Search found 644 matches

by El Garia
February 12th, 2020, 3:20 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: North American big cats
Replies: 34
Views: 80254

Re: North American big cats

Just last month, I saw Cougars for my first time. I was driving home from a reservoir, some 5 miles from my home, when a lioness and her two cubs tried to cross in front of my car as I rounded a turn. As I slowed the car, the adult made it across the road, while the 2 juveniles retreated back to the...
by El Garia
May 23rd, 2019, 3:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Garter grand slam in just 1 hour
Replies: 34
Views: 20071

Re: Garter grand slam in just 1 hour

Here's a head comparison chart from Gary's site http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/i ... scales.jpg .
by El Garia
May 23rd, 2019, 1:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Garter grand slam in just 1 hour
Replies: 34
Views: 20071

Re: Garter grand slam in just 1 hour

Valley Garter... 100%
by El Garia
January 18th, 2019, 4:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: If There Isnt A Photo, It Didnt Happen
Replies: 20
Views: 20845

Re: If There Isnt A Photo, It Didnt Happen

Great topic Kelly! This is one that strikes a certain nerve with me, as I've had a knucklehead, a few years back, say "Photo, or it didn't happen." There's a lot of people that simply don't realize how much it cost to get film developed, or how a ten year old kid doesn't want to carry seve...
by El Garia
August 16th, 2018, 7:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Alien Lizard Identification Needed
Replies: 13
Views: 10481

Re: Alien Lizard Identification Needed

[quote="Gary N"]Nice! I haven't seen that color.

Neither have I... :twisted:
Image[/url]https://flic.kr/p/fcCe5Q
by El Garia
August 16th, 2018, 2:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Alien Lizard Identification Needed
Replies: 13
Views: 10481

Re: Alien Lizard Identification Needed

Regarding the 'odd', wondering if you've seen this color pattern on a whiptail. Found this olive one at the quarry...


Image[/url]
by El Garia
August 16th, 2018, 2:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Melanistic Snake Identification Needed
Replies: 17
Views: 23000

Re: Melanistic Snake Identification Needed

Hi Gary. Sorry for taking too long to get back to you. My computer went kaput, so I had to get a new one. If the San Jose find that you're referring to was submitted by Dr. Jeff, I found my Tantilla at the same South San Jose locale. Found several on one outing when I was in junior high, circa 1980i...
by El Garia
August 14th, 2018, 8:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Melanistic Snake Identification Needed
Replies: 17
Views: 23000

Re: Melanistic Snake Identification Needed

Cool looking snake. I'm going with Ring-necked, too.

Regarding the presence of Tantilla in San Jose, they are present in more than one locale in San Jose.

Derek
by El Garia
April 17th, 2017, 3:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Yolo Bypass Survey - April 15
Replies: 27
Views: 11903

Re: Yolo Bypass Survey - April 15

So, guys... how was the survey? What'd y'all find? Pics?

Derek
by El Garia
November 16th, 2016, 9:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time
Replies: 20
Views: 16817

Re: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time

Hi, Dave. You simply go to whichever or all of the nomination threads and nominate someone. When the nomination receives a second endorsement, the nominated member may accept or decline. Feel free to nominate yourself, too. You'd be an asset to the chapter, Dave! I'll be stepping down as secretary t...
by El Garia
August 27th, 2016, 6:19 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: "New" California rattlesnakes
Replies: 15
Views: 9662

Re: "New" California rattlesnakes

Looking at my post, now, I can see that I used too harsh of a tone. I apologize for that.

Derek
by El Garia
August 25th, 2016, 2:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: "New" California rattlesnakes
Replies: 15
Views: 9662

Re: "New" California rattlesnakes

OP and everyone else in this thread are already familiar with Hoser and the controversy that surrounds his work. If a couple of OGs familiar with the locality in question want to talk about a Hoser topic, that's their call. It comes across as petty to say that anything attached to Hoser shouldn't be...
by El Garia
July 21st, 2016, 5:01 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: What is this aquatic mammal?
Replies: 18
Views: 24499

Re: What is this aquatic mammal?

From what I've gathered from googling, Mink are a very rare find at that locale. Seems as though Dave is among those who've spotted Mink in the past. Here's a State writeup from January: http://www.water.ca.gov/suisun/dataReports/docs/SEW/mink.cfm I'm certain that the folks at CDFW would be very app...
by El Garia
July 20th, 2016, 2:47 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cladists -- Bah!!!
Replies: 4
Views: 3289

Re: Cladists -- Bah!!!

That herpetologist looks more like a '70s-'80s high school science teacher. That's the standard 'do for the profession, at the time.

… looks like Smith. I think they all had that look.
by El Garia
July 20th, 2016, 2:03 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: What is this aquatic mammal?
Replies: 18
Views: 24499

Re: What is this aquatic mammal?

My opinion- definitely a Mink. Apparently, not a common find. They've been appearing in the Sacramento area with increased regularity, of late.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/enviro ... 23308.html
by El Garia
May 1st, 2016, 4:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: White blotch Ensatina????
Replies: 15
Views: 6000

Re: White blotch Ensatina????

Those 'manders are stunning! I know you've put some time into searching, so big congrats, Jim :beer:
You're a hood gerper, my friend!

Derek
by El Garia
April 23rd, 2016, 9:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Soquel Demonstration State Forest 2016 Spring Survey
Replies: 13
Views: 6881

Re: Soquel Demonstration State Forest 2016 Spring Survey

Wow… looks and sounds like a productive day, all around. I wish I could have been there.

Thank You to all who participated! That looks like a great group of folks you had there!

Derek
by El Garia
April 10th, 2016, 2:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: LA Times article on board lines
Replies: 3
Views: 2339

Re: LA Times article on board lines

Welcome to the forums, snakequeen. :D
by El Garia
April 2nd, 2016, 5:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My trip to the Mohave
Replies: 17
Views: 9322

Re: My trip to the Mohave

Very enjoyable post, Zach. :beer: Looks like a dream job!
by El Garia
April 2nd, 2016, 5:53 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Upper Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area - March 26
Replies: 15
Views: 7515

Re: Upper Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area - March 26

That's a great spot for a survey. Not many folks head out that way. Very nice, guys :thumb:


Dave - I had to do a double-take on that "cold fence lizard". Looked like a Desert Spiny at first glance.
by El Garia
March 27th, 2016, 2:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Random Question
Replies: 4
Views: 3032

Re: Random Question

Jeremy- The names beside the herps are for photographic credit. The photos are of herps in the field. To the best of my knowledge, none of the herps on the site are people's pets. Derek edit: I see what you're talking about, Jeremy. The photos that say "Specimen courtesy of…" appear to be ...
by El Garia
March 2nd, 2016, 2:57 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A question on wild snake growth rates.
Replies: 7
Views: 4466

Re: A question on wild snake growth rates.

Aside from Hannah, Hoyer, and Boundy, I don't know which other forum members have been monitoring and cataloguing such information. I did send Jeff a pm to notify him of your inquiry.
by El Garia
March 1st, 2016, 11:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Sonoran or Joshua Tree
Replies: 16
Views: 5847

Re: Sonoran or Joshua Tree

There's no shame in buying one of Brian's books... I bought one!
ImageOneBornEveryDay by Mo'o, on Flickr
by El Garia
March 1st, 2016, 11:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rain?
Replies: 20
Views: 9264

Re: Rain?

We down here in SoCal don't find anything intentionally. As we told you last week, when Jim looks for SG Slenders, he finds Rosy Boas, and when we look for Specks, we find Lyre Snakes. So there should be no problem. ;) Alrighty. Our targets will be Batrachoseps, Taricha, and Sceloporus - in that or...
by El Garia
March 1st, 2016, 6:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rain?
Replies: 20
Views: 9264

Re: Rain?

We can't intentionally seek those buggers out without the proper paperwork. Lots of other NorCal denizens to find, though. :beer:
by El Garia
March 1st, 2016, 1:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rain?
Replies: 20
Views: 9264

Re: Rain?

I'd like to get out with you for at least one outing, while you're up here, Jim. Pretty much everything should be on the menu…
by El Garia
March 1st, 2016, 1:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rain?
Replies: 20
Views: 9264

Re: Rain?

No shit! I was just going to write the same thing!

Owen - rubbin' it in :lol:
by El Garia
February 24th, 2016, 2:40 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2015 California Member of the Year=Jeff Nordland
Replies: 12
Views: 5262

Re: 2015 California Member of the Year=Jeff Nordland

Jeff,

Thanks for your conservation efforts, legendary hospitality, and the many of the behind-the-scenes things you do that fly under many folks' radar. I can't think of anyone who deserves this recognition more... Powerful job, Jeff!

Derek
by El Garia
February 6th, 2016, 11:04 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Panasonic FZ150
Replies: 4
Views: 5558

Re: Panasonic FZ150

I don't have any specific advice for you, but hopefully these links will be of use. Here's some reviews of the cameras you listed, along with the pros and cons noted by the users: Canon SX50 (discontinued model): http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/889965-REG/Canon_PowerShot_SX50HS_Digital_Camera....
by El Garia
February 2nd, 2016, 3:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My California Kingsnake segment on Discovery Digital Network
Replies: 36
Views: 12483

Re: My California Kingsnake segment on Discovery Digital Net

Should I mention the hickey on your neck, first, or should I point out that you high-fived a guy with Poison Oak on his hands? :twisted:

Actually, I should mention that you come across extremely well on camera. Nice stuff, Zach! :beer:

Derek
by El Garia
January 26th, 2016, 7:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Catalina Island Zonata
Replies: 148
Views: 8428

Re: Catalina Island Zonata

Given that so many threads in this chapter are derailed by non-members, I think that any such conversation should be in the MOF.
by El Garia
January 20th, 2016, 7:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Dangerfield Herps
Replies: 21
Views: 14677

Dangerfield Herps

We've all got them; herps that get no respect. Sometimes people refer to these abundant, easily found herps as 'trash herps', but we won't use that phrase, here. I'm talking about the common stuff that you don't really give a second thought to and rarely bother to photograph. When I herp with visito...
by El Garia
January 18th, 2016, 7:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Salamanders in the Bay
Replies: 13
Views: 6763

Re: Herping Salamanders in the Bay

Right on! Nice array of species, here! Thanks for the update, BayFun. :thumb:
by El Garia
January 16th, 2016, 2:24 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Favorite Finds and/or Pictures of 2015
Replies: 10
Views: 6797

Re: Favorite Finds and/or Pictures of 2015

Not a herp shot, nor is it a pic of mine... but, it is my favorite. This shot brings me many fond memories. Thanks go out to Kent for selflessly taking the group shot. It was wonderful to share time with such quality people; some old friends, some new. Thanks, All. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/165...
by El Garia
January 10th, 2016, 11:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Salamanders in the Bay
Replies: 13
Views: 6763

Re: Herping Salamanders in the Bay

Welcome to the forum, BayFun. As you've probably noticed, it's been an unusually dry year on the West Slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Usually, we get dumped on more so than other spots in the Santa Clara Vallley, but that's not the case, this year. When I went out for salamanders, last week, it w...
by El Garia
December 15th, 2015, 12:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Aneides- the Climbing Salamanders
Replies: 9
Views: 5371

Re: Aneides- the Climbing Salamanders

Here's a couple of hatchling specimens from the Aneides that Zach featured above. Both species are covered with metallic-looking flecks while young. With both species, these flecks disappear over time. Juv. Santa Cruz Black Salamander https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/11867216486_5b3ca25668_c.jpg ...
by El Garia
December 1st, 2015, 12:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visiting San Fran
Replies: 6
Views: 3615

Re: Visiting San Fran

Sound advice from Jimi and Lawrence. In regards to Winter lizard-hunting, you'll have a better shot at finding fence and alligator lizards along the coastal areas, as the inland regions have been experiencing freezing temps. The relative warmth of the ocean usually prevents the coastal temps from di...
by El Garia
November 29th, 2015, 6:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2016 California Chapter Officer Nominations
Replies: 28
Views: 9271

Re: 2016 California Chapter Officer Nominations

I accept the nomination.
by El Garia
November 29th, 2015, 5:59 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Sony had a good year
Replies: 8
Views: 6518

Re: Sony had a good year

I have an SLT-A77ii. It is the best camera I have ever owned. It is probably the first DSLR I've owned that I have never found myself saying "I wish my camera had _____ feature" or "did ______ better". I guess the best indicator of what a great camera it is is that I hadn't hear...
by El Garia
November 26th, 2015, 5:42 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Sony had a good year
Replies: 8
Views: 6518

Re: Sony had a good year

Sony's giving Canikon something to contend with in the full-body dslr/dslt department, too. What I'm most excited for, is their latest Alpha Mount offering, due for release in early 2016; the SLT-A68. It probably has the best attributes and features i've seen at a $550 price point (79 autofocus dete...
by El Garia
November 13th, 2015, 1:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Bipes rumor
Replies: 7
Views: 4335

Re: Bipes rumor

Cool topic, Dave. I can't speak to the basis of the rumors. I do remember hearing about Amphisbaenians in AZ, as a kid. Back when I was a youngin, my goal was always to find a new species or ssp., so I was really into cryptids. Overly optimistic and naive, i was. When Owen and I went to AZ in '82, A...
by El Garia
November 3rd, 2015, 3:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rainy day salamanders in Mendocino County
Replies: 12
Views: 5232

Re: Rainy day salamanders in Mendocino County

Looks like a fun time! Nice pics, too... :thumb: There's several species up that way that I wouldn't mind finding.

unfortunately, Lowenbrau is no more - Well, for old times' sake, "Here's to good friends":beer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeEFsMpJcmI
by El Garia
October 30th, 2015, 7:01 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My 2015 Herping in a nutshell... (LOTS OF PHOTOS)
Replies: 11
Views: 4831

Re: My 2015 Herping in a nutshell... (LOTS OF PHOTOS)

Very impressive post, Dave! Looks like you done well, this year :thumb:
Like Lou, I really like that ringneck pic!

Derek
by El Garia
October 21st, 2015, 6:05 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some Bay Area Salamanders from this weekend
Replies: 6
Views: 3525

Re: Some Bay Area Salamanders from this weekend

Why are you holding a Lethocerus?? :crazyeyes: Them things bite hard! :lol:

I'm really liking your macro work, Zach. Very, very nice! I especially like that A. lugubris with it's chin in the air.
by El Garia
October 21st, 2015, 5:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Which is Better?
Replies: 10
Views: 4238

Re: Which is Better?

Really nice pic, Nicholas :thumb: I like the lower contrast and subtler lighting of the first pic.
by El Garia
October 16th, 2015, 2:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thoughts
Replies: 10
Views: 4094

Re: The Singing Frog

Brian Hubbs wrote:You just have to stick it out and share with us. We do appreciate your input. We appreciate your pics, your enthusiasm, your drive, and your contributions.
Brian pretty much summed up my thoughts, there, Porter. The forums are a better place with you here. :beer:
by El Garia
October 12th, 2015, 9:22 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Foothill Yellow-legged Frog
Replies: 4
Views: 2508

Re: Foothill Yellow-legged Frog

Great capture, Dutch! I can't say that I've ever seen a photo of a R. boylii feeding. Very cool shot!

Also- Congrats on your lifer… :beer:

-Derek
by El Garia
October 12th, 2015, 4:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Night Stalking San Diego – Summer 2015
Replies: 15
Views: 7015

Re: Night Stalking San Diego – Summer 2015

Nice finds, Jeff!

Good job with the Threadsnakes and the SD Banded Geckos :beer:

Derek
by El Garia
October 6th, 2015, 3:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Has anyone seen one of these before? ...possible hybrid
Replies: 20
Views: 5624

Re: Has anyone seen one of these before? ...possible hybrid

I remember seeing a photo on the Internet of an entertainer brooding eggs. then I thought okay, maybe the alarm system could be thought of as protecting someone like a salamander might protect her eggs out of mothering nature. it does look like a lungless salamander of some kind and definitely like...