Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Moderator: Scott Waters
- 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
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.
Kentucky Dam by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Double-Breasted Cormorants - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Field Buttercup - Henry Co. TN by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Silver Creek - Madison Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Red River Gorge - Menifee Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Cypress hole - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Maps basking on Kentucky Lake. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
One of our most beautiful turtles by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Female/male Ouachita Maps (carapace) by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Female/male Ouachita Maps (plastron) by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
basking males by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Ouachita & Mississippi Maps by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Musk & Mud - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Musk Turtle 'Stinkpot' - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Eastern Mud Turtle - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
False Map - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Turkey by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Black Vultures by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Painted Turtle (Southern X Midland) hatchlings - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Eastern Box Turtle (female) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
carapace comparison by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Adult females - Oucahita Map & Red-ear Slider (plastral comparison) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Jessica and summertime! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Jessica and big Snapper by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Turtle wrangling on the Clark's River by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Eastern Snapping Turtle - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Painted (hatchlings) Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Hieroglyphic River Cooter (adult male) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Southern Painted - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Cooter in the surf by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
River Cooters (males courting female) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Spiny Softshell eggs - McCracken Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Spiny Softshell (hatchling) McCracken Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Spiny Softshell - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Shells on a Shelf by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Butterweed and inundated field at Reelfoot in May by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
withering pines by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Tradewater River - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Clear Creek bridge - Hopkins Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
My living room in Murray by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
'The Beast of Howe Valley' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Jessica and hognose by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Eastern Hognose - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Rough Green - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Western Ribbon - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Eastern Garter - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
S. Black Racer - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Black Racer (in the 'blue') Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Smooth Earth - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
'Snake Eyes' Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Down here by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Clinton flipp'n on Z's property by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Midland Water - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Diamondback Water - Hickman Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Diamondback Water - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Diamondback Water - Hopkins Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Diamondback Water - Fulton KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Yellow Bellied Water Snake - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
"Kentucky Krait!" by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Broadbanded Water Snake (female) Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
God's Country by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Broadbanded Water Snake (male) Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Summertime fun! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Hand full of Fulton County water snakes. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Prairie King - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Black King - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
King (Speckled X Black) Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Red Milk - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Scarlet King (male) Lyon Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Scarlet King (female) Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Kirtland's Snake - Henry Co. TN by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Kirtland's Snake - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Smooth Earth Snake - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Smooth Earth Snake - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Karst valley with sink depressions - Barren Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Rat Snake (Chicken Snake) Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Corn Snake (Red Chicken Snake) - Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Slender Glass Lizard (male) Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Slender Glass Lizard (female) Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Slender Glass Lizard - Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Slender Glass Lizard (male) Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Floyd Collins by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Sand Cave by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Sleep in a wigwam. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Five-lined Skink - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Copperhead (northern) Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Copperhead (Southern X Northern) Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Cottonmouth - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Cottonmouth (densite) Hopkins Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Cottonmouth - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Timber Rattlesnake - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
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.....
Eli and Evan Brown at Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Clinton and vine snake by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Evan Brown by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Nigel on the 'Silver'. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Queen Snake - Madison Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Nigel Smith - Queen Snake - Madison Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
John Hewlett - Black King - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
John Hewlett 'Snake Whisperer' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Tim and Tyler Johnson by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Limestone - Crinoids - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Nada entrance at Red River Gorge by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Nada Tunnel by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Dylan and Jessica on a very cold October day in the Gorge. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Red River Gorge, Kentucky by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Natural Bridge State Park by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Denna at RRG by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
The Bears are Back by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Beasts! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Pumpkin carving by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Tate Southwood, Dylan and Brenna at the annual Elizabethtown Zombie Walk. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
I'm pretty dang sure this guy won first place for 'Best Zombie'. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Field Jesus by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Dillo running at Clark's River - Murray, Kentucky by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
' Atomic Possum ' Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Dillo - closeup Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Clinton Cunningham, John Hewlett and Richard Coldiron photographing Anuran after a summer rain. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
'Enter the Dragon' Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Untitled by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
YoYo Calloway Co. Fair by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Three-lined Salamander - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Red Salamander - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Western Lesser Siren - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Spotted Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Marbled Salamander (young) Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Marbled Salamander - Edmonson Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Two-lined Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Longtail Salamander - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Streamside Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Tiger Salamander - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Jefferson hybrid Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Crawfish pods in western Kentucky by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Western Lesser Siren taken from a trap. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
traps by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Hackberry (aka 'Beaver Wood') in Calloway Co. KY overlooking the Tennessee. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
White-tail shed by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
White-tail antler sheds found in single small field in western Kentucky. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Spotted Gar by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
'Red-bellied Swamp Snake snack' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Western Mud Snake - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Western Mud Snake - Hickman Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Western Mud Snake - Carlisle Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
'Swamp-foot'n' in Graves. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Richard Coldiron exploring a mesophytic lowland forest. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Richard Coldiron and William Criswell of Dyer Co. TN - photographing a cottonmouth at north Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
North Reelfoot - Fulton Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Agricultural canals at Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
water web by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Reelfoot by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
The Gatekeeper by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Tim Johnson exploring McCreary Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
James and Mandy Hust by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Critter Weekend at LBL and the 'Bug Man' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Critter Days at Land Between the Lakes Woodland's Nature Center. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
'Critter' by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
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.
Eastern Spadefoot - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Brandi King and Clinton Cunningham observing amplexing spadefoots in western Kentucky. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. Spadefoots (amplex) Graves Co. KY.... April 2013 by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. Spadefoots (amplex) Caldwell Co. KY....June 2013 by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. Spadefoot - Hardin Co. KY...October. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. Narrowmouth Toad - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. Narrowmouth Toads (amplex) Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Blanchard's Cricket Frog - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Conant's page 131...my favorite by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
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.
Gray Treefrog sizing up moth on our back door - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
.......... going in for the kill. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Gray Treefrog consuming moth. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Gray Treefrog(s) Nightly gathering in Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Gray Treefrog - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Bird-voiced Treefrog - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Bird-voiced Treefrog - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
N. Spring Peeper - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
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.
Gray Treefrog - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Green Treefrog (calling) Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Green Treefrogs - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Green Treefrogs on Cattail - Trigg Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
'Super Moon' two days out by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Barking Treefrog on Polkweed - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Bronze Frog - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Bullfrog - Calloway Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Fowler's Toad (calling) Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
S. Leopard Frog - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
S. Leopard Frog - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
S. Leopard Frog - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
N. Crawfish Frog - McCracken Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
N. Crawfish Frogs - McCracken Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Fowler's Toad - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. American Toad - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
'Dwarf American' Lyon Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. Spadefoot - Graves Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Brandi King and Clinton Cunningham by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Brandi King photographing a lone Hyla gratiosa. by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. Spadefoot and Barking Treefrog - Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
E. Spadefoots (calling) Caldwell Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Rythmic timmers by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
A child's bliss! by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Dylan B by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
Thanks for looking ya'll.
Dave Frymire
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...
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.
- Rich in Reptiles
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...
Wow!! Awesome variety of photos... i love the "snake eyes", the narrowmouths in amplexus, and the spadefoot calling showing the vibrations in the water.
- ThatFrogGuy
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
And you thought MY end of year post was good???
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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.
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.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Amazing! Beautiful photographs; it looks like you covered just about everything!
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Dave
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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?
Spotted Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
-Zach
Spotted Salamander - Hardin Co. KY by Dave F. Frymire, on Flickr
-Zach
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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!
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!
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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.
The Jefferson hybrid looks like nothing I've ever seen, but the Spotted definitely looks more like a Tiger to me.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Justin Michels
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
So much awesome here. The Broad-banded watersnakes are gorgeous. That campbelli looking SK
The turtle variety is my favorite thing about this post, however. Great job!
The turtle variety is my favorite thing about this post, however. Great job!
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Oh my goodness...one of my favorite posts of all time. Simply incredible.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Roki
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
This is a sweet pic! I love the vibration patterns that were captured in the shot.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Did the clips that keyed out as 'maculatum' happen to be mitochondrial sequences?
-Jb
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
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
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Amazing! I especially like the black vultures and the "snake eyes" photos.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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.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
Thanks man, you're not too shabby yourself, and you get a lot more variety than me!
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
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
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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!
You had a fantastic year and documented it well! Thanks for posting it, it helps dealing with winter!
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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.
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.
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
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
- Nigel Smith
- Posts: 268
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- Location: Lexington Kentucky
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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! Speaking of which that shot of your daughter and that big snapper was gold!
Keep rockin Dave!
Keep rockin Dave!
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Rock ON!
Dave
- IllinoisGuy
- Posts: 55
- Joined: June 14th, 2013, 2:17 pm
- Location: St. Louis
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Your "spotted salamander" is quite definitely a tiger, although that's as close to looking like a spotted salamander as they'll get.
-Edward
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Rock ON!
Dave
- ahockenberry
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Awesome post - unbelievable number of species, great images and memories!
Thanks for sharing - wow!
Thanks for sharing - wow!
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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.
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.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
I'm just waiting all this out until the second coming of Linnaeus.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.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
Regards,
David
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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!
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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.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.
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Kevin,Stohlgren wrote: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.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.
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.
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
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
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Awesome awesome! Great photos of awesome finds as usual!
- Brian Willey
- Posts: 100
- Joined: June 21st, 2010, 6:32 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Outstanding! It's very cool to see all those gratiosa from that region.
-
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Spectacular! What an awesome assortment of critters and places.
- Daniel D Dye
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Stunning post, beautiful photos...Photo viewing sensor overload!
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
What an awesome post, you always have such an amazing variety. There are too many favorites to mention. Great job as always!!!
- Carl Brune
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Great photos, thanks for sharing. Lot's of great stuff in KY.
- walk-about
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Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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
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
Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
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!