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PAHERP Forum » Recent Topics http://www.paherp.org/forum/ PAHERP Forum » Recent Topics en Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:02:51 +0000 DirkStabula on "Silent Spring Sooner Than You Think?" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/silent-spring-sooner-than-you-think#post-695 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:18:52 +0000 DirkStabula 695@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Few people realize the subtle squeaks that send them gently off to sleep on starry spring nights are frequently caused by Spring Peepers, an adorable frog whose soporific squawk renders cacophonous crickets’ vibrations vapid. Yet, as Rachel Carson alluded to in her vanguard volume Silent Spring, Mother Nature stands to lose many of her composers. Due to the effects of Global Climate Change and habitat loss, Wood Frogs, Spring Peepers, an assortment of salamanders, and other creatures may lose their homes and disappear forever. Many of these animals have complicated breeding needs that can only be met in temporary shallow woodland ponds known as vernal pools. These pools provide an ideal habitat in which these delicate species can moisten their skin during the desiccant summer heat. Due to their ephemeral essence and inland isolation, vernal pools also provide a nursery ground for eggs and tadpoles devoid of predatory fish. The circle of life for amphibians revolves around the presence of these pools, which are diminishing in number for a multitude of reasons. Increased temperature shrivels the abundance and size of vernal pools. When climactic vicissitude violates the integrity of pools, it forces ambulatory amphibians to travel farther in their search for sanctuary, and habitat destruction due to the burgeoning human population’s endless quest for housing further reduces their options. Many salamander and frog species cannot withstand these perturbations, contributing to the general decline of the class amphibia. Vernal pools are not only critical to the conservation of our amphibious friends, but also for the preservation of ground water and flood control. The loss of these pools impedes the ability of wetlands and wooded areas to absorb water after torrential downpours or during snowmelts. As witnessed this year, the loss of nature’s buffering system results in more frequent and severe flooding events, polluting water quality and accelerating soil erosion. Furthermore, the reduction in water absorption lowers the water tables, resulting in severe drought and habitat destruction during arid years. The consequences of these effects result in extraordinary economic loses and can be catastrophic for the agricultural community, recreational fishing and boating, and especially to drinking water. The admittedly depressing loss of suitable habitat should not illicit lamentation, but rather urgency! Efforts to fight climate change should be strengthened, wildlife sanctuaries extended, and efforts taken to physically rebuild vernal pools by digging out areas where rainfall can pool. By implementing these changes, water quality will be maintained, economic losses from natural flooding can be mitigated, and most importantly, the health and vitality of both communities will be preserved. If we don’t, we may be facing our own silent spring sooner than you think. Dirk Stabula and the HerpetoloG-Unit Lafayette College Contact Mr. Bill Sweeney for more information on how to help amphibians at Jacobsburg State Park! jennysrainbow on "Help with snake id please" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/help-with-snake-id-please#post-690 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:42:08 +0000 jennysrainbow 690@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I haven't posted in ages... but would love a bit of input here. Last week, my husband and I found this little guy in the road by our house. He was all coiled up and tried his hardest to strike and bite any time my husband got close to it. Finally, he was able to pick him up and bring him into the safety of our yard. (We find far too many run over in the streets) We're just not sure what type of snake it is....I've gotten everything from Eastern Milk snake to Black Rat snake to Northern Water snake. Here are some pics: <img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/295699_2343242497302_1137169806_2695255_1060437194_n.jpg"> <img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/309113_2343244417350_1137169806_2695259_1639326057_n.jpg"> <img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301141_2343245817385_1137169806_2695262_68669108_n.jpg"> VB on "Late Summer Tadpoles in Vernal Pond ID Help" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/late-summer-tadpoles-in-vernal-pond-id-help#post-688 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:44:37 +0000 VB 688@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I have a small vernal pond area at a property in Venango County (NW PA), that has been experiencing a growth in reptile usage over the past several years. This past spring was the 2nd very good year for Wood Frogs. The local wood turtles and snakes frequent the pond as does an occassional heron It is also home to green frogs and newts, and nearby are tree frogs, pickeral frogs, an occassional chorus, and of course, Spring Peepers. Rarely if ever is there a bullfrog in the area. Just a few weeks ago, we noticed tadpoles in the pond, and while we check it weekly, had not seen any eggs or masses prior to that. The tadpoles are not numerous (i.e. not like the wood frogs), but are very noticeable and are about 1.5 inches long. Suggestions as to what they might be, and are they "2 year" tadpoles now currently in their 1st year. jmsst2 on "Looking for a home for my Rosy Boa..." http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/looking-for-a-home-for-my-rosy-boa#post-686 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:24:57 +0000 jmsst2 686@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Hello all. I am in desperate need of finding a home for my rosy boa (approx 40 inches long). I am relocating and am unable to take her with me. Comes with a 75 gal tank and stand. If interested, or know anyone that may be, please reply to this, or contact me at <a href="mailto:jmsst2@yahoo.com">jmsst2@yahoo.com</a>. Thanks! seto2112 on "What snake is this? Not native to PA" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/what-snake-is-this#post-682 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:12:18 +0000 seto2112 682@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Found in Royersford, Montgomery County -approx 14 inches long <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/eyeinthesky/snake1.jpg"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/eyeinthesky/snake4.jpg"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/eyeinthesky/snake5.jpg"> Photo was sent to me to ID-I'm thinking someone's pet Cal King escaped. seto2112 on "Ratsnakes" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/ratsnakes#post-680 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:12:57 +0000 seto2112 680@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Do you seperate the Eastern Ratsnake from the Midland Ratsnake here? Not sure how the CNAH came up with that and making the Yellow the same as the Eastern Ratsnake and all that stuff. DNA? Wow! The PAFBC made me get a permit to keep my CB OLD Yellow Ratsnake....and my Greenish ones....(yellow X black) Anyway-if you do then I have both photographed..by location. If not-no biggie-except to the PAFBC I guess...confused.... seto2112 on "Yellow Belly Cooter?" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/yellow-belly-cooter#post-674 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:40:42 +0000 seto2112 674@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Photographed today at the Lehigh Canal in Carbon County <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/eyeinthesky/July262011a051.jpg"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/eyeinthesky/July262011a054.jpg"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/eyeinthesky/July262011a055.jpg"> hope I did this right seto2112 on "So Far this year" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/so-far-this-year#post-658 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:12:14 +0000 seto2112 658@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I've seen: In PA Eastern Gartersnake N. Ringneck E. Ratsnake Timbers Copperheads N.Watersnake N. Black Racer N.Brown Snake E.Milksnakes E. Hognose and a lovely photo of a Queensnake found a hour from where I live... 5-line Skink American Toad Pickerel Frog Bullfrog Bronze Frog Grey Treefrog Wood Frog Spring Peepers Red Back Salamander Painted Turtle Musk Turtle Spotted Turtle Wood Turtle I'm not really looking for them most of the time. I see them while walking, driving, gardening or looking for insects.(and on vacations, etc,) This would explain my lack of salamanders I guess-just not looking. seto2112 on "Red-Eared Sliders" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/red-eared-sliders#post-667 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 15:44:13 +0000 seto2112 667@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Is there a place in the database for those-there is a breeding population in my area now....sigh...each year I see more and more of them-all ages...I have photos. Gully on "Can't locate any ringnecks" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/cant-locate-any-ringnecks#post-659 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:55:38 +0000 Gully 659@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I have been herping around the Bethlehem area since I was a lil guy and I have yet to find a ringneck can any one give me a spot around the Bethlehem area where they have found a ringneck I wanna photograph some and all I ever seem to find is garters, salamanders , and northern waters.and if there is anyone in the Allentown Bethlehem area that wants to go field herping let me know krloucks on "Pa Wilds" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/pa-wilds#post-657 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:44:07 +0000 krloucks 657@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Yeah, not many things to be seen in northern Pa in July. Add on the fact that it was the driest June in 20 years making it slim pickins for the most part. But, I did scare a few critters up. Had the family with me so had to be sensitive to time spent. A few years ago, I had a nice new spot where I could find greens, redbellies, ringnecks, etc. Then the gas drilling companies moved in. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/1%202010%20Herps/5-8brasutily/bfecf1f0.jpg"> A pipeline was also installed on top of where we flipped everything... that was two years ago. I was po'd. Gas companies are drilling everywhere, swarming in like locusts, then leaving when things run dry. Here is the same pad now. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8340.jpg"> and what has replaced our flipping site. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8331.jpg"> However, like all of us, power line cuts and gas right-of-ways can turn into some great habitat. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8338.jpg"> While we are temporarily "put off", the pipe line installation has unearthed a lot of cover rocks. My daughter Kacie at the spot where she flipped her first smooth Green Snake two years ago. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8339.jpg"> We flipped a lot of rocks and Kacie did find a single Northern Redbellied Snake... We figure in a year or two, we should flip plenty more, and hopefully some green snakes. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8336.jpg"> On our way back, we stopped a few other sites for some quick flippage... Kacie flipped a green snake at the first rock... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8358.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8360.jpg"> Also flipped a few Northern Redbellied snakes... (15) Just about all the females were bulging. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8347.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8365.jpg"> This one had a cool blue-ish racing stripe. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8367.jpg"> The next day, we continued on our trek to visit several state parks and do some geocaching. Herping of course is a given. While stopped on a rural road, I was looking for rocks to flip for more fossorials when my wife and son yelled "snake" simultaneously. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8386.jpg"> Out of her window, my wife spotted this beauty. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8385.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8398.jpg"> Kris wanted credit for the find so I had the girls pose. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8400.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8403.jpg"> Looking for geocache's can lead you to some cool spots... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8408.jpg"> Kris - eagle eyes- spotted these little peepers. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8420.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8424.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/RSCN8425.jpg"> Also saw this odd specimen... not a peeper. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8410.jpg"> My son Konnor makin me proud. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8505.jpg"> He was proud of himself anyway... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8508.jpg"> He also scooped up a couple metamorphosing bullfrogs... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8513.jpg"> Behemoths... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8491.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8490.jpg"> It was a nice few days... here is some parting shots. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8464.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/DSCN8440.jpg"> "No Hellbenders here dad..." <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/102_3794.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/7-11%20Pa%20Wilds/102_3792.jpg"> seto2112 on "PA Herp Laws-between a rock and a hard place" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/pa-herp-laws-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place#post-660 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:41:45 +0000 seto2112 660@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Okay I can't get a straight answer from the PAFBC on removing snakes from people's homes. For some reason I get called from time to time. Just because the local police know that I know about snakes and have extensive experience with them. 30 years. Which includes doing educational programs and so on. Anyway-I called the PAFBC last year and they told me-they don't remove snakes cos they don't have the budget or manpower. "Snakes can be removed by anyone-a neighbor, a police officer, a snake expert, exterminator, wildlife center-because we don't do it anymore" "The only restriction is that whoever does it may not kill the snakes" Now wait does that include protected species ? and she said Yes. I asked does that include Rattlesnakes and Copperheads for which you need a permit and she said "it's not like you're catching them to keep or eat, so it's different." So I then asked-"but can't I get into trouble for possession?" :She said "Not under those circumstances-you are an agent of the police" Okay? This year-I called again about this-and the guy asked who told me the original info and I told him. He's not sure that is correct and is supposed to get back to me. He morally thinks it's fine to try to save the animals but doesn't know what the legalities are. Does anyone here have a clue? Most people won't remove a Milksnake from their bathroom closet!! etc. BTW-Since websites like this and mine and other ones can ID snakes online quickly-80 % of the people who get IDs will leave it alone-unless it's in their house or is venomous. I don't want to get into trouble for by doing something the police ask me to do. Just to note-I never keep anything-I release them outside the home or within the same area because I know they have territories. derjjm on "Eastern Painted Turtle" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/eastern-painted-turtle#post-652 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:47:29 +0000 derjjm 652@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I was on a very busy highway this morning and I noticed a small blob near the fog line of my lane. As I got closer, I saw it was a turtle of some kind as I whizzed past. I went up the road about a tenth of a mile and turned around before too much traffic came along and sped back to the turtle. By then it was in the right tire track of the lane and traffic was coming. I turned onto the opposite shoulder and parked close to the white line and turned my flashers on. I got out of my pick-up and walked back to the turtle before traffic got too close and picked him up. After I got home I looked it up on your website, and I find it is a Eastern Painted. I plan to release it later this afternoon. Before I hear about letting nature take its course, and that I should have let the turtle chance the highway and possibly thin out the gene pool... I like turtles, it wasnt some speedy critter which could cross a busy highway in seconds. It was a turtle. And I did what I did. Live with it. He/She will. Period. krloucks on "Herping with friends from Lancaster, et. al." http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/herping-with-friends-from-lancaster-et-al#post-651 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:38:20 +0000 krloucks 651@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I was invited with the Lancaster Herp Society along with special guest Bill Love and members of the Metropolitan Herp Society to go along on a little field excursion. I only had a couple of hours but still had a blast meeting a few folks. Some of the folks as we met at the home of <a href="http://www.forgottenfriend.org/">Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary</a> Founder/President Jesse Rothacker. On the left is our own Garterguy who is also the current president of the <a href="http://www.lancasterherp.org/">Lancaster Herp Society</a>. The gentlemen in the middle is the Caleb Hulse, the son of Art Hulse who penned "Reptiles and Amphibians of Pennsylvania and the Northeast:. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7272.jpg"> Lurking in the background is Bill Love, longtime herper and now Herp Photographer. Here is Bill in his trademark tie-dye t-shirt setting up a group shot. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7273.jpg"> Jesse has a wonderful facility where he adopts then adopts-out unwanted reptiles. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7270.jpg"> Some of his critters are native but can't be released, thus he works closely with the state and is permitted to house certain animals. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7269.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7271.jpg"> After the group got together, off we went. We stopped by a gas station for ice when I spotted a pile of rocks that looked great for... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7275.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7274.jpg"> Didn't take to many pics. We also found 6 box turtles in a field. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7279.jpg"> Harvey from Staten Island, Jesse and Bill getting the shot... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7283.jpg"> You wouldn't think these would garner so much attention, but when they look like this, you understand. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7290.jpg"> 2 breeding pairs and a couple of other ladies...in a small area. Really cool. Another collateral find... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-21%20pa/DSCN7400.jpg"> Had to leave early but had a great time meeting folks. krloucks on "Memorial Day Weekend- Lycoming" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/memorial-day-weekend-lycoming#post-650 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:36:30 +0000 krloucks 650@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Rains had come the night before which made for wet hiking... I met up with Matt Harris, who posts not often, at a local favorite area. The sun came out and so did the snakes...Three different milks at first. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7493.jpg"> See it? <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7503.jpg"> This one was more obvious. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7496.jpg"> Then it took refuge in a rock wall... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7498.jpg"> but not quite. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7500.jpg"> And two more flipped with a ringneck. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7526.jpg"> And speaking of ringneck snakes, the rain kept them under cover til I arrived. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7643.jpg"> under anything- <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7662.jpg"> Two- <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7661.jpg"> Three <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7665.jpg"> Sometimes Four <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7659.jpg"> Not only with milk snakes but with Eastern Garter Snakes <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7532.jpg"> And Northern Redbellied Snakes too.. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7632.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7634.jpg"> Full rings and partial rings... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7655.jpg"> All had unmarked bellies though. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7657.jpg"> Nother milk for the mix...it was found with a ringneck too... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7638.jpg"> Not to be out done, a few Eastern Smooth Greens were found too... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7627.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7670.jpg"> Visted some old friends too, though I only recognized 2 out of the three timbers encountered. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7507.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7517.jpg"> and the third hanging out... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7519.jpg"> I have many favorites, Black Rat snakes are right at the top of the list... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7548.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7540.jpg"> True story, as we were observing the black rat snake, a group of hikers approached. I explained we were watching a black rat snake foraging. One of the ladies and several others gathered around to get a gander at the rat snake. As the lady went around me to my right, a timber started buzzing not 6 feet away in the grass... <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7550.jpg"> Confused, the woman took a step towards the snake as I threw out me snake stick at her waist and pulled her back... Most startling to her, really cool to me. We had the rat snake, timber, and a garter all within 6 feet of each other... we sat back and watched as the two bigger snakes looked for the local chipmunk. As the garter looked on. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7553.jpg"> Cool stuff. More random- <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/RSCN7589.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/DSCN7697.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/5-29-011%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/RSCN7579.jpg"> Daileye1 on "Toad ID help please" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/toad-id-help-please#post-604 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 01:45:37 +0000 Daileye1 604@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Seems like I do this multiple times a year and the toads give me more trouble than the other groups. I figure that it is an american toad as they are all I have ever found in Monroe Cty. However I am troubled by the abdomen having one spot (and slight coloration near the arms) and multiple warts per spot and the glands just about touching the eyes. However it was a smaller individual (about 1 inch) and these americans and fowlers can be difficult at this point to id. Not too sure of the habitat as it was road cruised after dark on a new rd.....I'll have to go back tomorrow. <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4985108868_51a4b56edb_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4985106648_a9ef240298_z.jpg"> carnagy on "Snake ID help" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/snake-id-help#post-646 Wed, 25 May 2011 14:22:34 +0000 carnagy 646@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ No picture sorry. But I studied it's features while it was still in sight. From any pictures that I've seen it resembled a smooth earth snake ( short rounded nose, smooth scales, grayish in color w/ light colored belly, short tail) but it had to be at least 2' long. Do you thinks it's possible that it was since everything I've read indicates that they don't grow past 10", also from the database none have been reported in my area... paherp on "Yearly Goals" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/yearly-goals#post-641 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:09:34 +0000 paherp 641@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ What are your goals for the year? Any lifers you want to make off? I did one of mine already - Mtn. Chrous Frogs. Others I would not mind seeing this year would be Green Salamanders and Valley and Ridge Salamanders. Rattler on "Anyone out yet?" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/anyone-out-yet#post-634 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:19:11 +0000 Rattler 634@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Got word from one of my buddies that the Jeffersons are in the pools. I know one thing, i will be off work for a coupel weeks yet due to and ice fishing accident ands the herps better look out! Molly (3 yr. old daughter) and i are gunna spend some quality time herping! Cant wait for the spotteds! shaggyt on "What species is this snake?" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/what-species-is-this-snake#post-532 Wed, 26 May 2010 13:55:31 +0000 shaggyt 532@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I found this snake right on my walk way the other day but have been unable to identify it. I'm hoping it's non-venomous. <img src="http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a459/shaggyt5/DSCF6849.jpg"> <img src="http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a459/shaggyt5/DSCF6848.jpg"> <img src="http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a459/shaggyt5/DSCF6847.jpg"> <img src="http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a459/shaggyt5/DSCF6846.jpg"> I have found several snake skins in my attic as well and I believe this to be the same variety based on the size of the skin. Of course there's no way to be 100% sure of this unless I catch any snakes in my home. krloucks on "Seeping" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/seeping#post-629 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 23:45:24 +0000 krloucks 629@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Hey you guys stop complaining about the winter and get out there! For those that don't know what to look for, here it is. Find yourself a creek that isn't frozen... and I mean no ice. It should also have green vegetation, i.e duck weed- this is key. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/1-14%20Berks/74bda0f8.jpg"> The creek should also be near a hill... follow the creek to one of it's sources emanating from the hillside. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/1-14%20Berks/2063040f.jpg"> This will be an area that has vegetation and moss, look for rocks and other cover. Should also be a bit muddy or sandy. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/1-14%20Berks/3aa65fff.jpg"> Flip a rock that is partially submerged in the muck. Stick your hand in the resulting water and ooze and pull out salamanders. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/1-14%20Berks/b50e7107.jpg"> You may get lucky... Northern Dusky Salamander <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/1-14%20Berks/6e819003.jpg"> Northern Two-Lined Salamander <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/1-14%20Berks/9e4f38d9.jpg"> Northern Red Salamander larvae -no adults today. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/1-14%20Berks/dbeea85a.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/011%20Herping/1-14%20Berks/3cd2e703.jpg"> Oh, and try to minimize the animals exposure to sub-freezing temps. paherp on "NAAMP route volunteers for 2011" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/naamp-route-volunteers-for-2011#post-630 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:37:00 +0000 paherp 630@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ What is NAAMP? The mission of the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) is “…to provide a statistically defensible program to monitor the distributions and relative abundance of amphibians in North America, with applicability at multiple scales, including state, ecoregional and continent levels.” A major goal is population monitoring for trends (eg., are frog populations increasing, decreasing, or stable?). This can be assessed at multiple geographic scales (state, region, physiographic region). NAAMP data can be used to update distribution maps for amphibian species as well as increase our understanding of breeding chronology. Initial protocols were developed by 1996, based upon previous amphibian calling survey work and the Breeding Bird Survey. More standardization was implemented in 2001. What does the survey entail? Surveys are run in three separate calling periods. There are 10 stops on a route. The survey should start at least 30 minutes after sunset and end before 1 am. The listening period per stop is 5 “effective” minutes. A couple of hours is usually enough time to complete a route. Sampling periods are determined on a regional basis, to reflect when your local species are active. The Pennsylvania sampling windows are as below: <table style="width: 100%;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <thead> <tr> <th style="border: 1px #000000 solid;">Date Window per Survey</th> <th style="border: 1px #000000 solid;">Minimum Temperature</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">February 24-April 19</td> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">42o F</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">April 20-May 20</td> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">50o F</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">June 1-June 30</td> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">55o F</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Volunteers are asked to collect data on the “first available night” when conditions are met (in a sampling period; it’s a good frog night). Basically, what’s required is that the volunteer drive the 10-stop route on a given night, listen for and identify species of calling amphibians, and record the data on a standard form. Only one observer can fill out a datasheet and it is preferred that the same person conducts all three surveys in a year. Additional observers can fill out separate datasheets. Frog Call Quiz The Frog Call Quiz is a website (www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz) for learning or refreshing frog call identification skills. Part of the website is available to all people, including the Public Quiz and Frog Call Lookup. The NAAMP Quiz is for participants of the survey. Observers are asked to annually take the frog call quiz and achieve a detection index of 65 or greater. You are allowed to take quiz as many times as needed to achieve this goal. <ul> <li>Each sound file may have one or more species, include in your answer all the species you are confident are on the sound file.</li> <li>You can listen to the sound file more than once.</li> <li>Quiz is “open book” as you can use any reference materials that you might use during your surveys.</li> </ul> The Quiz website can be a tool for learning frog calls, as well as other good web-based resources. A CD of PA species calls could be provided by the regional coordinator if preferred. What do I do if I want to participate? Send your contact information (name, address, email contact, phone number) to the regional coordinator (<a href="mailto:c-kgipe@state.pa.us">c-kgipe@state.pa.us</a>) along with a list of routes that you would like to run, in order of preference. Route availability can be checked on the NAAMP website at <a href="http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.routeAvailabilityMap">http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.routeAvailabilityMap</a>. The coordinator will assign you a route and send you your observer ID for logging onto the NAAMP website. You can then access the website and begin working on your FrogQuiz. Datasheets and additional training information will also be sent before the survey season begins. Once you have collected data, you can go to the data entry portion of the website and enter your survey data. You then send your completed data form to the regional coordinator for review and filing. <a href="http://www.paherps.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/NAAMP-Introduction.doc">Download Printable Document </a> paherp on "Winter Time Herping?" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/winter-time-herping#post-621 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 21:19:46 +0000 paherp 621@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ Is anyone getting out in the cold and finding anything? paherp on "Playing catch up - Early Spring Post" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/playing-catch-up-early-spring-post#post-625 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:29:01 +0000 paherp 625@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ This year has seemed to go by fast. I wish now I would have made post as they happened but I could never find the time. Now it is time for a little catch up. This is a few from Spring. I will have more later as i have spend 2 hours already today looking though photos to get these up. <a href="http://spllogics.com/herps/early-spring-2010" rel="nofollow">http://spllogics.com/herps/early-spring-2010</a> <a href="http://spllogics.com/herps/early-spring-2010-part-two" rel="nofollow">http://spllogics.com/herps/early-spring-2010-part-two</a> <a href="http://spllogics.com/herps/early-spring-2010-part-three-a-trip-to-greene-co" rel="nofollow">http://spllogics.com/herps/early-spring-2010-part-three-a-trip-to-greene-co</a> <a href="http://spllogics.com/herps/early-spring-2010-part-four" rel="nofollow">http://spllogics.com/herps/early-spring-2010-part-four</a> Daileye1 on "PEEC 2010 BioBlitz Part 1 of 2 (Pic heavy and epic)" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/peec-2010-bioblitz-part-1-of-2-pic-heavy-and-epic#post-614 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 23:27:28 +0000 Daileye1 614@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in conjunction with the National Park Service (NPS) held a 24 hour biodiversity survey within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area commencing Friday September 24th 2010 at 6pm. A nice showing of NAFHA and PAHERP members were in attendance (Kyle Loucks, “Notread”, “Millside”, Doug Warner , Erin “Dailey” and were able to survey a total of 7 preselected sites in (NJ and PA) total. Despite the season, crispy dry environment, unseasonably warm weather and preselected site limitations the outcome showed a nice representation of herpetofauna in the area. Obviously we did also see other critters but what can I say we’re herp people so there are not too many included here. :) Thank you in advance to the attendees for allowing use of their photos…If you recognize yours I would like to extend a kudos for the nice voucher never an easy feat under field conditions including night and full sun (depending upon your shift) and with moving subjects. <center>Friday September 24th starting at 1800 – NJ side (Team – Kyle, Millside, Doug Warner, Dailey, Notread, and 4 non PAHERP/NAFHA members) </center> Stop 1 Delaware River -Riparian zone and a seep adjacent to the Delaware River for a distance of approximately 1 mile Northern Green Frogs –(TMTC) They seemed to like these holes in the rocks <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5027089913_62c7cae950_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5027091883_efb455e269_z.jpg"> American Toads (Few) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5027093007_cce393a302_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5027706670_80c0a9c517_z.jpg"> Pickeral Frogs (Few) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5027089211_fda1d1093a_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5027091253_9312e93db3_z.jpg"> Northern Dusky Salamanders (>20 in seep) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5027705980_3a10ceddd4_z.jpg"> Northern Redback Salamander (Few -Lead and Red) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5027709892_25dab8aeec_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5027090857_78d499d497_z.jpg"> Eastern Garter Snake (1) Really nice coloration <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5027092487_43f0f6f656_z.jpg"> Stop 2 An old farm field has been flooded and produced a nice size swamp. With abandoned barn and homestead. Bullfrog <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5027769354_329eaee5af_z.jpg"> Northern Green Frog <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5027768996_1d653f80a8_z.jpg"> Northern Slimy Salamander (<5) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5027768310_0bac4cca28_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5027152769_a9fdf0e8ba_z.jpg"> Redbacked Salamander (<5) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5027768790_004f5526c8_z.jpg"> Screech Owl (1) I’m still in awe photo taker on this shot almost an impossible shot due to dark and distance <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5027150973_72a00ed902_z.jpg"> Part of the group resting <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5027182701_bca12212a4_z.jpg"> Stop 3 This area is a mix of forest sections / swamps/ vernals along a 1.5 mile stretch of dirt road Bullfrog (>10) in swamp <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5027184237_14d38a6578_z.jpg"> Ribbon snake (DOR) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5027183097_57f5f728f8_z.jpg"> Northern Brown snake (DOR) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5027185831_bc0b4bb000_z.jpg"> Garter Snake (DOR) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5027186643_b95247189f_z.jpg"> Watersnakes (2) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5027187587_df2529c791_z.jpg"> Obtained following a valiant effort <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5027803946_6aca14493b_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5027186051_ef362a0783_z.jpg"> Eastern Newts and Efts <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5027188037_c40a1e01f7_z.jpg "> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5027802036_7bdccc3164_z.jpg"> Longtailed salamander (2) This adult was flipped by an impressive 15 year old named Kurt who is a plant/bug/bird expert who we may have converted into a herper as well :) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5027187813_e113555742_z.jpg "> Northern gray treefrog (few) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5027184583_ab9f08ca71_z.jpg"> Redbacked Salamanders (red and lead) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5027803490_65fb46ba82_z.jpg"> Northern Slimy salamanders <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5027802726_5e9f1c8b56_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5027801084_992cff81ae_z.jpg"> Spotted salamanders (baby and adult) (few) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5027802418_23bdce1225_z.jpg"> Green frog <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5027183495_db794aac4e_z.jpg"> American Toad <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5027804366_b66d3ee5c0_z.jpg "> Rattler on "Enlighten Me!" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/enlighten-me#post-609 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 02:36:36 +0000 Rattler 609@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ A hatchling box turtle, does there shell hinge at birth? Daileye1 on "PEEC 2010 BioBlitz Part 2 of 2 (pic heavy)" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/peec-2010-bioblitz-part-2-of-2-pic-heavy#post-616 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:03:53 +0000 Daileye1 616@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <center>Saturday September 25th starting at 0900 – PA side PAHERP/NAFHA Team Members Kyle, Dailey and NoTread and our PEEC staffer </center> (Pre blitz) Site 4 (Kyle and Dailey) Short trail which runs parallel to a small creek through a hemlock and mixed forest ravine with a picnic area. Some of the shots are pre-adequate coffee consumption so please excuse the quality. Wood frog (1) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5027366431_f870fac1d7_z.jpg"> Slimy salamanders (few) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5027981690_81cf1c8282_z.jpg"> Green frogs (many) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5027367113_7336ff17c1_z.jpg"> Two lined salamanders <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5027366731_1528d4e128_z.jpg "> Spring Peepers <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5027982220_5ace99afe9_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5027983006_b06dc0b1cd_z.jpg"> Pickeral Frog <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5027983390_74aa013dab_z.jpg"> Eastern Fence Lizard –To think that I have been walking by this spot oblivious for 3 years and NoTread for years as well. Thanks Jessica from PEEC for the heads up and thanks to Kyle for literally putting your finger on it ….otherwise it would have been another 3 years I believe. <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5027367921_cf535fce7b_z.jpg"> Northern Dusky Salamander <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5027365857_c0e038547e_z.jpg"> Site 5 This location has very large expanse of a shale pit. Trees are sparse on the expanse. Nice seep on the hike in. Eastern Newt-Red Eft <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5028030564_86aaeed0ac_z.jpg"> Dusky salamander <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5028045388_d0972fa63e_z.jpg"> Red Salamander <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5028032344_a068e7eb66_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5027422615_08470f62b2_b.jpg"> Spring Peeper <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5027492077_e401bffed0_z.jpg"> Milk Snake (2 one vouchered one not) I take full responsibility for the not. The photo shoot: <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5027427009_aefd8d8e18_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5028050032_25fe3b0224_z.jpg"> American Toad Well fed specimen under a rock <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5028036142_1986f6824f_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5027432857_2a5f892e23_z.jpg"> Site 6 The site is a couple acres of field which experienced a prescribed burn in 2009. The fields have a few mixed trees throughout. Small pond on site as well as remains of buildings. Northern ringneck <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5028096366_e7ff6c3e65_z.jpg"> Milksnake (1) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5028097898_431009e684_z.jpg"> Eastern Painted Turtle(s) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5027480497_588877026e_z.jpg"> Bullfrog <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5028096646_a4245310b0_z.jpg"> Greenfrog adult and tadpole <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5027482719_c4cd3de80c_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5027481175_d577905028_z.jpg"> Northern Redback (lead and red) Quite possibly the longest most vibrant red and completely uncooperative redback I’ve ever met coated itself in leaves and it shown diving back into the log. <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5027481599_502e698982_z.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5027482523_b5168a8a3d_z.jpg"> Site 7 The survey site is a small stream which runs directly through the middle of the hemlock ravine. <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5028157944_8675c89e54_z.jpg"> Northern Twolined Salamander <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5028158296_b5ee59a3b4_z.jpg"> Spring Peeper <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5027543219_4885890c96_z.jpg"> Green Frog <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5028160766_fac17c4846_z.jpg"> Slimy Salamanders <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5027546249_fce8d8449c_z.jpg"> Northern Dusky <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5027544599_90ae722a83_z.jpg"> Redbacked Salamander (Lead and Red) <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5028159228_38882a1d43_z.jpg"> Pickeral Frog <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5027544217_e06aab8b7a_z.jpg"> Nice event with cool people. –E- (I'll enter these into PAHERP DB as a group sighting ASAP) paherp on "Delaware Water Gap Bioblitz" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-581 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:05:23 +0000 paherp 581@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in association with the National Park Service will be running a 24 hour biodiversity survey of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The event is occurring Friday, September 24th into Saturday, September 25th. Dormitory housing is also available for $10 a person if you are interested. If this event sounds like something you would like some more information about please visit <a href="http://www.peec.org/bioblitz/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.peec.org/bioblitz/index.html</a> or send an email to <a href="mailto:bioblitz@peec.org">bioblitz@peec.org</a>. krloucks on "Limited" http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/limited#post-593 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:10:48 +0000 krloucks 593@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I am severely limited in my herping these days... I coach soccer and have a kidney stone problem. So when my wife and I went away by ourselves, I wasn't disappointed that the weather wasn't the greatest. I did however manage to flip this little garter. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/9-4%20TiLy/CopyofDSCN3580.jpg"> and this nice little redbellied snake. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/9-4%20TiLy/DSCN3590.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/9-4%20TiLy/RSCN3594.jpg"> That was the extent of my flipping... I pee blood when I do too much... ( tmi?) I was able to check a timber birthing area where a female had been hanging. Missed the birth by a couple of weeks, but the kids left these behind. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/9-4%20TiLy/DSCN3577.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/9-4%20TiLy/RSCN3598.jpg"> Counted 8 sheds total. This female is the same one that we believe had at least 12 last year so I was surprised that she was gravid again. We will see what happens with her next year. While riding a dirt road on the side of a mountain I whizzed past a turtle I thought was a box turtle. Would have been a slight range extension. But, it turned out to be this lowly male wood turtle... far from any discernible water source 58 degrees with a cold light rain falling. <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/9-4%20TiLy/DSCN3586.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/9-4%20TiLy/RSCN3595.jpg"> <img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/krloucks/9-4%20TiLy/RSCN3596.jpg"> Two road cruised wood turtles in a year is a record for me... Daileye1 on "Finally a decent outing today..." http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/finally-a-decent-outing-today#post-594 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:45:33 +0000 Daileye1 594@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ I figure that it is about time extend the effort and post an outing considering I enjoy everyone else’s. I decided to venture out this afternoon… a spot that I have been keeping an eye on for over a year but had been ignoring due to the usual dense underbrush and marshy soil….neither which have survived this overly dry season. My goal actually was to find the pond I can clearly see on the satellite attached to a woodland road but none the less that has been eluding me despite numerous attempts. First stop was the abandoned, crumbling walled areas around the natural spring for the usual suspects: Green Frog and Pickerel Frog <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4965747832_ecfa06fe05.jpg"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4965750962_4c073a09c2.jpg"> Then the day turned exciting with this flip…. <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4965154213_c2fff3ffc4.jpg"> 4 toed. A lifer for me Much of the bark in this area was loose so I was able to flip and or peer without much habitat damage and I was mostly rewarded with multi per flip: (Please forgive the poor shots I really needed one more hand to hold the logs/bark and camera) Newt and slimy <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4965757132_b0136a157f.jpg"> Newts and 4 toed <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4965760194_cd8471c8b9.jpg"> Another lifer… and my first ever intentional flip yielding a snake nice little red belly (no heckling please) I found it was acutely adept at evading my capture by winding through the grasses. I didn’t want to stress it so I quickly gave it its space back. <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4965163247_40368d02dd.jpg"> More flipping finds: 2 lead phase redbacks with a redback and a newt <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4965765784_32000b4bc1.jpg"> A newt and a near miss…. Look close <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4965169259_545fa5fa81.jpg"> Another multi: newt, 4 toed and redback <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4965172777_dbe2436310.jpg"> And a not recently seen but always a favorite…. Peeper. <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4965775630_d0449c88c1.jpg"> Probably the best day since the mass migration and yes I finally found the pond :-) -Erin