Search found 440 matches

by Shane_TX
July 25th, 2012, 6:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mediterranean Geckos in Texas
Replies: 16
Views: 4168

Re: Mediterranean Geckos in Texas

I keep an eye out for Brown Anoles but so far have not seen one in Brazoria County (not that I particularly look for anoles). I suppose that it is only a matter of time before they become relatively established in this area. Turkish Geckos and Rio Grande Chirping Frogs are well established even in n...
by Shane_TX
June 29th, 2012, 8:15 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Someone lose a snake hook?
Replies: 12
Views: 3098

Re: Someone lose a snake hook?

I don't really care about the hook. But I would like to know where the fairly realistic rubber copperhead I found on 277 about 10 years ago is today. I should have kept it; I doubt China even bothers to make those anymore.

Shane
by Shane_TX
June 28th, 2012, 10:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: SNAKE DAYS Attendees--Need Your Data
Replies: 10
Views: 1633

Re: SNAKE DAYS Attendees--Need Your Data

chrish wrote:If you were there, please report your data.

It really matters and it gives us a chance to show we aren't just a bunch of snake poachers.
Wow! You make it seem like data-entry is a requirement to be legal.

I'd rather the herp stamp be confined to a few west TX counties.

Shane
by Shane_TX
June 24th, 2012, 10:01 pm
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: How is this for a fish?
Replies: 9
Views: 5470

Re: How is this for a fish?

I am glad he butchered it, and presumably ate it. Can anyone comment on the palatability of alligator gars? I sort of hate to see this huge animal taken, but if put to good use, I will not judge. Can any of you comment on the status of alligator gars in the wild? Abundant? Declining? I am surprised...
by Shane_TX
June 21st, 2012, 8:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rough Green Snake
Replies: 6
Views: 1670

Re: Rough Green Snake

Agreed on the suggestions and especially the honeysuckle (preferably along a nice riparian trail) if you can find it. It takes a bit of patience but you'll probably see a swaying green adult or brown juvie within a few hours at eye level; it takes that long to get the right eye in daylight vine tang...
by Shane_TX
June 18th, 2012, 7:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake ID
Replies: 9
Views: 2350

Re: Snake ID

It's a quad. That being said, just email Tokuda-san (baikada.com, spinalis photo) for bonafide Nihon-jin confirmation. Here is how you word it: Tokuda-san, Hebi wa spinalis ka quadrivirgata? 100 cm gurai. Arigatou gozaimasu. He can speak English as well and has posted here. I don't think he's from t...
by Shane_TX
June 17th, 2012, 12:37 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake ID
Replies: 9
Views: 2350

Re: Snake ID

It's a quadrivirgata. The stripe isn't down the spine though, just the way it was smashed.

Image

Quadrivirgata and keelbacks are by far the most common serpents to be seen.

Shane
by Shane_TX
June 7th, 2012, 8:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thank goodness for Tadpole Head Start program !!
Replies: 18
Views: 2772

Re: Thank goodness for Tadpole Head Start program !!

I'm not objecting to them using Pacific Treefrogs, I just think calling it a head start program is wrong. Treefrogs don't need a head start program, this isn't a conservation project.
It's $5,000 and wisely spent. Don't fret too hard...CA is definitely limiting economic growth.

Shane
by Shane_TX
May 31st, 2012, 8:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Got some new snake pics! Plz help idenify snake people!
Replies: 4
Views: 1313

Re: Got some new snake pics! Plz help idenify snake people!

Also a rat. The head and scalation are quite distinctive once you've seen a few of each. I can't make it out in the pic but one check is looking for a keel in the scales......rats have it and racers don't. Another check is looking for the bread loaf shape.....rats have it and racers don't (sharp ang...
by Shane_TX
May 2nd, 2012, 11:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: April Species Counts
Replies: 11
Views: 2099

Re: April Species Counts

April's already over? I spent about 6 legitimate hours in the field and was rewarded with: Ground Skinks Cricket Frogs Green Anoles Gulf Coast Toadlets And some calling treefrogs Oh well, my species list always sucks when I'm target-oriented (and I'm always humbled by few/no copperheads). On the bri...
by Shane_TX
April 29th, 2012, 6:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Road cruising camp... yawn....
Replies: 13
Views: 3120

Re: Road cruising camp... yawn....

What a piece of junk (the FJC). Obviously a big tent that you can't even sleep in :lol:

Shane
by Shane_TX
April 25th, 2012, 7:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Something new for me in the field and stupid people GRAPHIC
Replies: 14
Views: 2840

Re: Something new for me in the field and stupid people GRAP

I'd go with a stab on that one; and obviously the attacker did it while the critter was walking away. I guess they knew it was venomous so the rotating-boot-heel or slice-to-the-neck approach was far too dangerous. That being said, what in the world do rural arizonans carry in the back of their truc...
by Shane_TX
April 23rd, 2012, 6:14 pm
Forum: News
Topic: Skink Reported Extinct
Replies: 10
Views: 4047

Re: Skink Reported Extinct

A species of lizard is now extinct from the Hawaiian Islands, making it the latest native vertebrate species to become extirpated from this tropical archipelago. but extinct is extinct! Just another example of the deep understanding of biology held by members of the USGS. Couldn't we just call it '...
by Shane_TX
April 19th, 2012, 6:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A couple of Texas outings.
Replies: 18
Views: 4497

Re: A couple of Texas outings.

I triple guessed that one and went back to squirella, and then stopped worrying about it. Thanks for mentioning the white spot; I completely forgot about that mark.

Shane
by Shane_TX
April 17th, 2012, 8:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A couple of Texas outings.
Replies: 18
Views: 4497

Re: A couple of Texas outings.

I'd love to find a box turtle down here, especially a young one! Do you ever see them where you're finding the hognoses? Seems like good habitat interface for both species. Looking forward to more outings in deepest-darkest Brazoria County. Tough herping and it's pretty damn close to nothing but anc...
by Shane_TX
March 21st, 2012, 6:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Atrox and horridus overlap?
Replies: 17
Views: 2733

Re: Atrox and horridus overlap?

It's rare to find them truly sympatric but there are a few cool places where it happens.

Shane
by Shane_TX
March 21st, 2012, 1:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Nerodia ID needed
Replies: 4
Views: 1337

Re: Nerodia ID needed

It's a juvie sipedon of some sort.

Shane
by Shane_TX
March 13th, 2012, 10:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Yet another Borneo Snake ID, please!
Replies: 9
Views: 1855

Re: Yet another Borneo Snake ID, please!

I don't know, but I'm definitely bored with knowing all of the IDs where I live!

Enjoying your Borneo posts, Hans. Keep'em rolling por favor.

Shane
by Shane_TX
March 10th, 2012, 8:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up
Replies: 84
Views: 34148

Re: World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up

Keep your enemies closer. Most states are quite forgiving when it comes to hunting and pollution issues. For example: Gut-shot deer never make the news. The BP thing is almost history. Exxon Valdez....done deal. It will take a lot more than Bambi-creativity to stop a fairly insignificant problem. Fi...
by Shane_TX
March 9th, 2012, 10:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Don't Donate to Mosquitoes - The Original Bug Shirt
Replies: 3
Views: 1777

Re: Don't Donate to Mosquitoes - The Original Bug Shirt

You won't regret the purchase! By design they're a bit baggy so probably not very safe outerwear around moving machinery. However, they work just fine underneath coveralls, etc. Haven't tried the pants yet (still DEETing my jeans) but like Mike mentioned, I also use latex gloves. Just a quick shot o...
by Shane_TX
March 8th, 2012, 9:15 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Don't Donate to Mosquitoes - The Original Bug Shirt
Replies: 3
Views: 1777

Don't Donate to Mosquitoes - The Original Bug Shirt

I recently purchased the microfiber (elite) version of The Original Bug Shirt. It's an absolute winner! http://www.bugshirt.com/diagrams.htm One of the most demoralizing aspects of field activity is mosquitoes. In some parts of the world they're an immenent danger to personal health. That's not the ...
by Shane_TX
March 7th, 2012, 10:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: AZ Legislature Proposing a Ban on Night Hunting ...
Replies: 4
Views: 1730

Re: AZ Legislature Proposing a Ban on Night Hunting ...

Is there any evidence that the proposal was written with herpers as the main target? It wouldn't surprise me but if that's the case they're definitely trying to keep it veiled. Also interesting that they removed wordage that would give the game commission some flexibility. Invert seekers aren't goin...
by Shane_TX
March 6th, 2012, 3:18 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Wildlife Photography from a kayak.
Replies: 13
Views: 4405

Re: Wildlife Photography from a kayak.

Sad but true ...what a chain yank that whole fiasco was!
Very true. I haven't followed that non-discovery for some time but have to wonder if it was even a genuine screw-up. Money, headlines, books.....

Shane
by Shane_TX
March 4th, 2012, 7:35 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Like a grebe out of water, a grebe on dry land...AOR
Replies: 2
Views: 1606

Re: Like a grebe out of water, a grebe on dry land...AOR

At least you have bragging rights - how many people can say they have been bitten by a Pied-billed Grebe? :lol: Even better, make that bitten and bruised! It apparently managed to rupture a weak capillary, without even breaking the skin :lol: Thanks for the info. I figured there was a logical reaso...
by Shane_TX
March 4th, 2012, 7:16 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Wildlife Photography from a kayak.
Replies: 13
Views: 4405

Re: Wildlife Photography from a kayak.

I have a very stable kayak as well but I don't like to put my good equipment in harms way. Most of the calm waterways I 'yak are narrow and shallow bayous along the upper TX coast. The problem is that large Alligator Gar pay absolutely no attention to the moving hull until it touches them.....and th...
by Shane_TX
March 3rd, 2012, 11:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: February Species Counts
Replies: 16
Views: 3289

Re: February Species Counts

Shane, those are sure some ugly atrox. I've never found an atrox in the eastern 1/2 of the state that wasn't though.
I guess you'll just have to define a pretty atrox;)

I finished the leap-month with:

Western Mudsnake
Yellowbellied Watersnake
Gulf-coast Ribbonsnake

Cricket frogs

Shane
by Shane_TX
March 3rd, 2012, 10:09 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Like a grebe out of water, a grebe on dry land...AOR
Replies: 2
Views: 1606

Like a grebe out of water, a grebe on dry land...AOR

On Friday afternoon I was driving with the family when I noticed a Pied-billed Grebe sitting on the shoulder of the road. I thought, hmmm, that's really odd, and at the same time my wife said, "Was that a real duck?". My response was something along the lines of "Yes, but it's not a d...
by Shane_TX
March 2nd, 2012, 10:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Hook?
Replies: 27
Views: 12714

Re: Snake Hook?

I'm in the market for a new field hook so this thread came at the right time. The ACE webpage is not working for me; I google'd their phone number and tried to call...says out of service. I gave Beaudaly Ent. a call and left a message. Hopefully they will respond. Anyone know if the titanium L hook ...
by Shane_TX
March 1st, 2012, 8:34 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...
Replies: 31
Views: 6291

Re: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...

We are currently setting up a meeting with the chairs/representatives of the H.E.R.P. database
Those positions do not exist.

Welcome!

Shane
by Shane_TX
February 27th, 2012, 10:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Stray Softshell ID?
Replies: 4
Views: 872

Re: Stray Softshell ID?

Are smooths successful anywhere in CA?

Shane
by Shane_TX
February 27th, 2012, 8:13 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: February Species Counts
Replies: 16
Views: 3289

Re: February Species Counts

Finally went out of my way to find some snakes today (first of the year for me): 2 Western Cottonmouth 2 Western Diamondback 1 Rough Earth Also added narrowmouth and chirping frogs to this month's list. Good board: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6937167689_23bb1bb050_b.jpg I've grown quite unacc...
by Shane_TX
February 27th, 2012, 6:53 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Request for Photographs of Arkansas Species
Replies: 7
Views: 1564

Re: Request for Photographs of Arkansas Species

This is what I have on photobucket. I used to upload pics and post reports back in the day so they're probably the best examples. If you're interested in full res I'll have to dig for them. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/Shane_OK/IMG_41352.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/Shane_OK/...
by Shane_TX
February 27th, 2012, 4:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring 2012 SC Chapter Field Trip (UPDATED 4/13)
Replies: 28
Views: 5395

Re: Spring 2012 SC Chapter Field Trip

I'll be on a family vacation that weekend but I hope you all have fun. It's definitely a good time of year to herp the area....and hopefully the rain keeps falling.

Shane
by Shane_TX
February 23rd, 2012, 9:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Request for Photographs of Arkansas Species
Replies: 7
Views: 1564

Re: Request for Photographs of Arkansas Species

I have some functional prairie skink, spadefoot and bland groundsnake photos from OK. Let me know if you run dry on high quality options.

Shane
by Shane_TX
February 23rd, 2012, 6:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...
Replies: 31
Views: 6291

Re: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...

With HERP you have one person who is footing the bill because he's already paying for it anyway. People as technically savvy as Don are hard to come by, let alone people as savvy as Don who are also into herpetology. Many people can run a database, provide a web interface, etc. but I guarantee most...
by Shane_TX
February 22nd, 2012, 6:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...
Replies: 31
Views: 6291

Re: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...

I received an e-mail from this group too... My simple answer was, "No need to reinvent the wheel". There are already several national databases that accept herp data (including NAHERP.com). Time and money is better spent elsewhere in my professional opinion... -Chris HERP is a solid datab...
by Shane_TX
February 18th, 2012, 8:49 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...
Replies: 31
Views: 6291

Re: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...

Background info:

Orianne Kaplan

Thomas Kaplan

Also, the Orianne Society is interested in your input regarding a citizen-science herp database:

Database Survey

Shane
by Shane_TX
February 18th, 2012, 7:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...
Replies: 31
Views: 6291

Re: Orianne Society Plans Herp Database...

I guess databases are becoming the trend.
Yep.

Shane
by Shane_TX
February 7th, 2012, 9:35 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998105

Re: What was your last lifer?...

Glaucous Gull on the Upper TX Coast. I'm glad someone pointed it out for me!

Shane
by Shane_TX
February 7th, 2012, 7:58 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: February Species Counts
Replies: 16
Views: 3289

Re: February Species Counts

I'm up to: Alligators Basking emydids with no ID (probably all RES) Ground Skinks Gulf Coast Toads Green Treefrogs Cajun Chorus Frogs (I'll just call them that because I don't know any better) Spotted Chorus Frogs Leopard Frogs (I forgot how to differentiate a possible blairi) Gray Treefrogs (same s...
by Shane_TX
February 7th, 2012, 7:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: February Species Counts
Replies: 16
Views: 3289

Re: February Species Counts

They definitely sound a lot different in a chorus! I wouldn't call them a common frog for sure.....you'd have nailed them in less than twenty years if it were otherwise, correct? Shane I'm sure I have probably seen/heard them and dismissed them in the past. At a quick glance, I might have called on...
by Shane_TX
February 5th, 2012, 8:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: February Species Counts
Replies: 16
Views: 3289

Re: February Species Counts

They definitely sound a lot different in a chorus!

I wouldn't call them a common frog for sure.....you'd have nailed them in less than twenty years if it were otherwise, correct?

Shane
by Shane_TX
January 29th, 2012, 6:48 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: January Species Counts
Replies: 22
Views: 4551

Re: January Species Counts

I'd hate to be chewed or musked on by that rhombifer! My January species list (probably won't change): Copperheads Rio Grande Chirping Frogs Gray Treefrogs (possibly both, I need to freshen up on those calls) Gulf Coast Toads Smallmouth Salamanders Ground Skinks Green Anoles Alligators Red-eared Sli...
by Shane_TX
January 14th, 2012, 10:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I need lists of the new officers
Replies: 16
Views: 3298

Re: I need lists of the new officers

Big surprise, Northwest and Mexico Chapter not reporting. Did they even elect anyone this year? Getting a bit cocky, right. Nine votes for seven positions isn't a particularly good model for NAFHA. But it's what happened this year for the South Central Chapter. Luckily NAFHA and the Database are sl...
by Shane_TX
January 14th, 2012, 6:57 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Congratulations to the new officers!
Replies: 7
Views: 2326

Congratulations to the new officers!

President: Matt Abernathy (MAbernathy) Vice President: Eric Rittmeyer (ritt) Conservation Officer: Chris Williams (gretzkyrh4) Education Specialist: Jeff Weinell (jeffro) Secretary: Paul White International Board Member at Large: Eric Rittmeyer (ritt) It looks like 2012 is shaping out to be an even ...
by Shane_TX
January 12th, 2012, 11:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herp Art
Replies: 91
Views: 42371

Re: Herp Art

Not sure if this counts, but this might be the only hellbender pinewood derby car in existence.
Pretty cool. It definitely counts because it contains functional sharp points!

Shane
by Shane_TX
January 7th, 2012, 10:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Marking juvie softshells
Replies: 6
Views: 1151

Re: Marking juvie softshells

Over-the-counter hole punch with stainless steel micro-rivet technology. Just brainstorming.

Shane
by Shane_TX
January 7th, 2012, 8:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Question 'bout GPS...
Replies: 6
Views: 1682

Re: Question 'bout GPS...

Terry,

Coordinates are now required for entries in the HERP Database. They don't have to come from a GPS receiver. Google Earth, etc. are perfectly acceptable means of obtaining coordinates.

NAFHA is not a database.

Shane
by Shane_TX
January 4th, 2012, 6:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Citation of DB records?
Replies: 2
Views: 1382

Re: Citation of DB records?

Tom, Chris Harrison recently posted a good example on a different forum: I don't think we should include NAFHA in the citations since the relationship between the two institutions (naherp and NAFHA) is tenuous right now. The database is a stand-alone project and should be cited similar to an online ...
by Shane_TX
January 1st, 2012, 5:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: December species counts
Replies: 16
Views: 2790

Re: December species counts

On the last day of 2011:

Gray Treefrogs ( quite a few active callers, high in the trees, chrysoscelis I think)
Chirping Frogs (a few)

Shane