed tail.

The tail belonged to a Rough Earth Snake that didn't want me to look at its face. 

A few minutes later I uncovered a skink that wasn't as pliant as the snake. It wanted to slither away from me as quickly as possible.

Let's admire those stripes on this Little Brown Skink.

Cute legs.

These little lizards are garden friends. According to the Galveston County Master Gardeners:

Generally skinks are no longer than 8 inches. Most skink species have short legs that are well-formed and a few have no legs at all. They often look like a snake crawling about. Skinks are very beneficial to the garden because their prey includes grasshoppers, snails, slugs, cockroaches and even small mice. Most skinks are active during the day and prefer hanging out on the ground rather than climbing trees. Some skinks like to burrow.

Even though you may not be well-acquainted with, or even aware of, skinks; tribes of these sleek-bodied mini-hunters are hopefully stalking pests in your garden as you read this. They help to maintain a natural balance and protect your plants.

I tossed the snake and the skink under the deck where I also throw a lot of leaves when I'm feeling lazy. There should be plenty of good hiding places under there.

Disturbing a little snake under the leaves

It's about 60 degrees on this late December day, but still rather cold for this Rough Earth Snake that I uncovered while scooping leaves into a pile.

I probably would not have noticed it if a flash of white hadn't caught my eye. I tucked the little snake under the shed away from the threat of rakes.