Search found 252 matches

by sjfriend
October 15th, 2022, 9:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: EASTERN GHATS 2022 Monsoon Report (several FHF firsts, big post)
Replies: 7
Views: 2723

Re: EASTERN GHATS 2022 Monsoon Report (several FHF firsts, big post)

Thank you for this great report! As you stated I too love seeing these kind of reports here. Much prefer this to FB or other social sites. Love the photography you did. Really shows the specimens well. And loved all the inweirdabrates you included. I too enjoy finding and photographing them on my he...
by sjfriend
October 14th, 2022, 8:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Oregon Salamander ID?
Replies: 3
Views: 1396

Oregon Salamander ID?

Found this larval salamander near Newport Oregon a couple months back. I couldn't find any photos that are exact and want to be sure I label the photo correctly. I'm thinking Pacific Giant Salamander???

Thank you :)
by sjfriend
April 30th, 2019, 6:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New York snake-cicle
Replies: 1
Views: 4023

New York snake-cicle

Was out fossil hunting a couple days ago near Syracuse New York. The weather was 33f and snowing off and on when we flipped a young Eastern Garter snake. The poor thing was all but frozen. Picked it up to prevent it from being smashed when the rock was replaced. It coiled around my fingers and seeme...
by sjfriend
April 28th, 2019, 4:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New York salamander ID help
Replies: 2
Views: 4554

Re: New York salamander ID help

Thanks Kfen. Ended up flipping a garter snake (pretty sure) yesterday during a snow storm lol
by sjfriend
April 26th, 2019, 4:49 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New York salamander ID help
Replies: 2
Views: 4554

New York salamander ID help

Had to.make a quick trip to central New York for a family emergency. Was able to get outside for a bit and found a few salamanders (5, all same species by looks). Being a west coast guy I have no idea what I'm looking at. So, some ID help would be appreciated. They were found under rocks alongside a...
by sjfriend
November 28th, 2018, 3:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona Toad ID?
Replies: 3
Views: 5588

Re: Arizona Toad ID?

Jeroen Speybroeck wrote:Sonoran desert toad (Incilius alvarius)
Looks good to me. Never considered a baby sonoran. Confirmed with field I'd page. Thanks.
by sjfriend
November 28th, 2018, 11:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona Toad ID?
Replies: 3
Views: 5588

Arizona Toad ID?

Found this toad in South Central Arizona, near the Pajarita Wilderness / Mexican border in July. I know I'm missing something but can't find a match in the field guides I usually use. Any help out there?
by sjfriend
May 5th, 2018, 12:15 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Riverside Co. California flipping the past few days
Replies: 14
Views: 17502

Re: Riverside Co. California flipping the past few days

Awesome post and pics. Love that King!! Kings are my fav CA snake and never found anything close to that beauty. Never had chance to herp that part of state (used to live by Sacramento) so enjoyed seeing animals I'm still on hunt for.
by sjfriend
May 5th, 2018, 11:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2 Days in the Central Valley - We Like Snakes
Replies: 12
Views: 12311

Re: 2 Days in the Central Valley - We Like Snakes

Those were some great days in the valley! Sure miss herping there (the people not so much ;) ). Great finds too. I never found a live ringneck up that way. Did find a dor in Rancho Cordova once. Spent next few years hitting that area hard with no luck. Loved the 2 gators of differnt color. My favori...
by sjfriend
May 3rd, 2018, 2:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First record for Placer county Spea Hammondii
Replies: 6
Views: 6319

Re: First record for Placer county Spea Hammondii

Cool find! When I lived in Citrus Heights I loved herping up that way. But I hated the sadness of all the DORs. Just WAY too much traffic around that area anymore.
by sjfriend
May 3rd, 2018, 12:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Ruber day ( red diamond rattlesnakes)
Replies: 3
Views: 16261

Re: Ruber day ( red diamond rattlesnakes)

Sweet animal!
by sjfriend
January 1st, 2017, 2:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Happy New Year and end of year search
Replies: 0
Views: 2572

Happy New Year and end of year search

Well, spent 2 weeks in Phoenix during Christmas and was able to get out twice but found what I expected: squat! Saw a few Side-blotched. But did at least lucked into 1 gecko.

Hope you all have a great new year. Hope to make an visit but probably won't be until late Oct.

Steve
by sjfriend
January 1st, 2017, 2:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Wickenberg - End of January
Replies: 1
Views: 1694

Re: Wickenberg - End of January

I would expect very little BUT, it's all weather dependant. I have had some sucess in Feb. What you need is rain a while before then a spell of warm weather to possibly get stuff moving. There is almost always some lizards at least. It has been a while since I've done anything in Jan/Feb. Was near t...
by sjfriend
November 24th, 2016, 3:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Project
Replies: 309
Views: 125871

Re: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Project

Great work Dave. Wish we had more of these programs. Regalringneck: I do know mirrors / lights were used at least a few time (myself) but can't say about other trips. That's how a gila was found on one day trip. And I too would have liked if they would have let Dave place cover. It might not work lo...
by sjfriend
November 24th, 2016, 3:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Giving the Chapter Some Love with an EOY Report
Replies: 4
Views: 4510

Re: Giving the Chapter Some Love with an EOY Report

Great post and beautiful photos. You've difinetly got the hang of herping AZ. I've done dozens of trips over 20 years and you've got a few I'm still hoping to photograph someday. My next trip sure won't help that though (next month). Glad to see your post.
by sjfriend
April 23rd, 2016, 1:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Week in Norcal - April 8-16
Replies: 9
Views: 7157

Re: A Week in Norcal - April 8-16

Wonderful post with great pics. Makes me miss CA herping. Never did get to herp the S.C. area so seeing these pics is great.
by sjfriend
April 22nd, 2016, 7:00 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: You Know You're a Herper....
Replies: 36
Views: 16734

Re: You Know You're a Herper....

You know your a herper when... even living in Alaska, every time you see something laying on a road your first reaction is to slow down and see what kind of snake it is.
by sjfriend
April 3rd, 2015, 11:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Unusual Cal King colorization - at least for around here...
Replies: 4
Views: 2364

Re: Unusual Cal King colorization - at least for around here

Sounds like a great spot and good neighbors. I've been able to hit the southern part of CA a couple of times and still never found a So Pacific.
by sjfriend
April 3rd, 2015, 7:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Campo boa on the crawl
Replies: 5
Views: 2504

Re: Campo boa on the crawl

Great way to start a great hike, unless your scared of them!

That's a trip I'd love to do if my body could handle it. Well, guess I could but would take me like 2 years :(
by sjfriend
April 3rd, 2015, 7:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Unusual Cal King colorization - at least for around here...
Replies: 4
Views: 2364

Re: Unusual Cal King colorization - at least for around here

Love chocolate kings. Which part of the state ( N S central)? Your description of king colors sounds a lot like what I used to get in an area of the E Sac valley. The lighter phase were few but beautiful. Had a long term captive / breeder named Hershy.
by sjfriend
April 2nd, 2015, 12:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lifer Z 'cincta
Replies: 11
Views: 4579

Re: Lifer Z 'cincta

Gotta love when a lifer is also such a stunning animal.

And it is amazing how often it's the last rock flipped.

Congrats
by sjfriend
April 2nd, 2015, 12:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A life long lifer!
Replies: 6
Views: 4381

Re: A life long lifer!

Congrats! Z's are a great find any time. That is a large beauty. Always great when a trip turns out a such a find.

I too love the Sierra Z's.
by sjfriend
March 27th, 2015, 2:22 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Good rubber boa weather
Replies: 17
Views: 6879

Re: Good rubber boa weather

Sure wish I was more into actually field herping back when I was a teen. I love finding boas (lots in CA) and would love to find a milk or UT mtn king. I used to live in Fairview / Mt Pleasant UT. Did find lots of garters and one rattlesnake by my place. Oh how I loved it there.
by sjfriend
March 16th, 2015, 11:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: CDFW Data Request for California releases 47,741 Records
Replies: 26
Views: 5783

Re: CDFW Data Request for All California Records is HERE..

I'm all in. That's why this was started right?
by sjfriend
March 7th, 2015, 7:57 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Norcal in June, What Sallies?
Replies: 3
Views: 1677

Re: Norcal in June, What Sallies?

Lassen area probably too dry by then. You could check north facing hillsides but with Ca's drought don't know if even that will work this year. Eureka, it all depends on rain and fog. Along the coast range, sea side, all locally available species could be found if enough moisture present. If too dry...
by sjfriend
March 6th, 2015, 10:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A look back at my 2014 AZ trips
Replies: 2
Views: 2380

A look back at my 2014 AZ trips

Well, I didn't get to spent as much time in the field as I would have liked but AZ is so far from home that I enjoy every minute I can get. Here are a few of my pics from my world of adventure: http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/sjfriend01/AZ2014spade_17_zpscmepjiol.jpg Couch's Spadefoot. Love ...
by sjfriend
October 24th, 2014, 4:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New Game-Name That Herp...
Replies: 24
Views: 7375

Re: New Game-Name That Herp...

I would think Chir leopard frog based on color and high eyes but I wouldn't bet money on it from that pic.
by sjfriend
October 16th, 2014, 5:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Alaska snakes?? Soooo close!
Replies: 2
Views: 2418

Alaska snakes?? Soooo close!

Well, you hear news once in a great while about snakes making it to Alaska and I am not sure myself. Not much habitat and a lot of ice / snow in the way. BUT I got pretty close by accident this spring. Was driving through BC Canada and stopped to take some photos along a river when I spotted movemen...
by sjfriend
October 16th, 2014, 9:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: HERP Records Entered This Year vs previous years.
Replies: 9
Views: 6236

Re: HERP Records Entered This Year vs previous years.

captainjack0000 wrote:Unpaid intern to enter data. :lol:

Just kidding.
Volunteering??
by sjfriend
October 16th, 2014, 8:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Alaska Frawgs
Replies: 18
Views: 7656

Re: Alaska Frawgs

Yes, their breeding season is measured in days. Maybe a couple of weeks at most. As for habitat, they can be found just about anywhere. Forested and much more opened is utilized. One thing around here is there is no short supply of water for breeding and they will start early. I have found them call...
by sjfriend
October 13th, 2014, 9:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A short trip to AZ
Replies: 2
Views: 1985

A short trip to AZ

I was able to spend a few weeks in AZ in late spring and got a few days / nights afield. Nothing life changing but a few great finds. Below in no particular order are just some of the highlights. I love spending time out looking, even for the common stuff because you never know when something new / ...
by sjfriend
October 13th, 2014, 9:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A short trip to AZ
Replies: 2
Views: 1184

A short trip to AZ

I was able to spend a few weeks in AZ in late spring and got a few days / nights afield. Nothing life changing but a few great finds. Below in no particular order are just some of the highlights. I love spending time out looking, even for the common stuff because you never know when something new / ...
by sjfriend
July 10th, 2014, 4:34 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cool looking Ratsnake
Replies: 8
Views: 3303

Re: Cool looking Ratsnake

I am not a Rat snake junkie but still, that is gorgeous! That is why some still collect WC.
by sjfriend
May 9th, 2014, 8:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Bay Area Green Rattlesnake?!
Replies: 10
Views: 3388

Re: Bay Area Green Rattlesnake?!

Nor Pac for sure. Up above Placerville that color is common as well as a deeper green. They look quite beautiful. Congrats on a beautiful snake. I never did find one when I lived in the north bay (Novato)
by sjfriend
May 8th, 2014, 8:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: a few Zion National Park backcountry herps
Replies: 3
Views: 2122

Re: a few Zion National Park backcountry herps

Beautiful post. Love how light the garters are. And the scenery isn't bad either.

Hope I am half as lucky when I pass through in 2 weeks (will be spending most time in Bryce)
by sjfriend
May 1st, 2014, 4:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Most pronouced air-surface temp difference
Replies: 16
Views: 4346

Re: Most pronouced air-surface temp difference

I actually found some AZ snakes a few nights back when air temps were near 60 deg and road (black top) temps were over 80 degs. Dirt was still mid 70s. Guess they don't always hide when it's cold. The whole reason I was still looking was the substrate temps.
by sjfriend
May 1st, 2014, 4:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Alaskan Emergence
Replies: 9
Views: 4019

Re: Alaskan Emergence

I want to do a trip to Hyder (as far south as you can go and remain in state) to try for toads n garters. Great time would be in late July when the bears are also in town at the viewing platform. Not McNeil falls but good, and herps.

I will be passing thru Glennallen the end of May.
by sjfriend
April 30th, 2014, 12:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Going south this week
Replies: 2
Views: 1962

Re: Going south this week

Rothdigga: I'll also just miss you. Will be going back the day after you leave.

Came back early due to temps shifting down a bit, 2days of hard herping and only saw 2 snakes.

So now if anyone interested will be going back out on May 10 for a few days.
by sjfriend
April 27th, 2014, 9:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Alaskan Emergence
Replies: 9
Views: 4019

Re: Alaskan Emergence

Well, there went the rest of your herping year, all possible local herp species found already :thumb:

When I get back we'll have to go out and stack the database this year.
by sjfriend
April 27th, 2014, 9:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Photos From Southern Utah Region
Replies: 19
Views: 5440

Re: Photos From Southern Utah Region

All your photos are great. Love Great Basins, which I could see more. Really love the porky shot.
by sjfriend
April 27th, 2014, 5:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Going south this week
Replies: 2
Views: 1962

Going south this week

I will be heading to SE AZ tomorrow (Apr 28) until Fri. Anyone else out that way want to join up PM me.

My after trip post will follow later

Steve
by sjfriend
April 26th, 2014, 10:08 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Octopi, my babies!!!
Replies: 9
Views: 4294

Re: Octopi, my babies!!!

What species? That is so cool.
by sjfriend
April 25th, 2014, 12:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Killers In Our Own Ranks
Replies: 80
Views: 27706

Re: Snake Killers In Our Own Ranks

Kyle- yes, both bears will rip logs apart, roll them and rocks (large n small) looking for anything edible. I have personally witnessed both. I have also watched a black bear in CA hit a rock face perfect for mt kings and rubber boas. Afterwards you would have thought a herper had razed the place, a...
by sjfriend
April 21st, 2014, 10:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: ANF Teaser: A PAIR OF CONTRASTING APALACHICOLA KINGSNAKES
Replies: 7
Views: 3532

Re: ANF Teaser: A PAIR OF CONTRASTING APALACHICOLA KINGSNAKE

Looking at that first one makes me want to drive out there now! That snake is beautiful.
by sjfriend
April 21st, 2014, 10:49 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Slide scanner recommendations
Replies: 13
Views: 7079

Slide scanner recommendations

Ok my very old Minolta scanner is putting out weird colors now so I am looking for a new one. I have about 10,000 slides to go thru and scan (not all will be but most). So, I need a less expensive but good quality scanner. Any recommendations would be helpful.

Thanks

Steve
by sjfriend
April 21st, 2014, 10:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Killers In Our Own Ranks
Replies: 80
Views: 27706

Re: Snake Killers In Our Own Ranks

Wow! Kerby that hypo is stunning. I too hope people get the message that all animals deserve better then a rock / log smashing just because its not what they were after. When I have done any herp discussions I always go over proper flipping etiquette. It can be tricky when you pick up an object and ...
by sjfriend
April 20th, 2014, 3:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Killers In Our Own Ranks
Replies: 80
Views: 27706

Re: Snake Killers In Our Own Ranks

I understand your outrage. I HATE when people trash a perfectly great site. Much worse they are killing a beautiful animal. A striped ringneck would be such a find.

Good you were able to find your son a live one.
by sjfriend
April 14th, 2014, 9:31 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Flash options for Nikon D3200?
Replies: 7
Views: 6099

Re: Flash options for Nikon D3200?

My set up is using the camera flash and a sb700 mounted on a side bracket in manual remote mode. Since most night shots tend to be in same ranges I just tested until I found the settings I liked for both macro and a little farther out with a couple different f-stops. I have both camera and remote fl...
by sjfriend
April 3rd, 2014, 11:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: ^%$#@KingCobra&^%#!grrrrhhhh!!!!
Replies: 16
Views: 5345

Re: ^%$#@KingCobra&^%#!grrrrhhhh!!!!

Maybe I should lie to the fates about my target species before I hit the road next time. "Just going for a li'l owl spotting..." Problem with this, the fates always know! If you try to fool them they will make life worse. They seem to have a twisted sense of humor. All I know (or at least...
by sjfriend
March 29th, 2014, 2:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First Snake of 2014!
Replies: 3
Views: 2144

Re: First Snake of 2014!

Your right, its a coachwhip. And a beauty at that.