Search found 130 matches

by tomharten
June 14th, 2022, 5:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I-10 Chronicles
Replies: 35
Views: 24849

Re: I-10 Chronicles

Thanks for the update! Some of the local folks I've been in contact with suggested it might be a bit more productive a little further east (toward Del Rio) due to the heat conditions. I think it's going to be pretty brutal there as well, but I'm locked into the timing as my primary objective is to d...
by tomharten
June 11th, 2022, 10:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I-10 Chronicles
Replies: 35
Views: 24849

Re: I-10 Chronicles

I’ll definitely check that out. Thanks!
by tomharten
June 10th, 2022, 5:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I-10 Chronicles
Replies: 35
Views: 24849

Re: I-10 Chronicles

Thanks for the tips. Yes, I bagged my initial plan to camp in the National Park and instead, will grab hotels in the surrounding area. I don’t think sleep is possible in a tent when daytime temps are near 105! Plus i realized that I’m getting to be an old dude! Hoping for a break I’m the heat dome o...
by tomharten
June 8th, 2022, 11:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I-10 Chronicles
Replies: 35
Views: 24849

Re: I-10 Chronicles

Making my first trip to West Texas in nearly 30 years. My son is in Air Force tech school out in San Angelo, so I'm delivering his car from Maryland and taking a week to look for herps in the Big Bend region and possibly around Del Rio. I got my small game/reptile and amphibian license and a reflect...
by tomharten
March 10th, 2022, 6:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI Herping San Angelo, TX
Replies: 0
Views: 3770

RFI Herping San Angelo, TX

Hi Folks,
I'm heading to San Angelo, Texas in a week to visit my son at Goodfellow AFB. While not really a herping trip, I hope to get out to poke around a little bit. Any ideas what I might expect to see in that area? Thanks!
by tomharten
July 26th, 2020, 11:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI. Bend, OR
Replies: 1
Views: 2041

RFI. Bend, OR

I’m heading out to Bend, OR for a family vacation. I thought about trying some road cruising and rock flipping. I’d be psyched to see any high desert species. Would I be wasting my time trying this in early August? Any suggestions are appreciated!
by tomharten
March 19th, 2020, 5:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some Florida nemesis species
Replies: 10
Views: 5759

Re: Some Florida nemesis species

This sounds like a great plan. I’m hopeful for my targets but will be happy just to be out in the field and seeing some activity of any FL herpetofauna! Thanks so much for the suggestions.
by tomharten
March 17th, 2020, 11:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some Florida nemesis species
Replies: 10
Views: 5759

Re: Some Florida nemesis species

My plans changed a bit. Will be going in and out of Tampa-will also shoot across the state to Ft. Pierce. Sounds like state park campground across Florida are now closed. I’m thinking about camping for a couple of days in Ocala NF (last I checked these campgrounds were still open). Has anyone in the...
by tomharten
March 5th, 2020, 3:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some Florida nemesis species
Replies: 10
Views: 5759

Re: Some Florida nemesis species

Thanks so much for your comprehensive reply, Jimi! I did a long weekend trip to Osceola two years ago. No muds, but lots of other good stuff. It’s probably worth another shot. I will keep plugging away for those and for Corals. I’ll be in the Ft. Pierce area early next week. I’ll keep my eyes out fo...
by tomharten
March 5th, 2020, 10:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some Florida nemesis species
Replies: 10
Views: 5759

Some Florida nemesis species

I'm sure that we all have these. Species that we should encounter when herping within their range, yet they continue to elude us. I've herped up and down the Florida peninsula, yet for some reason have never been able to connect with a coral snake or a mud snake. I don't think of either species as e...
by tomharten
February 7th, 2019, 10:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Ecuador Herping Suggestions
Replies: 7
Views: 9818

Re: Ecuador Herping Suggestions

It's been about 25 years since I visited Ecuador. One of the highlights for me was a visit to Jatun Sacha Biological Reserve https://www.jatunsacha.org/ At that time you could stay fairly inexpensively in cabins at the reserve as well as take your meals there. Incredible biodiversity at the site. I ...
by tomharten
January 16th, 2019, 11:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI Costa Rica with Family
Replies: 2
Views: 3161

Re: RFI Costa Rica with Family

Many thanks! This is a nice write up.
by tomharten
January 15th, 2019, 8:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI Costa Rica with Family
Replies: 2
Views: 3161

RFI Costa Rica with Family

Hi Folks, I'm thinking about an August trip to Costa Rica for a family vacation. My wife and son are not hard core herpers, so I'm thinking about trying to find an Eco-Lodge with activities like rafting, ziplining, etc that might still allow for some herping in the early morning/evening hours. I've ...
by tomharten
December 19th, 2018, 9:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Atlanta, Georgia: Any connections?
Replies: 9
Views: 15929

Re: Atlanta, Georgia: Any connections?

I worked at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (Roswell, GA) back in the early 90s. It sounds like you've got things lined up job-wise, but it might be worth checking in there to see what is happening on the natural history scene. We used to lead trips over to Sapelo Island through the nature center an...
by tomharten
May 1st, 2018, 6:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Egyptian frog call
Replies: 0
Views: 5624

Egyptian frog call

I'm working on a project with students to develop a dialogue on global biodiversity. A partner teacher from near Cairo sent me a file with a frog call from that region. Any Egyptian experts out there that might be able to identify this call? https://sites.google.com/site/calvertfrogloggerfiles/klpfi...
by tomharten
June 29th, 2017, 5:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Checking my boards - 1st half of 2017 (NJ + MD)
Replies: 12
Views: 7834

Re: Checking my boards - 1st half of 2017 (NJ + MD)

Great post! Thanks. I've lived in Calvert Co. (western shore) for the past 25 years and never found a Mole King- Congrats!
by tomharten
June 29th, 2017, 9:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Checking my boards - 1st half of 2017 (NJ + MD)
Replies: 12
Views: 7834

Re: Checking my boards - 1st half of 2017 (NJ + MD)

You slayed it! What County in MD if you don't mind sharing that?
by tomharten
May 30th, 2017, 10:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI Herping Southern India
Replies: 2
Views: 2088

Re: RFI Herping Southern India

Thanks Chaitanya! No plans to collect anything-I hope to photograph in situ only. Also, I hope to record some vocalizations of frogs for some activities with students. Thanks for your assistance!
by tomharten
May 30th, 2017, 5:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI Herping Southern India
Replies: 2
Views: 2088

RFI Herping Southern India

Hi Folks, I'll be traveling to India for a teacher exchange. I'll be visiting schools and doing some teaching while I'm there. My best opportunity to get out and poke around for herps will be when I'm at my host town which will be in Chennangkuppam, roughly half way between Bengaluru and Chennai. I'...
by tomharten
May 26th, 2017, 4:44 am
Forum: News
Topic: Coordinated hunting in Cuban Boas?
Replies: 4
Views: 12857

Coordinated hunting in Cuban Boas?

Saw this article this morning on the CNN website. Haven't had a chance to delve further into other sources of information. It's interesting, if you can mentally filter out the usual crap that peppers any mainstream news story regarding snakes. http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/26/americas/cave-snakes-hunt-...
by tomharten
May 22nd, 2017, 11:57 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Western Ghats, India
Replies: 9
Views: 5921

Re: Western Ghats, India

I'm heading to India in a little over a month for an educational exchange program. Unfortunately, the organizing group has been a little sketchy on specific details, beyond our ports of entry and departure (Bangalore and Delhi) I'm not even sure of the specific region that I'll be spending most of m...
by tomharten
May 12th, 2017, 11:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Vipera berus nikolskii
Replies: 5
Views: 4197

Re: Vipera berus nikolskii

Those are stunning! Awesome photos of a beautiful animal. Thanks for sharing!
by tomharten
March 8th, 2017, 10:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: High cost of antivenin
Replies: 16
Views: 7793

Re: High cost of antivenin

So, that's the gist of the article that I posted today. That the "nanogel" technology could be a completely different approach to developing new treatments for snake bite. According to the article: "Zeroing in on protein families common to many serpents, the UCI researchers demonstrat...
by tomharten
March 8th, 2017, 6:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: High cost of antivenin
Replies: 16
Views: 7793

Re: High cost of antivenin

Saw this interesting article discussing the use of nanotechnology as a cheaper and effective treatment for envenomation.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 141217.htm
by tomharten
January 26th, 2017, 5:51 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Virus affecting home rat breeder operations
Replies: 1
Views: 10874

Virus affecting home rat breeder operations

interesting article. I buy all of mine frozen-but this was interesting to read.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 154344.htm
by tomharten
January 25th, 2017, 5:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Questions about artificial cover
Replies: 7
Views: 4313

Re: Questions about artificial cover

I check them on a fairly regular basis (at least once or twice a week) in April and May-more sporadically after that. My guess is that it is too shady back there(?)
by tomharten
January 24th, 2017, 6:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Questions about artificial cover
Replies: 7
Views: 4313

Re: Questions about artificial cover

I put some pieces of some old countertop (some kind of artificial stone) out in my back woodlot about 3 years ago. So far have been disappointed with the results. I do get some rodents nesting under them-and I've put handfuls of sunflower seeds to expedite this, but so far very little in the way of ...
by tomharten
December 22nd, 2016, 7:05 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Field Guide Books for India
Replies: 2
Views: 1509

Re: Field Guide Books for India

Thanks Ananth! I will pick these up for sure. Someone else recommended the same bird guide, so I'm going to stock up and start studying. Thank you for the suggestions!
by tomharten
December 22nd, 2016, 10:40 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Field Guide Books for India
Replies: 2
Views: 1509

Field Guide Books for India

I just found out that I will be traveling to India for a teacher exchange program. Can anyone recommend a good field guide book so I can begin studying up on Indian herps? I won't know specifics in terms of locations to be visited until February, but want to hit up family members who asked for last ...
by tomharten
March 12th, 2016, 4:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI Spring Hill, FL
Replies: 3
Views: 2158

Re: RFI Spring Hill, FL

Matt,
Thanks for the great info! I was debating on whether to bring a kayak or a canoe, but I think that I will based on your suggestion. If I see anything interesting, I post it. I appreciate your help!

Tom
by tomharten
March 11th, 2016, 1:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI Spring Hill, FL
Replies: 3
Views: 2158

RFI Spring Hill, FL

Hi Folks, I will be down in Spring Hill at the end of next week, mainly to visit my mom, but hope to get in a little herping. If folks could possibly recommend some worthwhile spots in that area, I'd appreciate it. Any thoughts as to whether road cruising might be productive this time of year in tha...
by tomharten
November 20th, 2015, 8:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Traveling with hook.
Replies: 15
Views: 7415

Re: Traveling with hook.

Another friend purchased a collapsible aluminum walking stick. It works fine for helping to position a snake for a photo and probably appears a bit more innocuous to TSA or other baggage inspectors. Won't work well to flip things or to hook anything with size. But he never brings a hook when he trav...
by tomharten
November 18th, 2015, 9:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Enquiry about snake conservation volunteer.
Replies: 6
Views: 3627

Re: Enquiry about snake conservation volunteer.

A good source of information for field positions-sometimes paid, sometimes volunteer, is the Texas A&M job board. While most of the positions are in the US, there are some that are based in other countries. Scanning the list might give some idea of the range of opportunities that are available. ...
by tomharten
November 18th, 2015, 9:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Traveling with hook.
Replies: 15
Views: 7415

Re: Traveling with hook.

I got this one from Midwest Tongs in my carry-on for a trip to FL last year. Works well. Now I keep it under the front seat of my car to escort copperheads off the road when we cross paths here in Maryland.

http://tongs.com/collapsiblehookwithnarrowhookend.aspx
by tomharten
November 13th, 2015, 11:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Waglers and a Retic
Replies: 2
Views: 2381

Re: Waglers and a Retic

Lou,
Thanks for posting this awesome clip! I always enjoy your posts and envy your situation that brings you on these adventures!
Tom
by tomharten
September 10th, 2015, 6:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anyone see box turtles in Rhode island?
Replies: 21
Views: 13743

Re: Anyone see box turtles in Rhode island?

I don't have any pictures, but I would say that I've seen box turtles every summer for the 30 years when I visit my mom in south county. Have never seen a hognose there but have turned up Eastern Milksnake and Gartersnake. Also have seen some monster snapping turtles and plenty of painted turtles in...
by tomharten
September 10th, 2015, 6:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: High cost of antivenin
Replies: 16
Views: 7793

Re: High cost of antivenin

I was pretty shocked as well. Even for those with insurance, people with the most basic plans often have a high deductible, so they're still pretty well screwed should they need these medications.
by tomharten
September 9th, 2015, 1:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: High cost of antivenin
Replies: 16
Views: 7793

High cost of antivenin

There was a piece in the Washington Post today about the high cost of antivenin in the U.S. and the drivers for the exorbitant pricing. I heard a preview for a similar story on NPR, but hadn't heard their full coverage. Here's a link to the post story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/...
by tomharten
September 7th, 2015, 7:03 pm
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Raising mosquitofish
Replies: 8
Views: 17756

Re: Raising mosquitofish

Thank you all for these posts. I find it encouraging that these fish seem pretty easy to raise. Of particular interest to me is the importance of cover for the success of Gambusia in ponds and in aquaria. This new project will be taught in tandem with an existing science unit that focuses on the imp...
by tomharten
September 4th, 2015, 3:08 pm
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Raising mosquitofish
Replies: 8
Views: 17756

Re: Raising mosquitofish

Thanks! We are set with the mosquito fish as that is what our Mosquito Control Department has selected for this effort. We will try the mesh nets idea that you mentioned. Although production of surplus fish to supply MC is a goal, I am really hoping to engage the students with the processes of scien...
by tomharten
September 4th, 2015, 5:57 am
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Raising mosquitofish
Replies: 8
Views: 17756

Raising mosquitofish

I am in the process of starting a project for seventh grade students in our school system to rear Gambusia in cooperation with our local department of Mosquito Control. We are currently planning a rather simple set up- 20 gallon high aquariums with separate 10 gallon aquariums to serve as "nurs...
by tomharten
March 23rd, 2015, 5:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Article on Opossum and antivenom development
Replies: 3
Views: 1810

Article on Opossum and antivenom development

Saw this article this morning on my Science Daily feed and thought it was interesting.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 080201.htm
by tomharten
March 5th, 2015, 3:35 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Hawk ID?
Replies: 3
Views: 4516

Re: Hawk ID?

I concur on imm. RSHA
by tomharten
March 2nd, 2015, 12:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Copperhead Habitat in the Northeast?
Replies: 11
Views: 4896

Re: Copperhead Habitat in the Northeast?

I grew up in the Hudson Valley (Rockland Co.) and we would often find them as described above, by checking out rock crevices, etc. We would also find them frequently under A/C, particularly large sheets of sheets of plastic, but also plywood, etc. especially if the cover items were located near the ...
by tomharten
January 15th, 2015, 6:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: recently enlisted in navy
Replies: 21
Views: 6072

Re: recently enlisted in navy

I echo others in my thanks for your service. I have no military experience and don't know if this is realistic for most servicemen and women, but I really enjoyed the posts of this service member who was deployed to Iraq and shared his natural history observations, mainly birds, through his blog. ht...
by tomharten
December 11th, 2014, 4:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Good AZ Herp book inquiry
Replies: 5
Views: 2837

Re: Good AZ Herp book inquiry

Thanks guys. I may have to give my wife a hint to pick up an extra copy for me!
by tomharten
December 10th, 2014, 4:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Good AZ Herp book inquiry
Replies: 5
Views: 2837

Re: Good AZ Herp book inquiry

Thanks Chris. I did see that book on Amazon, but wasn't familiar with it. I appreciate the recommendation.
by tomharten
December 10th, 2014, 2:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Good AZ Herp book inquiry
Replies: 5
Views: 2837

Good AZ Herp book inquiry

Hi Folks,

My wife asked me to find a good herp book for a budding AZ herper (16 year old). Is there a "must have" guidebook or other reference for the state or preferably SE AZ?
Thank you in advance for any help that you can provide!

Tom Harten