Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

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walk-about
Posts: 567
Joined: June 14th, 2010, 12:04 pm
Location: 'God's Country' aka western KY
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Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

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Jessica!!!!! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr


Adequate and consistent precipitation combined with unseasonably cool temperatures set the table for an interesting season overall. Much of my time would be devoted to riverine turtle research on the Tennessee and her tributaries. This one of my deepest passions. Fieldherping with colleagues, close friends and my beautiful daughter Jessica was an honor and joy. Many thanks for all those who ventured into the field with me this summer.

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Kentucky Dam by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Double-Breasted Cormorants - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Field Buttercup - Henry Co. TN by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Silver Creek - Madison Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Red River Gorge - Menifee Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Cypress hole - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Maps basking on Kentucky Lake. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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One of our most beautiful turtles by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Female/male Ouachita Maps (carapace) by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Female/male Ouachita Maps (plastron) by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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basking males by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Ouachita & Mississippi Maps by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Musk & Mud - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Musk Turtle 'Stinkpot' - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Eastern Mud Turtle - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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False Map - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Turkey by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Black Vultures by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Painted Turtle (Southern X Midland) hatchlings - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Eastern Box Turtle (female) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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carapace comparison by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Adult females - Oucahita Map & Red-ear Slider (plastral comparison) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Jessica and summertime! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Jessica and big Snapper by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Turtle wrangling on the Clark's River by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Eastern Snapping Turtle - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Painted (hatchlings) Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Hieroglyphic River Cooter (adult male) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Southern Painted - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Cooter in the surf by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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River Cooters (males courting female) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Spiny Softshell eggs - McCracken Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Spiny Softshell (hatchling) McCracken Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Spiny Softshell - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Shells on a Shelf by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Butterweed and inundated field at Reelfoot in May by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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withering pines by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Tradewater River - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Clear Creek bridge - Hopkins Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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My living room in Murray by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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'The Beast of Howe Valley' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Jessica and hognose by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Eastern Hognose - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Rough Green - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Western Ribbon - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Eastern Garter - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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S. Black Racer - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Black Racer (in the 'blue') Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Smooth Earth - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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'Snake Eyes' Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Down here by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Clinton flipp'n on Z's property by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Midland Water - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Diamondback Water - Hickman Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Diamondback Water - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Diamondback Water - Hopkins Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Diamondback Water - Fulton KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Yellow Bellied Water Snake - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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"Kentucky Krait!" by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Broadbanded Water Snake (female) Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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God's Country by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Broadbanded Water Snake (male) Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Summertime fun! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Hand full of Fulton County water snakes. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Prairie King - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Black King - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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King (Speckled X Black) Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Red Milk - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Scarlet King (male) Lyon Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Scarlet King (female) Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Kirtland's Snake - Henry Co. TN by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Kirtland's Snake - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Smooth Earth Snake - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Smooth Earth Snake - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Karst valley with sink depressions - Barren Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Rat Snake (Chicken Snake) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Corn Snake (Red Chicken Snake) - Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Slender Glass Lizard (male) Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Slender Glass Lizard (female) Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Slender Glass Lizard - Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Slender Glass Lizard (male) Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Floyd Collins by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Sand Cave by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Sleep in a wigwam. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Five-lined Skink - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Copperhead (northern) Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Copperhead (Southern X Northern) Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Cottonmouth - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Cottonmouth (densite) Hopkins Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Cottonmouth - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Timber Rattlesnake - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Western Pygmy Rattlesnake - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

Borrowing a line from Stephen Malkmus (Pavement) this post summarizes the obscurity of best intentions. There is that knowledge of that specific road that you share with no one. It remains hidden thru infinity. That said, the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is one of our most sensitive Kentucky fauna. Even the best intended field efforts can come up short. Encountering this specie is beyond epic; it was the sweetest satisfaction of many years. And the road goes on.....

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Eli and Evan Brown at Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Clinton and vine snake by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Evan Brown by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Nigel on the 'Silver'. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Queen Snake - Madison Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Nigel Smith - Queen Snake - Madison Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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John Hewlett - Black King - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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John Hewlett 'Snake Whisperer' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Tim and Tyler Johnson by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Limestone - Crinoids - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Nada entrance at Red River Gorge by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Nada Tunnel by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Dylan and Jessica on a very cold October day in the Gorge. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Red River Gorge, Kentucky by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Natural Bridge State Park by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Denna at RRG by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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The Bears are Back by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Beasts! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Pumpkin carving by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Tate Southwood, Dylan and Brenna at the annual Elizabethtown Zombie Walk. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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I'm pretty dang sure this guy won first place for 'Best Zombie'. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Field Jesus by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Dillo running at Clark's River - Murray, Kentucky by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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' Atomic Possum ' Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Dillo - closeup Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Clinton Cunningham, John Hewlett and Richard Coldiron photographing Anuran after a summer rain. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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'Enter the Dragon' Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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YoYo Calloway Co. Fair by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Three-lined Salamander - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Red Salamander - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Western Lesser Siren - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Spotted Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Marbled Salamander (young) Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Marbled Salamander - Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Two-lined Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Longtail Salamander - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Streamside Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Tiger Salamander - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Jefferson hybrid Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Crawfish pods in western Kentucky by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Western Lesser Siren taken from a trap. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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traps by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Hackberry (aka 'Beaver Wood') in Calloway Co. KY overlooking the Tennessee. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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White-tail shed by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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White-tail antler sheds found in single small field in western Kentucky. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Spotted Gar by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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'Red-bellied Swamp Snake snack' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Western Mud Snake - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Western Mud Snake - Hickman Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Western Mud Snake - Carlisle Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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'Swamp-foot'n' in Graves. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Richard Coldiron exploring a mesophytic lowland forest. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Richard Coldiron and William Criswell of Dyer Co. TN - photographing a cottonmouth at north Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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North Reelfoot - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Agricultural canals at Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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water web by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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The Gatekeeper by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Tim Johnson exploring McCreary Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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James and Mandy Hust by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Critter Weekend at LBL and the 'Bug Man' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Critter Days at Land Between the Lakes Woodland's Nature Center. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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'Critter' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Clinton Cunningham and Eastern Spadefoot. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

Year of the Eastern Spadefoot!!! The consistency of seasonal rainfall across western and central Kentucky ensured Scaphiopus holbrookii ample breeding opportunities. Amplexing events as well single individuals would be found: Caldwell, Christian, Graves, Hardin and Meade counties. This uncommmon Kentucky toad may not breed for consecutive years of consistent precipitation does not fall.

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Eastern Spadefoot - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Brandi King and Clinton Cunningham observing amplexing spadefoots in western Kentucky. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. Spadefoots (amplex) Graves Co. KY.... April 2013 by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. Spadefoots (amplex) Caldwell Co. KY....June 2013 by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. Spadefoot - Hardin Co. KY...October. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. Narrowmouth Toad - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. Narrowmouth Toads (amplex) Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Blanchard's Cricket Frog - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Conant's page 131...my favorite by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Green Treefrog - Muhlenberg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

The rapidity of this specie's eastward expansion across Kentucky and Tennessee is unprecedented in regional herpetology. Each summer, additional counties are colonized. Interestingly, the Green Treefrog is utilizing the same eastward migration vectors - used by the Nine-banded Armadillo. These include primary, secondary and third-order rivers and creeks. On this night, These frogs would be found in two Western Coalfield counties.

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Gray Treefrog sizing up moth on our back door - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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.......... going in for the kill. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Gray Treefrog consuming moth. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Gray Treefrog(s) Nightly gathering in Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Gray Treefrog - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Bird-voiced Treefrog - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Bird-voiced Treefrog - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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N. Spring Peeper - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Barking Treefrog - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Barking Treefrogs would be observed in three counties. This is our largest treefrog and one of Kentucky's most interesting amphibian species regarding its geographical distribution, which is contained in a narrow corridor along the Western Pennyroyal's Karst plain.

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Gray Treefrog - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Green Treefrog (calling) Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Green Treefrogs - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Green Treefrogs on Cattail - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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'Super Moon' two days out by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Barking Treefrog on Polkweed - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Bronze Frog - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Bullfrog - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Fowler's Toad (calling) Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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S. Leopard Frog - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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S. Leopard Frog - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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S. Leopard Frog - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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N. Crawfish Frog - McCracken Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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N. Crawfish Frogs - McCracken Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Fowler's Toad - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. American Toad - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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'Dwarf American' Lyon Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. Spadefoot - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Brandi King and Clinton Cunningham by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Brandi King photographing a lone Hyla gratiosa. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. Spadefoot and Barking Treefrog - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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E. Spadefoots (calling) Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Rythmic timmers by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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A child's bliss! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

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Dylan B by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

Thanks for looking ya'll.

Dave Frymire
ChadHarrison
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Joined: June 29th, 2012, 1:45 pm
Location: Illinois

Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...

Post by ChadHarrison »

WOW. What a great post! The shot of the calling vibrations in the water was unreal. I am extremely jealous of your Kirtland's Snake encounter! I really hope to see that species this year. The western muds and pygs were way cool, too. Two more species I'll be targeting.
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Rich in Reptiles
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...

Post by Rich in Reptiles »

Wow!! Awesome variety of photos... i love the "snake eyes", the narrowmouths in amplexus, and the spadefoot calling showing the vibrations in the water.
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ThatFrogGuy
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by ThatFrogGuy »

Great post as usual! Your Spotted Salamander is actually a Tiger, and a very nice looking one at that. Also, although I could be wrong, I think your "Jefferson hybrid" is actually a Mole Salamander.
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DracoRJC
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by DracoRJC »

And you thought MY end of year post was good???
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Soopaman
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Soopaman »

Great post and photographs, David.

I really liked the little hognose y'all got, and of course the calligaster.

Those Kentucky scarlets are an awesome find too, very nice looking ones.
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Phil
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Phil »

Amazing! Beautiful photographs; it looks like you covered just about everything! :thumb:
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walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

Thank guys for the kind comments. Chad - I love the Kirtland's too, one of my all time favorite North American snakes. Bethany, I love that spadefoot night, it was a lot of fun. Getting out with colleagues and friends is the best. Frog-guy, Spotted salamanders in central Kentucky take on an array of head shapes and other diagnostic features similar to tiger salamanders (both common in this area). But the specimen is correctly identified. The hybrid is also just that - a hybrid. There are no Ambystoma talpoideum in central KY. I have done lots of research on them in far western KY where they may sometimes be locally abundant. Several hybrids were found that night - each measuring just under 6 inches. Mole salamanders are much smaller. The Jefferson 'complex' may involve influence of both Jefferson, Tiger and Blue-spotteds in this area. Rock ON!

Dave
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ThatFrogGuy
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by ThatFrogGuy »

Thanks for the clarification on the hybrids. I may be going crazy, but I see nothing in this salamander that would make me call it a Spotted. What are you using to identify it?
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Spotted Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr

-Zach
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walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

I will add some commentary for this post tomorrow when I have more time. Thanks for looking.

Dave

Zach - Clips were taken from this population in our research grid - everything keyed out as 'maculatum', including that specimen. Don't know what else really to say about it. But thanks for looking sir. I will try to add other data tomorrow evening.

Rock ON!
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cbernz
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by cbernz »

Wow! Now I definitely need to make time for a trip to Kentucky. Kirtland's and Muds and Crawfish Frogs and Streamside Sals? Sign me up!

The Jefferson hybrid looks like nothing I've ever seen, but the Spotted definitely looks more like a Tiger to me.
pops
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by pops »

Wow! What an enjoyable post!! Something for everyone... love the treefrogs, siren, muds, musks & crinoids. That spotted looks like a tiger to me also. Thx for posting- dave
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justinm
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by justinm »

You certainly got some field time in, and at the right spots. I was truly blown away with the variety. The hatchling turtles are something I mean to do each year, when I find them nesting. I've just never gone and followed up on the hatchlings, I need to after seeing this. All around one of the best and most enjoyable posts I can remember from this area. The salamander in question to me is undoubtedly a Tiger. Spotteds lack the lateral compression of the tail that one has. There might be other diagnostics but that stood out immediately. The head is just off for me as well. This is a really pretty Tiger.

Justin Michels
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Mike VanValen
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Mike VanValen »

So much awesome here. The Broad-banded watersnakes are gorgeous. That campbelli looking SK :shock:

The turtle variety is my favorite thing about this post, however. Great job!
Tamara D. McConnell
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Tamara D. McConnell »

Oh my goodness...one of my favorite posts of all time. Simply incredible.
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Roki
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Roki »

Incredible post! Awesome shots, love the variety with species and habitats. I really liked how this post really guides you thought the whole experience with the species, the places, the people. Almost makes me miss living back east.
Roki
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TravisK
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by TravisK »

Image

This is a sweet pic! I love the vibration patterns that were captured in the shot.
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Jason B
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Jason B »

Hey Dave, amazing post as always! There's some great critters in that bunch.

Did the clips that keyed out as 'maculatum' happen to be mitochondrial sequences?

-Jb
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walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

DracoRJC - thanks so much! But I think you covered alot more territory than I did in 2013.

Phil - Thanks so much. I enjoy your vids, they are really cool. One of our wildlife biologist at Murray State is from Lafyette, LA. Great gal. She is in some of the pics on this post.

Soopaman - Thank you sir. Those are actually Kentucky SK's and not Cemophora Love all your pics on Flickr, they are incredible, especially those TX snakes.

Tamara - I'm so flattered. Your words always so kind. Love all your pics - especially as your 'follower' on Flickr. Keep em' coming.

Dave
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Daryl Eby
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Daryl Eby »

Amazing! I especially like the black vultures and the "snake eyes" photos.
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Soopaman
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Soopaman »

walk-about wrote:
Soopaman - Thank you sir. Those are actually Kentucky SK's and not Cemophora Love all your pics on Flickr, they are incredible, especially those TX snakes.


Dave
Right, I always forget about the actual scarlet snakes, so I carelessly used the common name "scarlets" to refer to your kings. Anyhow, I'll say again, awesome finds for Kentucky.

Thanks man, you're not too shabby yourself, and you get a lot more variety than me!
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walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

Cbernz - Thanks sir. Jersey a place I would love to herp one day - especially the Pine Barrens.

pops - Thanks so much. Crinoids are a favorite of mine too.

justinm - Your comments are flattering sir. Thanks so much. Where in Illinois are you located and how far from KY?

Mike VanValen - Like I said last year, we a brothers from a different mother - Love the Turtle....always. Rock ON!

Travis - Thank you sir. That was one of my favorite moments of this summer.

Jason and Zach - Thank you for taking the time to look through this long post. The grad student researcher that caught that salamander is doing research near a large military base in our county, and he is the one who can give you specifics on his finds. If you would like, PM me, and I can get you his e-mail. Jason, if you come back to western KY this spring, let me know bro.

Rock ON!

Dave
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pete
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by pete »

You hit that one right out of the park!
You had a fantastic year and documented it well! Thanks for posting it, it helps dealing with winter! :thumb:
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Stohlgren
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Stohlgren »

Excellent post and excellent photos. That spotted Ambystoma in question screams tiger to me too. If anyone gets in touch with the grad student, please post their comments here, if they allow.

As for the laterally compressed tail, I don't think this is out of reach for maculatum as their tails are somewhat laterally compressed, especially towards the end.

Image
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walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

Daryl Eby - Thanks so much sir. The 'snake eyes' is one of my favorites of 2013 - that Farancia was actually taken from a series of traps I had set. Pretty cool find no doubt.

Pete - Thanks for looking. You always have kind comments regarding my post.

Stohlgren - Your photography is so beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to look my pics.

Rock ON!

Dave
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Nigel Smith
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Nigel Smith »

Dave so after my second time viewing this post today I'm even more impressed than before. Spectacular diversity of animals in here Dave. Congrats again on locating what must be the most rare snake in KY! That funky looking midand was pretty cool too. As was that mud snake with 'the eyes" you were telling me about. I also thought that shot of the mud and musk turtle together was pretty cool. It might be useful in a field guide. I always enjoy habitat shots but habitat shots with super cool herpers in them is a bonus! :thumb: Speaking of which that shot of your daughter and that big snapper was gold!

Keep rockin Dave!
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walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

Nigel - Thanks so much for the very kind words. It was a great honor and pleasure exploring Kentucky creeks with you this late summer. Was not really sure what we would find that day - if anything. But I think we ended up with around 16 snakes, a few salamanders and frogs - in all and in just a short span of distance that we walked. I am looking forward to getting out again and hopefully very soon.

Rock ON!

Dave
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IllinoisGuy
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by IllinoisGuy »

Awesome post! Some of those snakes have such awesome contrast.

Your "spotted salamander" is quite definitely a tiger, although that's as close to looking like a spotted salamander as they'll get.

-Edward
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walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

Thanks Edward for the kind remarks. I guess you Illinois boys are gearing up for the annual 'snake migration' at Snake Road. I have yet to ever make that venture. But maybe this year could be the year.

Rock ON!

Dave
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by ahockenberry »

Awesome post - unbelievable number of species, great images and memories!
Thanks for sharing - wow!
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by justinm »

Dave,

I'm in Central Illinois, but I come down to Southern Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana a fair bit. The sallie being called a spotted based on MtDNA worries me that this is the new way of herpetology. I don't want to carry a pocket DNA kit. :lol:
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by cbernz »

justinm wrote:Dave,

I'm in Central Illinois, but I come down to Southern Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana a fair bit. The sallie being called a spotted based on MtDNA worries me that this is the new way of herpetology. I don't want to carry a pocket DNA kit. :lol:
I'm just waiting all this out until the second coming of Linnaeus.
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moloch
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by moloch »

What a fantastic report! I really enjoyed looking through the shots. Kentucky looks like a beautiful place and has such a great diversity of animals. Some of those autumn scenes were just spectacular.

Regards,
David
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Barry R »

What an awesome season! Love the pygmy, the SK's, and the Glass lizards. Red River Gorge is an incredibly beautiful area. I love the swamps too. Thanks for sharing!
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Stohlgren »

justinm wrote:Dave,

I'm in Central Illinois, but I come down to Southern Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana a fair bit. The sallie being called a spotted based on MtDNA worries me that this is the new way of herpetology. I don't want to carry a pocket DNA kit. :lol:
This is certainly a very different situation than all of the recent splits many people are complaining about. I am guessing that Jason asked about MtDNA to see if there is a possibility that this could be a hybrid, with the female being a A. maculatum. Based on the photo, I could see this being the case. If it is not a hybrid and this is pure maculatum, than it is very interesting that the morphology of maculatum in that area is plastic enough that it looks like a tigrinum.
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by justinm »

Stohlgren wrote:
justinm wrote:Dave,

I'm in Central Illinois, but I come down to Southern Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana a fair bit. The sallie being called a spotted based on MtDNA worries me that this is the new way of herpetology. I don't want to carry a pocket DNA kit. :lol:
This is certainly a very different situation than all of the recent splits many people are complaining about. I am guessing that Jason asked about MtDNA to see if there is a possibility that this could be a hybrid, with the female being a A. maculatum. Based on the photo, I could see this being the case. If it is not a hybrid and this is pure maculatum, than it is very interesting that the morphology of maculatum in that area is plastic enough that it looks like a tigrinum.
Kevin,

I would be curious to know if this was a hybrid, or like you said the gestalt is so plastic in this area that we all think tigrinum.
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

Ashley - Your posted images have always been so impressive to me. Thanks so much for taking the time to view and comment on mine. It means a lot coming from you sir.

justinm & cbernz - I could not agree with you guys more.

moloch - Yes David, Kentucky is indeed a beautiful place and great photo ops abound around every turn - much like your beloved Australia. I think of all the avatars I have ever seen on here, your Thorny Devil is the best!

Barry R - Thanks sir for viewing my post. Kentucky Glass lizards are one of my favorites too. I wish their distribution was more widespread, but perhaps it is that limitation that adds to the excitement of finding them each summer.

Kevin - On that night, we were physically collecting specimens and transferring them back to their lab. We will collect more this spring and likely into the fall. At that location that night we found many Tigers, Spotteds, Streamsides and what I would likely refer to as Jefferson 'complex' hybrids for lack of a better description. Not really sure what is going on there. He (grad student) would be the one to talk to about mitochondrial sequencing.

Rock ON!

Dave
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by noah k. »

Awesome awesome! Great photos of awesome finds as usual!
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Brian Willey »

Outstanding! It's very cool to see all those gratiosa from that region.
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Brian Eagar »

Spectacular! What an awesome assortment of critters and places.
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Daniel D Dye »

Stunning post, beautiful photos...Photo viewing sensor overload! :crazyeyes:
beamer69
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by beamer69 »

What an awesome post, you always have such an amazing variety. There are too many favorites to mention. Great job as always!!! :thumb:
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Carl Brune
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by Carl Brune »

Great photos, thanks for sharing. Lot's of great stuff in KY.
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walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by walk-about »

Noah K. - Thank you sir. Looking over your SE Chapter post again - Love them all.

Brian Willey - Those Hyla gratiosa are my favorite of KY Anuran. Their very limited distribution here makes them even more interesting.

Brian Eagar - Thank you for taking time to go through it and comment.

Daniel Dye - Thanks so much sir. Living along the New River, I can only imagine your daily splendor of experiencing nature at the highest level. Your so lucky.

beamer69 - Thank you mam. Thanks for showing me around your neck of the woods. Looking forward to exploring Aunt Wanda's caves this spring and hopefully turn up some good stuff.

Carl - Kentucky stuff!! Yes. Thanks for looking Mr. Brune.

Rock ON!

Dave
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Post by jayder85 »

Dave, I feel ashamed that I am just seeing this post. I don't get to visit this site often and Nigel clued me in on this post. What a year! Many awesome places and finds! I am just waiting on you to post up a Gator Snapper one of these years! If you are ever out this way just give me a holler!
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