Search found 205 matches

by shredsteban
June 2nd, 2017, 11:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New to Oregon
Replies: 5
Views: 3558

Re: New to Oregon

Welcome to Oregon, Nick! Your photos are outstanding, thanks for sharing. I reside some 50 miles south of the Portland area and am also an avid herper/photographer. There are a fair number of like-minded folks in this region so I'm sure you'll get some nice responses to your request. Unfortunately,...
by shredsteban
June 2nd, 2017, 11:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Undercover DFG?
Replies: 6
Views: 5231

Re: Undercover DFG?

I got pulled over once by the border patrol off Yaqui. I had just gotten done taking photos of a shovelnose and started driving before getting pulled over. I explained what I was doing, asked permission to get out of the car to show him photos and we ended up talking for a good 20 minutes. He was in...
by shredsteban
May 28th, 2017, 2:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New to Oregon
Replies: 5
Views: 3558

New to Oregon

Good afternoon everyone. I've relocated to Oregon permanently with my wife and kids. We've been living overseas in Indonesia for the past year and we are originally from California. I've done a lot of herping in California and would love to continue up here. I already have places in mind that I want...
by shredsteban
May 14th, 2017, 12:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anza Borrego Night
Replies: 0
Views: 3827

Anza Borrego Night

Hey guy's, it's been a while since I've posted. A lot of you know my wife, kids and I have been on the move for the past couple years bouncing between NYC, Oregon, California and Indonesia. I haven't been herping in California in a while, but this is a little video I put together from a recent outin...
by shredsteban
June 4th, 2016, 12:19 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: High blue Red Spotted Gartersnake
Replies: 2
Views: 2300

High blue Red Spotted Gartersnake

I came across this snake yesterday while walking around my parents house in Washington County, OR. Found it on the crawl next to a pretty large pond. I climbed down from the road to watch the newts, frogs, ducks and nutria and this was a nice surprise. Took some photos and let it go on its way. How ...
by shredsteban
May 22nd, 2016, 7:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: More Eastern Milks from NYC
Replies: 2
Views: 3969

Re: More Eastern Milks from NYC

That's very cool! Snakes in the urban wasteland. Have you seen any wall lizards during your stay? One day I'm going to bite the bullet and explore the city instead of just driving through. Thanks! It has been really cool being able to do some herping this spring. I thought I was going to miss out o...
by shredsteban
May 18th, 2016, 9:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visiting Oregon
Replies: 2
Views: 2228

Re: Visiting Oregon

I would love to join and as much as I appreciate the invitation, we don't leave New York until the 31st.
by shredsteban
May 18th, 2016, 6:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: SUCCESS WITH ZONATA!
Replies: 9
Views: 5226

Re: SUCCESS WITH ZONATA!

Congratulations! That's an awesome feeling. I bet all those years before finding one made it that much sweeter :beer: And just to continue that "father-son" herping relationship, here's a photo of our lifer Eastern Garter Snake found here in NYC last week. Not nearly as significant as your...
by shredsteban
May 18th, 2016, 5:01 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visiting Oregon
Replies: 2
Views: 2228

Visiting Oregon

Hello fellow field herpers. I will be visiting Tigard, Oregon to see my parents in 2 weeks. I've been living in NYC for the past year with my wife and kids. We have two toddler boys and were relocated here for work. We will be in Oregon for 3 weeks before driving down to our hometown in Southern Cal...
by shredsteban
May 18th, 2016, 4:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2016: The Year of the Rubber Boa
Replies: 8
Views: 6766

Re: 2016: The Year of the Rubber Boa

Awesome post, Zach. And great job too. I need more Charina's in my life. Only ones I've seen in the wild were bottae's in Oregon and a couple umbratica's in California. I love seeing the variation in just your photos alone. Thanks for sharing!
-Nick
by shredsteban
May 15th, 2016, 10:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: South Carolina vacation
Replies: 4
Views: 4921

Re: South Carolina vacation

Awesome post and pictures. Thanks for sharing!

Congrats on the lifer :beer:
by shredsteban
May 14th, 2016, 2:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: More Eastern Milks from NYC
Replies: 2
Views: 3969

More Eastern Milks from NYC

I decided to go to a spot a friend gave me within NYC this morning with my wife and kids. We spent almost 2 hours flipping AC of all sorts. We flipped 3 yearling Eastern Milksnakes, had a visual encounter with 1 adult Eastern Milksnake and flipped 1 Dekay's brown snake that I didn't photograph. We h...
by shredsteban
May 13th, 2016, 9:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NYC snakes! (And Ulster County)
Replies: 0
Views: 4114

NYC snakes! (And Ulster County)

Okay, so I've lived in the city for about a year. As I've expressed in my other posts, transplanting from California to NYC has not been easy for the amateur field herper. Upon arriving here, I used google earth to find areas that seemed undeveloped. I found a few areas, checked them out and then ne...
by shredsteban
May 9th, 2016, 10:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Stepping Down as President of the Chapter at the end of Year
Replies: 13
Views: 7334

Re: Stepping Down as President of the Chapter at the end of

Brian, thank you for all of the hard work that you've poured into NAFHA and beyond. Thank you for being an example to many of us. I will always look up to Fundad!

-Nick
by shredsteban
April 30th, 2016, 8:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Westchester finds
Replies: 3
Views: 3209

Re: Westchester finds

cbernz wrote: I think the sad truth is that there is a whole lot more good looking habitat than there is occupied habitat.
Thanks, this is especially helpful. I've never thought of that. Virtually every outcropping in California is occupied by something, at least in Riverside County.
by shredsteban
April 29th, 2016, 9:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Westchester finds
Replies: 3
Views: 3209

Westchester finds

I was able to get out of the city last Wednesday to do some herping. Went up north about 30min in Westchester County. I flipped this Ringneck and a friend flipped 2 racers that both got away from him. I was really hoping to see Copperheads or Timbers that day, but I am not familiar with their habits...
by shredsteban
April 24th, 2016, 11:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NYC and Huguenot finds
Replies: 3
Views: 3020

Re: NYC and Huguenot finds

Thanks guys! Fatherhood is starting to really be enjoyable. We have two kids that are ages 3 and 1. It feels like a constant state of chaos, but moments like this really make me appreciate raising children. Especially when I see how excited my kids are to spend time in nature. My oldest would rather...
by shredsteban
April 22nd, 2016, 10:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NYC and Huguenot finds
Replies: 3
Views: 3020

NYC and Huguenot finds

It has warmed up and I've gone out a couple times. Not much luck with any live snakes in NYC yet, but I am finding Red-backed Salamanders every time I've gone out. I found this dead Eastern Garter upside down on a log. You can see where something chewed up its face and tail in the photos. This was i...
by shredsteban
February 12th, 2016, 11:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2015 Year In Review
Replies: 2
Views: 2703

Re: 2015 Year In Review

Such a great post. Thank you for sharing. I'm new to the NE (and I'm only here until June) but those were fun, encouraging and educational for me.
by shredsteban
November 12th, 2015, 9:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2015 in the New York State (same as main forum)
Replies: 7
Views: 3604

Re: 2015 in the New York State (same as main forum)

Great variety and awesome photos! Really enjoyed your landscape and amphibian photos. Good stuff :beer:
by shredsteban
October 29th, 2015, 7:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Finds from NYC
Replies: 13
Views: 4379

Re: Finds from NYC

I've seen Italian Wall Lizards at Pelham Bay Park - no idea if they are still active this late in the year. Tiger Salamanders breed in December and January, and Blue-spotteds start as early as late February, so there's really only a few weeks in the Northeast where there's no season at all. Even du...
by shredsteban
October 28th, 2015, 3:31 pm
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)

Great post Dave! Makes me miss hitting the field with you man :( . When I'm passing through California next summer we gotta go out again. Great photos as always too :beer:
by shredsteban
October 28th, 2015, 7:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Finds from NYC
Replies: 13
Views: 4379

Re: Finds from NYC

What a fantastic post! It's great to see that there are herps in Manhattan! I've seen garter snakes, fowler's toads, and a box turtle in Kings County, but had no idea there was anything left on Manhattan Island itself! I'm from Long Island and find a lot of great herps (including those Two-Lined Sa...
by shredsteban
October 28th, 2015, 7:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Finds from NYC
Replies: 13
Views: 4379

Re: Finds from NYC

Nick, these are great! I would not be surprised by an eastern garter near the botanical gardens; of course, this means there is a food source for them (I would think that, in addition to worms, they would need some sort of vertebrate in their diet). There are supposed to be a population of (introdu...
by shredsteban
October 27th, 2015, 2:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Finds from NYC
Replies: 13
Views: 4379

Re: Finds from NYC

I never saw any snakes growing up in the city, but I bet there are some places where you can find Dekay's and maybe a couple other species. Pretty sure those are the first photos of Manhattan salamanders I've ever seen. I think the only herps I've ever seen in my limited experience in Manhattan are...
by shredsteban
October 25th, 2015, 8:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Finds from NYC
Replies: 13
Views: 4379

Thanks everyone! The Eastern Garter was found on the grounds of the New York Botanical Gardens. It's right along the Bronx River and still holds some snakes here and there.
by shredsteban
October 25th, 2015, 2:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Finds from NYC
Replies: 13
Views: 4379

Finds from NYC

Hi everyone, I'm new to New York. Been herping for some years now and just relocated to NYC for work. These are my recent finds. These were all found in Manhattan except for the DOR Eastern Garter Snake, which was found in the Bronx close to my apartment. I'm originally from California and did a lot...
by shredsteban
September 13th, 2015, 6:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What are your favorite shots from this year?
Replies: 17
Views: 5934

Re: What are your favorite shots from this year?

My year was cut short because my wife, kids and I all moved to New York..but I did do my fair share earlier this year. These are some of my favorite shots from earlier this year. https://farm1.staticflickr.com/306/18658568696_871ce84fc9_k.jpg IMG_4064 by Nick Barrientos , on Flickr https://farm8.sta...
by shredsteban
August 30th, 2015, 5:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in NYC
Replies: 17
Views: 6659

Re: Herping in NYC

elaphe365 wrote:Hey i live in nyc. The only things i see so far are garters, waters, and browns. No eastern milks so far. I would love to go herping in nyc with other people. Let me know whats good.

Meant to send a pm. Sorry for bringing this post back up. Trying to delete
by shredsteban
August 16th, 2015, 6:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Intro w/video
Replies: 9
Views: 2553

Re: Intro w/video

Welcome to the group! Thanks for sharing the awesome video. Looks like a Speckled Rattlesnake to me. I'm sure most people here would like to see any photos that you have :D
by shredsteban
July 10th, 2015, 3:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2015 so far in NM, CA, AZ and CO...
Replies: 3
Views: 2157

Re: 2015 so far in NM, CA, AZ and CO...

Great post. Lots of variety. Congratulations on all of those lifers too!
by shredsteban
July 6th, 2015, 10:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New to the area, looking for some tips
Replies: 17
Views: 4916

Re: New to the area, looking for some tips

When I tried to use the Img thingy it didn't work. Anyone know why? First off, good job! I hope the advice people gave was enough to land you in some decent habitat. Congrats on all of the finds. That rubber boa is awesome. I've only seen the Northern Rubber Boas in Oregon but I was lucky enough to...
by shredsteban
June 25th, 2015, 8:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rattlesnake Removal
Replies: 4
Views: 2039

Re: Rattlesnake Removal

Well done, I think most cases like this end up with the snake at the business end of a shovel. I just hope the snake doesn't return to the same location.. Lawrence Thanks, Lawrence. I'm glad my aunt called me. She fits the mold for someone who is irrationally afraid of snakes. But she's too afraid ...
by shredsteban
June 25th, 2015, 10:04 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rattlesnake Removal
Replies: 4
Views: 2039

Rattlesnake Removal

My aunt called me yesterday morning and said that there was a snake in her neighbors yard just behind their fence. She told me that it was grey in color and struck one of the dogs in her neighbors yard. She also said that the snake wasn't rattling. I know that area really well when it comes to herps...
by shredsteban
June 19th, 2015, 6:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Relocating to NYC
Replies: 6
Views: 2636

Re: Relocating to NYC

I've seen the Italian Wall Lizards at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. I'm sure they are at some other parks as well. It might be worth exploring some of the city parks a bit, but I wouldn't expect too much apart from a whole lot of green frogs and red-eared sliders. NYC is pretty crappy for herps, al...
by shredsteban
June 19th, 2015, 6:42 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Relocating to NYC
Replies: 6
Views: 2636

Re: Relocating to NYC

I live on Long Island, so it's quite a bit different than NYC, but there are some excellent herping oppurtunities in the state! I go to Harriman State Park a lot for herping and it's GREAT there for lots of different species, and I'm almost positive you can take a bus there from NYC. I have seen pl...
by shredsteban
June 19th, 2015, 6:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Best Snake Tongs, Hooks, Grabbers
Replies: 4
Views: 2903

Re: Best Snake Tongs, Hooks, Grabbers

On the premise that you are familiar and experienced with tongs and hooks. Hooks are my preference, I make my own. I have no experience with any commercially made hooks. I recommend a narrow hook for elapid and a wider hook for the vipers. There are several hook makes out there that can sell you a ...
by shredsteban
June 19th, 2015, 6:35 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Best Snake Tongs, Hooks, Grabbers
Replies: 4
Views: 2903

Re: Best Snake Tongs, Hooks, Grabbers

I'm a big fan of midwest's M1 series tongs. They are available in a variety of lengths. For field use, the gentle giant tongs don't offer enough pressure to grab snakes. The standard series (pilstrom) can squeeze too hard. The M1 series is a good compromise and is really similar to old witco tongs....
by shredsteban
June 19th, 2015, 10:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Best Snake Tongs, Hooks, Grabbers
Replies: 4
Views: 2903

Best Snake Tongs, Hooks, Grabbers

What do you guys recommend? I'll be relocating to Africa in the near future. I'd like to safely remove hots if they happen to come onto my property. Money is not an issue, I want something reliable and durable. Thanks.
-Nick
by shredsteban
June 14th, 2015, 11:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Low Desert Road Cruise
Replies: 13
Views: 4860

Re: Low Desert Road Cruise

Great video Lou. I like how informative it is. Everything you said is stuff most of the people here know, but I think it provides great descriptions for non herpers. Definitely makes the snakes seem less scary, which I feel is important for non herpers. Good job!
-Nick
by shredsteban
June 13th, 2015, 1:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Relocating to NYC
Replies: 6
Views: 2636

Re: Relocating to NYC

Gonna be tough, Nick, without a car. But you're only about an hour outside of the Pine Barrens so if you can find means to get down there then you have to. Otherwise, take the NJ Transit train down to Trenton and see if some of the Northeast members won't mind picking you up for a trip or two. Nick...
by shredsteban
June 11th, 2015, 12:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Relocating to NYC
Replies: 6
Views: 2636

Relocating to NYC

Hi everyone, my names Nick Barrientos. I'm 25 and currently live in California. Although, in the beginning of July, I will be relocating to NYC for 10 months for business along with my wife and 2 kids. I'm not a collector and I only photograph my findings. I'm not asking for spots, but I'm wondering...
by shredsteban
June 9th, 2015, 10:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: CDFW Request 4 Help 2 Report Incidents of Wildlife Mortality
Replies: 6
Views: 3908

Re: CDFW Request 4 Help 2 Report Incidents of Wildlife Morta

This is a great idea and I hope people take advantage of this. Back in 2009, I was walking through an abandoned golf course and found 6 dead birds in various places. All of them didn't have any signs of trauma.
-Nick B
by shredsteban
June 6th, 2015, 8:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pet Peeves
Replies: 54
Views: 27315

Re: Pet Peeves

Brian just likes music...and there's so little that's really good today that I like to listen to my favorites from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s...along with a few current good ones... I'm a youngster, but grew up listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd and the list goes on. ...
by shredsteban
June 5th, 2015, 10:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Fact or fiction
Replies: 13
Views: 3839

Re: Fact or fiction

Forced perspective It's like when people catch fish and have their photo taken while holding the fish straight out toward the camera. If you can't see their arms too well and have a plain background with nothing to judge the distance between the fish and fisherman by, the fish will appear huge. At ...
by shredsteban
June 4th, 2015, 9:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pet Peeves
Replies: 54
Views: 27315

Re: Pet Peeves

Dang, Someone is stuck in the 80's... https://youtu.be/hFWngq2L99o :crazyeyes: Yeah, like Jeff said, cool turtle. But when you think of it, after photographing a jillion turtles your bound to come across at least one that is interesting. :thumb: Like Yoda said to Luke, "when your ready I'll he...
by shredsteban
June 3rd, 2015, 12:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I love L.A.
Replies: 6
Views: 2398

Re: I love L.A.

Brian Hubbs wrote:
shredsteban wrote:I love rock n roll


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvbZZ_D8cU0
Britney who? :roll:

Sorry, I meant to post the Joan Jett and The Heartbreakers version, even though they didn't write it..
by shredsteban
June 3rd, 2015, 12:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pet Peeves
Replies: 54
Views: 27315

Re: Pet Peeves


&#*$^@RH#R

Did I just get RICK ROLLED? I haven't even ventured onto the weird side of youtube..
by shredsteban
June 2nd, 2015, 8:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I love L.A.
Replies: 6
Views: 2398

Re: I love L.A.

by shredsteban
June 2nd, 2015, 8:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Getting ready for tour- some recent Bay Area finds
Replies: 11
Views: 4165

Re: Getting ready for tour- some recent Bay Area finds

Awesome post Zach! Great finds as always and good luck on tour!
-Nick