Search found 427 matches

by MCHerper
June 7th, 2018, 12:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: OMG, she did'nt!
Replies: 51
Views: 127271

Re: OMG, she did'nt!

Just out of curiosity, is that the same Gerald who used to go by gbin on this forum? Oh, Lord No ! God that's funny though. I was speaking of the late Gerald McKeown. You're speaking of Gerry Binczik (or something like that). Totally different temperaments and online personas. GM was - in my limite...
by MCHerper
June 7th, 2018, 10:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: OMG, she did'nt!
Replies: 51
Views: 127271

Re: OMG, she did'nt!

P SWCHR ( http://www.southwesternherp.com/ ) used to have a forum where they vigorously enforced civility. I actually got called out once by Gerald, and I thought I was just being direct and honest (not "flamey" by any stretch of the imagination) with the guy I was trying to communicate w...
by MCHerper
March 6th, 2018, 8:59 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Croatan N.F./Green Swamp?
Replies: 1
Views: 3795

Croatan N.F./Green Swamp?

We're going to be visiting Croatan National Forest and the Green Swamp Preserve in April and it's our first time there (father-sons trip!). We were going to do the trail walk at Green Swamp with emphasis on carnivorous plants and also walk some of the trails in Croatan. If anyone has any advice for ...
by MCHerper
December 11th, 2017, 7:04 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Evolution of Venom and the 'Red Queen Hypothesis'
Replies: 5
Views: 5509

Re: Evolution of Venom and the 'Red Queen Hypothesis'

Thank you all for the info! Mfb, I'll send a PM shortly.
by MCHerper
December 11th, 2017, 7:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: More Boards – 2nd Half of 2017 (NJ and MD)
Replies: 9
Views: 9744

Re: More Boards – 2nd Half of 2017 (NJ and MD)

Very nice Justin!
by MCHerper
December 7th, 2017, 10:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Evolution of Venom and the 'Red Queen Hypothesis'
Replies: 5
Views: 5509

Evolution of Venom and the 'Red Queen Hypothesis'

I'm currently teaching a high school toxicology class and we are about to begin discussing venom and the evolution of venom. I'm interested in finding out more about the evolution of venom from the perspective of the coevolution of venom and the prey, namely how the complexity of venom might be a re...
by MCHerper
May 9th, 2017, 11:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rattlesnake island/Quabbin Res site plan is dead ...
Replies: 1
Views: 1936

Re: Rattlesnake island/Quabbin Res site plan is dead ...

I love this one:

"The plan faced backlash from critics who worried the snakes would leave the island and attack hikers, fishermen and hunters."

Yes, like they do throughout the rest of their range...
by MCHerper
May 9th, 2017, 11:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: trip report Peloponnese (Greece) April 2017
Replies: 8
Views: 6562

Re: trip report Peloponnese (Greece) April 2017

Awesome job as a herper and a dad! Great finds!
by MCHerper
May 9th, 2017, 11:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lifer King Cobra
Replies: 23
Views: 17194

Re: Lifer King Cobra

Gorgeous!
by MCHerper
May 9th, 2017, 11:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First northern pinesnake
Replies: 1
Views: 1905

Re: First northern pinesnake

Congrats! Great pics!
by MCHerper
April 25th, 2017, 11:59 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A "my kid with a snake" shot that you haven't gotten
Replies: 3
Views: 3528

Re: A "my kid with a snake" shot that you haven't gotten

Yikes! I'm glad that all are okay. She's a cutie! I'd love to see an Australian brown snake one day but not by surprise. I laughed at the first comment after the description: "There would have been another brown snake in the back of my undies.".
by MCHerper
April 20th, 2017, 9:06 am
Forum: News
Topic: Vernal Pools Life in ephemeral ponds
Replies: 3
Views: 5892

Re: Vernal Pools Life in ephemeral ponds

Beautifully done!
by MCHerper
March 27th, 2017, 9:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Unusual behavior of amphibians
Replies: 9
Views: 5245

Re: Unusual behavior of amphibians

Great observations/explanations from Kelly MC and mfb. My thought is that the salamander came within 'courting' proximity to the calling frog and ended up being amplexed for some time. Mfb referenced wood frogs, they are explosive breeders and males will amplex anything that moves (and even sticks a...
by MCHerper
March 27th, 2017, 9:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in review: 2016 Finds
Replies: 2
Views: 2203

Re: Year in review: 2016 Finds

Nice pics! Looks like you had a good year. Love the scenery shots too as well as the bear. Hope you have a great year in 2017 as well.
by MCHerper
March 10th, 2017, 6:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: High cost of antivenin
Replies: 16
Views: 7777

Re: High cost of antivenin

Antivenoms are expensive in the US and there are several factors that play into this. Crofab, for example, which is the primary antivenom used to treat North American pit viper envenomations, can be $3-4,000 per vial. At face value, this seems crazy, but when one looks deeper into the situation, th...
by MCHerper
February 23rd, 2017, 6:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Nylon Mesh Snake Death Trap
Replies: 34
Views: 45726

Re: Nylon Mesh Snake Death Trap

I acknowledge that it's an old thread but no doubt an ongoing problem, good job to all who have stepped up and increased the awareness about this issue!
by MCHerper
February 13th, 2017, 10:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamander larva ID help
Replies: 2
Views: 3427

Re: Salamander larva ID help

Hi Noah. I'm going to do my best to narrow it down but I am not confident that I'll give you a definitive answer (keep in mind I'm used to looking at salamander larvae in the Northeast). That being said, my initial impression by the squared snout and front and hind leg size is that this (as you said...
by MCHerper
February 13th, 2017, 9:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring Emergence 2017
Replies: 0
Views: 2704

Spring Emergence 2017

Once again, here it comes! Perhaps as little as a month away. I'm thinking around March 15th-16th this year, with a bigger push this year vs. the 'trickles' that we had last year here in our area.

I'd like to hear your predictions and results if you'd like to share!
by MCHerper
February 13th, 2017, 9:49 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Clever Snake Mom?
Replies: 32
Views: 18105

Re: Clever Snake Mom

Awesome find, but puzzling! What would possess a snake to lay eggs in an empty turtle shell and then flip the shell back over so that it's upright again? I am liking the egg-bound turtle theory, but this far along in the decomposition of the turtle (essentially complete), would the eggs look this go...
by MCHerper
February 13th, 2017, 9:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Waiting for Herps - herping while staying still
Replies: 7
Views: 6443

Re: Waiting for Herps - herping while staying still

I have quite a few friends who are accomplished and passionate birders and photographers. They always seem to see more herps than the herpers, especially those herpers who move quickly from one 'hot spot' to the next. I have often wondered if their stillness and their 'wait and see' approach to thei...
by MCHerper
February 13th, 2017, 9:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images
Replies: 28
Views: 15543

Re: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images

Kelly Mc wrote:MC what you self critique as not having your chosen gear at hand is more than made up for by your eye!

Thank you, diggin your pics thoroughly!
Thanks Kelly, for the nice complement!
by MCHerper
February 3rd, 2017, 11:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images
Replies: 28
Views: 15543

Re: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images

Hi Kelly, Here's a shot that I took on my cell phone, I wish I had my camera on me for more clarity and depth: https://im1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/003014999187/media/42093505219/medium/1474333203/enhance This turned out to be one of my favorite pics of the year. Another one o...
by MCHerper
December 21st, 2016, 10:19 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1355483

Re: Why You Dont Collect

MCHerper : I didnt "take offense" I am extremely hard to offend. I was asking a question of a pious person. Plus The Porters was actually quite well executed with the photo shop of the herps and the funny misidentifications and it is a herp forum, while the other one that Craig posted was...
by MCHerper
December 21st, 2016, 7:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1355483

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Kelly Mc wrote:Thats not a very Christian meme. Especially around the time commemorating the Baby Jesus.
Why was offense taken at Craig's meme but not Porter's? Both are crude political humor and neither are, as you noted, very Christian. :?
by MCHerper
December 14th, 2016, 10:04 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Fungal Spread & Field Herping
Replies: 6
Views: 4934

Re: Snake Fungal Spread & Field Herping

I found the thread, here's a link to it: http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/vie ... =2&t=23285. I mistook it for a tongue in cheek April Fool's thread at first, so my first post on the thread was meant to be tongue in cheek as well. There's a lot of good info there from others.
by MCHerper
December 14th, 2016, 9:40 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Fungal Spread & Field Herping
Replies: 6
Views: 4934

Re: Snake Fungal Spread & Field Herping

There was a similar conversation on another thread about the spread of chytrid via equipment, boots, and other personal items that are taken from once location to another. Kelly MC had some great input on how to effectively use bleach, contact time, etc., hopefully she can chime in here on that aspe...
by MCHerper
December 10th, 2016, 3:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1355483

Re: Why You Dont Collect

an we at least tentatively agree that taking one or a few specimens from the wild where their numbers are plentiful and their populations are stable is not the same as taking large numbers of specimens from the wild in places where their populations are potentially threatened? In theory yes, but if...
by MCHerper
December 9th, 2016, 8:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1355483

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Can we at least tentatively agree that taking one or a few specimens from the wild where their numbers are plentiful and their populations are stable is not the same as taking large numbers of specimens from the wild in places where their populations are potentially threatened? :thumb:
by MCHerper
December 5th, 2016, 10:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Hibernacula Fidelity of C. horridus in Mtns/Coastal Plain?
Replies: 3
Views: 3681

Re: Hibernacula Fidelity of C. horridus in Mtns/Coastal Plai

Thank you Bryan and Fisherp! Bryan, I will be in touch via PM.
by MCHerper
November 27th, 2016, 2:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Hibernacula Fidelity of C. horridus in Mtns/Coastal Plain?
Replies: 3
Views: 3681

Hibernacula Fidelity of C. horridus in Mtns/Coastal Plain?

Hi Folks, I've been having a recurring conversation with a friend and am hoping that someone here could shed light on it-does anyone have any resources, links or direct knowledge regarding hibernacula fidelity of timber rattlers in the coastal plain vs. the mountains? Specifically, I'm wondering if ...
by MCHerper
November 23rd, 2016, 9:49 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herp Photography 2016 - 1/3
Replies: 11
Views: 8376

Re: Herp Photography 2016 - 1/3

Kelly said it all, just beautiful. I admire how much passion can come through a photographer's lens, and your love for the animals shows. Keep up the great work!
by MCHerper
November 23rd, 2016, 9:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time- Do we Continue?
Replies: 2
Views: 5343

Re: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time- Do we Continue

Hi Brian, I just wanted to post so there was something besides silence. I'd like to see new life breathed into the chapters but I don't know how at this time. I wish that I could step up for a position but I have too many commitments and I am stretched thin as it is. It's a shame because I've learne...
by MCHerper
October 18th, 2016, 10:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamander Movement Question
Replies: 5
Views: 3916

Re: Salamander Movement Question

Hey Matt,

Good stuff! Congrats on the finds! I hope to see some marbled sals soon too!

MC
by MCHerper
September 27th, 2016, 2:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamander Movement Question
Replies: 5
Views: 3916

Re: Salamander Movement Question

Hi Matt, I'm going to chime in until someone else can give you a more experienced answer, as I usually don't road cruise salamanders. The question that I had for you: why not look for them in their native habitat instead of seeking them out as they are moving? Many of the salamanders that you mentio...
by MCHerper
July 31st, 2016, 3:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What is going on here ... more accurately NOT going on here
Replies: 10
Views: 6288

Re: What is going on here ... more accurately NOT going on h

I haven't been on here much but still get out in the field from time to time. I've slowed things down a lot because my kids are now 5 and 8 so I am taking them on all of my excursions and taking a look at everything in the woods, not just herps. That being said, when we do look at herps I'm looking ...
by MCHerper
June 24th, 2016, 4:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: You Know You're a Herper....
Replies: 36
Views: 16708

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

You know you're a herper if you've ever played a game of "name that musk".


(sorry, it came to me today while I was in the field)
by MCHerper
June 24th, 2016, 4:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Counting Subcaudal Scales?
Replies: 6
Views: 4202

Re: Counting Subcaudal Scales?

Thanks Kelly and Bill!
by MCHerper
June 24th, 2016, 4:40 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mamushi
Replies: 3
Views: 2594

Re: Mamushi

Awesome!
by MCHerper
June 20th, 2016, 5:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Counting Subcaudal Scales?
Replies: 6
Views: 4202

Re: Counting Subcaudal Scales?

Thank you Jimi and Richard! The above are very helpful. My apologies for the oversight-I should have indicated that I was specifically interested in Colubridae species with divided scales, such as Carphophis, Diadophis, Storeria, Opheodrys, etc.
by MCHerper
June 19th, 2016, 11:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Counting Subcaudal Scales?
Replies: 6
Views: 4202

Counting Subcaudal Scales?

Quick question: when looking at diagnostic criteria for snake species, is it typical to see total numbers of subcaudal scales, or do you count the rows? In other words, for an unknown species, would I typically count each individual scale, or count the shortest row and add one? Thanks for your help!
by MCHerper
June 14th, 2016, 8:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: How dishwashing liquid saved a spitting cobra!
Replies: 11
Views: 6071

Re: How dishwashing liquid saved a spitting cobra!

Awesome job Nick! You are the man!
by MCHerper
May 24th, 2016, 6:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: School Me on Size Sets
Replies: 7
Views: 5303

Re: School Me on Size Sets

Thanks for the info!!
by MCHerper
May 9th, 2016, 6:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: School Me on Size Sets
Replies: 7
Views: 5303

School Me on Size Sets

I (wrongly) believed that snakes that engaged in combat behavior had males larger than the females in comparative size, and vice versa for snakes that did not engage in this behavior. I recently read (multiple sources) that the female copperhead ( A. contortrix ) was larger than the male. I understa...
by MCHerper
April 26th, 2016, 7:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: You Know You're a Herper....
Replies: 36
Views: 16708

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

You know you're a herper when construction materials trash pile = field of dreams
by MCHerper
April 22nd, 2016, 2:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NYC and Huguenot finds
Replies: 3
Views: 3019

Re: NYC and Huguenot finds

That photo of your son with the ringneck snake is amazing. Definitely keep that photo safely stored, one day you will all look back on it with big smiles and happy nostalgia. :)
by MCHerper
April 18th, 2016, 12:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Louisiana "Snake Rodeo" Killfest (GRAPHIC)
Replies: 10
Views: 7588

Re: Louisiana "Snake Rodeo" Killfest (GRAPHIC)

Why? I don't mean that in an obtuse sense, I am asking out of genuine curiosity-do they have what they perceive to be an overpopulation of water snakes and are trying to cut down on the population? I have seen it stated before that water snakes cut down on native fish populations, however I know th...
by MCHerper
April 18th, 2016, 11:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Vipera aspis in Riva del Garda (Trentino, Lake Garda, ITALY)
Replies: 8
Views: 4591

Re: newborn Vipera aspis in northern Italy

Great find! Adorable little guy too!
by MCHerper
April 18th, 2016, 11:01 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Louisiana "Snake Rodeo" Killfest (GRAPHIC)
Replies: 10
Views: 7588

Re: Louisiana "Snake Rodeo" Killfest (GRAPHIC)

Why? I don't mean that in an obtuse sense, I am asking out of genuine curiosity-do they have what they perceive to be an overpopulation of water snakes and are trying to cut down on the population? I have seen it stated before that water snakes cut down on native fish populations, however I know tha...
by MCHerper
April 3rd, 2016, 12:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amphibian Egg Mass Identification
Replies: 54
Views: 192046

Re: Egg Mass ID

Gyri wrote:The photos are back :beer:

Edit: Seriously, this thread has almost 50,000 views? Is that a forum record? :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:
Awesomest thread ever? I think it could be...