Long time listener, first time caller
Posted: March 24th, 2012, 10:32 pm
Yes, I know there has been an onslaught of new members to the forums but I have decided to finally throw my hat into the ring. I have been "lurking" since last year but have been contributing to the database. I decided that I needed to stop being intimidated by the knowledgeable people on here and start posting, so a little about me:
I'm a 33 year old father of two girls (one 4 years old and one 3 weeks old), live in Chowchilla Ca, work beyond fulltime in Los Banos Ca and roam the valley and hills of Merced, Madera, Mariposa (so many "M" counties) and Fresno Counties. I grew up finding reptiles on my grandparent’s ranch near Reedley and have recently rediscovered my passion for all things reptile or amphibian. As a young child and teenager I was so passionate about herpetology my father got a me a spot as a summer "intern" for the Fresno, ahem, Chaffee Zoo Reptile house. Unfortunately girls and partying put herping on the back burner for about a decade and half
After discovering this forum I bought a couple of "herping" books, two having been written by board member Mr. Hubbs (the other one also by board members Mr. Bird and Mr. Peaks, but they be from Kentucky). I mention Hubbs book because within the last few days I found several kingsnakes that I probably wouldn't have located without the books help. I have found more rattlers, gophers, and garters then I can count but before a few days ago I had only found one kingsnake. I "flipped" these kings the last few days:
My camera kind of sucks (point and shoot) but I hope to improve that as I grow as an amateur herpetologist. I may not post a bunch but will be more than willing to go on herping trips and meet up with anyone in my area. I have begun my own "areas" and am willing to share with anyone interested. Thanks for having me and I hope to contribute something useful, interesting and educational in the future.
I'm a 33 year old father of two girls (one 4 years old and one 3 weeks old), live in Chowchilla Ca, work beyond fulltime in Los Banos Ca and roam the valley and hills of Merced, Madera, Mariposa (so many "M" counties) and Fresno Counties. I grew up finding reptiles on my grandparent’s ranch near Reedley and have recently rediscovered my passion for all things reptile or amphibian. As a young child and teenager I was so passionate about herpetology my father got a me a spot as a summer "intern" for the Fresno, ahem, Chaffee Zoo Reptile house. Unfortunately girls and partying put herping on the back burner for about a decade and half
After discovering this forum I bought a couple of "herping" books, two having been written by board member Mr. Hubbs (the other one also by board members Mr. Bird and Mr. Peaks, but they be from Kentucky). I mention Hubbs book because within the last few days I found several kingsnakes that I probably wouldn't have located without the books help. I have found more rattlers, gophers, and garters then I can count but before a few days ago I had only found one kingsnake. I "flipped" these kings the last few days:
My camera kind of sucks (point and shoot) but I hope to improve that as I grow as an amateur herpetologist. I may not post a bunch but will be more than willing to go on herping trips and meet up with anyone in my area. I have begun my own "areas" and am willing to share with anyone interested. Thanks for having me and I hope to contribute something useful, interesting and educational in the future.