I have seen a few western bluebirds here in the inland northwest. They are one of the few colorful species out here. It's too arid for amphibians to stray far from lakes and rivers. I saw a garter snake, though, and I hope he is culling the rodent population!
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These little newts love vernal pools. And travel too and from them to larger bodies of water at different stages in their life. Often across a road. So we see them alot after a cool rain. I have photos of an epic garter snake vs frog battle. The snake eventually won but it took all afternoon. Basically won by keeping ahold until the frog was completely exhausted.
My neighbor had a colony of skinks living behind her house, so I know they find their way to suitable habitats somehow.