Search found 243 matches

by Zach Cava
July 1st, 2018, 7:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rainbow Snake
Replies: 4
Views: 6322

Re: Rainbow Snake

Thanks; this was freshwater
by Zach Cava
June 29th, 2018, 9:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rainbow Snake
Replies: 4
Views: 6322

Rainbow Snake

I had the opportunity to see this rarely encountered species in south Georgia earlier this week, when some friends and I found one out moving around (likely hunting) in a shallow wetland after dark. These snakes are hard to find and hard to photograph! Thanks to Ben Stegenga and Michael Holden for ...
by Zach Cava
August 15th, 2017, 3:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gartersnake swallowing a green frog
Replies: 6
Views: 4103

Re: Gartersnake swallowing a green frog

Zach, Good pic. I really like natural history shots that capture wild activity. In retrospect, I think every time I've found a rep of Natricidae eating a frog or toad, except on a roadway, was because the amphib was screaming! This makes your observation even more special. wow! yeah this frog was s...
by Zach Cava
August 14th, 2017, 10:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gartersnake swallowing a green frog
Replies: 6
Views: 4103

Re: Gartersnake swallowing a green frog

interesting; this one was silent
by Zach Cava
July 7th, 2017, 5:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern box turtle nesting in cemetery
Replies: 6
Views: 3839

Re: Eastern box turtle nesting in cemetery

That's a cool find. I also had a cemetery herping experience recently. While attending a friend's father's burial in Camden NJ I was completely shocked to hear a few northern grey tree frogs calling. His dad was ex-military and got a military burial complete with "Taps" performed with a b...
by Zach Cava
July 3rd, 2017, 11:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern box turtle nesting in cemetery
Replies: 6
Views: 3839

Re: Eastern box turtle nesting in cemetery

chris_mcmartin wrote:Cool and interesting...Cemeteries as greenspace; that's thinking outside the box (coffin)!
and the older ones tend to be connected to railroads, which often have thick vegetative buffer, so there's potential dispersal routes
by Zach Cava
July 1st, 2017, 8:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern box turtle nesting in cemetery
Replies: 6
Views: 3839

Eastern box turtle nesting in cemetery

I was excited to find this box turtle nesting in a suburban neighborhood where I've never seen T. carolina before. In such developed landscapes, cemeteries may act as refugia for box turtles and other wildlife by providing relatively large areas of open green space (assuming there is suitable habit...
by Zach Cava
May 21st, 2017, 8:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: question about moving turtles across roads
Replies: 13
Views: 6483

Re: question about moving turtles across roads

You are welcome Kelly, the animal's welfare is first and foremost to me. the driver in question was a young woman driving by herself and from the look on her face I think she just didn't see it. I think she would have stopped but I fear my wrath was quite evident as we went past each other. Fortuna...
by Zach Cava
May 15th, 2017, 8:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: question about moving turtles across roads
Replies: 13
Views: 6483

Re: question about moving turtles across roads

If possible, and traffic permitting, I do not get out of my vehicle at all. I stop and let them complete their trip. This is especially true on dirt side roads. Their journey,especially during egg laying season, is more important than my curiosity or photo opportunity. Exceptions are when the turtl...
by Zach Cava
May 14th, 2017, 7:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: question about moving turtles across roads
Replies: 13
Views: 6483

Re: question about moving turtles across roads

Thanks for the replies. I didn't want to move him and stress him out more only to potentially have him turn back around again, but sounds like maybe next time I should!
by Zach Cava
May 14th, 2017, 3:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: question about moving turtles across roads
Replies: 13
Views: 6483

question about moving turtles across roads

I was recently driving through the NJ pine barrens and saw a box turtle starting to make its way across the road. I stopped to carry it over, but as I approached it promptly made a 180 and burrowed into the leaf litter a few feet away. I debated about whether or not to move it across the road in th...
by Zach Cava
May 10th, 2017, 4:34 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection
Replies: 6
Views: 3350

Re: Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection

Thanks Ernie. I've notified NJDFW in any case. It's worth emphasizing that it was chilly, overcast, and windy, so it seemed like an unusual time for the snake to be active on the surface, but I don't know much about the species.
by Zach Cava
May 10th, 2017, 2:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection
Replies: 6
Views: 3350

Re: Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection

Interesting, thanks for the info! I'm not disputing the fact that snakes often overcome such hibernation blisters, just curious what causes them. Seems plausible that SFD could manifest over a broad range in terms of severity, depending on various factors...
by Zach Cava
May 10th, 2017, 1:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection
Replies: 6
Views: 3350

Re: Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection

ackee wrote:Looks like prolonged exposure to extreme dampness, not fungus.
Well fungi like dampness, right? So what's the actual mechanism relating to extreme dampness that causes these lesions, if not fungal?
by Zach Cava
May 9th, 2017, 8:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection
Replies: 11
Views: 7390

Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection

I found my first eastern kingsnake the other day in the NJ pine barrens. It was a cool, windy, and overcast day, so I was surprised to see this juvenile snake out and about. Upon closer inspection I noticed the animal was covered in sores/blisters. Is fungal disease common among eastern kings? I kn...
by Zach Cava
May 9th, 2017, 8:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection
Replies: 6
Views: 3350

Eastern kingsnake with possible fungal infection

I found my first eastern kingsnake the other day in the NJ pine barrens. It was a cool, windy, and overcast day, so I was surprised to see this juvenile snake out and about. Upon closer inspection I noticed the animal was covered in sores/blisters. Is fungal disease common among eastern kings? I kn...
by Zach Cava
May 5th, 2017, 10:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First northern pinesnake
Replies: 3
Views: 2199

Re: First northern pinesnake

Thanks Craig - yep, I've seen plenty of gopher snakes out west!
by Zach Cava
May 5th, 2017, 7:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First northern pinesnake
Replies: 1
Views: 1911

First northern pinesnake

Saw my first northern pinesnake in the NJ Pine Barrens last week. Here are a few in situ shots. -Zach https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2880/34385999035_afa56ff1f4_b.jpg Northern Pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) by Zachary Cava , on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4182/34227322742_a...
by Zach Cava
May 5th, 2017, 7:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First northern pinesnake
Replies: 3
Views: 2199

First northern pinesnake

Saw my first northern pinesnake in the NJ Pine Barrens last week. Here are a few in situ shots. -Zach https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2880/34385999035_afa56ff1f4_b.jpg Northern Pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) by Zachary Cava , on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4182/34227322742_a...
by Zach Cava
April 30th, 2017, 5:02 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Using a polarizing filter for photographing basking turtles
Replies: 6
Views: 17346

Re: Using a polarizing filter for photographing basking turt

That is pretty cool, but I agree that the results look too flat. I tried using a polarizer on my 400mm and don't think it's worth the loss of light.
by Zach Cava
April 15th, 2017, 6:02 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Using a polarizing filter for photographing basking turtles
Replies: 6
Views: 17346

Re: Using a polarizing filter for photographing basking turt

Thank you - I already have a filter and tripod, so I'll probably try it out. Was just wondering if others had already done it and if so, how the results were. I agree, the shells might look weird without any shininess to them, but the effect may not be so strong.
by Zach Cava
April 14th, 2017, 9:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Large aggregation of painted turtles
Replies: 3
Views: 3117

Large aggregation of painted turtles

I was out hiking around Montezuma NWR last week and saw well over 100 painted turtles out basking within a relatively small area. What's the most turtles others have seen in one spot? https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2882/33885282882_b26f0eeff9_b.jpg Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) by Zachary Cava ,...
by Zach Cava
April 14th, 2017, 9:22 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Using a polarizing filter for photographing basking turtles
Replies: 6
Views: 17346

Using a polarizing filter for photographing basking turtles

Hey, I'm curious if anyone has experimented with using a polarizing filter when photographing basking turtles in order to cut down on glare? Here are a couple shots from last week (no polarizer). Thanks! https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2882/33885282882_b26f0eeff9_b.jpg Painted Turtles (Chrysemys pict...
by Zach Cava
October 15th, 2016, 4:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My first timber rattlesnakes
Replies: 9
Views: 3688

Re: My first timber rattlesnakes

abpaine wrote:As so many are obsessed of technically perfect, lifeless close-ups (sorry but its true) this is one of the best images I have seen with a snake. Well done,indeed.
Do you sell copies?
Wow, thank you, that means a lot! And absolutely, PM me if interested.
by Zach Cava
October 14th, 2016, 5:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My first timber rattlesnakes
Replies: 9
Views: 3688

Re: My first timber rattlesnakes

NACairns wrote:Nicely done, and great shots. I know that rock that is a very pretty view.
Congrats,
Nick
Thanks Nick!
by Zach Cava
October 13th, 2016, 1:35 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Northern Spring Salamander in situ
Replies: 7
Views: 4423

Re: Northern Spring Salamander in situ

Thank you guys - and Josh, I actually did have a flash on the salamander and a second one on the background. Wanted to do a true in situ shot though without moving the salamander. Good choice! I think the posed pictures always look a little contrived and they really aren't being true to the animal'...
by Zach Cava
October 13th, 2016, 8:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My first timber rattlesnakes
Replies: 9
Views: 3688

Re: My first timber rattlesnakes

How lucky you are to have had those experiences! Were you able to visually determine the first two snakes' sexes? Sounds like the one you photoed was definitely scent tracking your first (not shown) snake. At any rate, great observation - timber rattlesnakes hold a special place in my heart. Thanks...
by Zach Cava
October 12th, 2016, 5:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My first timber rattlesnakes
Replies: 9
Views: 3688

My first timber rattlesnakes

I’d never seen a timber rattlesnake before, so back in July some friends and I went out to look for some, unaware it was “World Snake Day.” After finding a bitter-sweet DOR the night before, we were rewarded with several rattlesnakes the next day. I was photographing my first one when this second s...
by Zach Cava
October 12th, 2016, 9:24 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Northern Spring Salamander in situ
Replies: 8
Views: 16769

Re: Northern Spring Salamander in situ

Bill, very cool stuff. Thanks for all of the examples and info. Lot's of room for experimentation for sure! Chris: That's an interesting idea and I'm curious if anyone's tried it. I also agree that I like that the background is still somewhat dark. It definitely seems like a challenge to produce a &...
by Zach Cava
October 12th, 2016, 9:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Northern Spring Salamander in situ
Replies: 7
Views: 4423

Re: Northern Spring Salamander in situ

Thank you guys - and Josh, I actually did have a flash on the salamander and a second one on the background. Wanted to do a true in situ shot though without moving the salamander.
by Zach Cava
October 11th, 2016, 6:05 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Northern Spring Salamander in situ
Replies: 8
Views: 16769

Re: Northern Spring Salamander in situ

I'd just be sure to paint the background with whatever light you're using to illuminate the subject. You can tell that you used an LED flashlight to light up the background in this picture because the light is a bit cooler than the light illuminating the salamander. Just curious, what browser are y...
by Zach Cava
October 11th, 2016, 1:35 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Northern Spring Salamander in situ
Replies: 8
Views: 16769

Re: Northern Spring Salamander in situ

This is something I'd like to get the hang of, but I think a lot of people will stack two shots, basically get the animal lit, and then do the background. Doing it all together at once isn't easy, particularly if you want to go with a more natural look. Thanks for the input, I've seen examples of t...
by Zach Cava
October 11th, 2016, 10:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Northern Spring Salamander in situ
Replies: 7
Views: 4423

Northern Spring Salamander in situ

For my birthday I went on a solo night hike in Cattaraugus Co. NY and attempted my first nighttime herp-in-habitat shot (which was also my first time really trying to photograph salamanders). Any suggestions for improvement are appreciated! I had a hard time with salamanders spooking from the light...
by Zach Cava
October 11th, 2016, 10:16 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Northern Spring Salamander in situ
Replies: 8
Views: 16769

Northern Spring Salamander in situ

Hey everyone, I wanted to share my first attempt at photographing a salamander at night, as well as my first nighttime herp-in-habitat shot. It was tough! I'm wondering if anyone has some tips for this type of shot. I used a Canon 6D with a 17-40mm lens at 20mm, f/6.3, ISO 640, 2 sec. I used 2 speed...
by Zach Cava
July 28th, 2015, 12:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reclaimed Zoo
Replies: 5
Views: 3812

Re: Reclaimed Zoo

Thanks! @VICtort: here's a picture of a sign with some more information about the site, and some historical photos. @Kelly: I agree, and glad I was able to convey this! @Dave: For sure! In terms of herps, I know there's more than green frogs using the space. I'm pretty sure I saw some little tree fr...
by Zach Cava
July 27th, 2015, 2:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reclaimed Zoo
Replies: 0
Views: 1631

Reclaimed Zoo

Made a trip to Allegany State Park over the weekend and checked out the remains of an "outdoor museum" built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933. The concrete enclosures originally held fish, turtles, snakes, and other creatures. The museum was only open during the summer, and...
by Zach Cava
July 27th, 2015, 2:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reclaimed Zoo
Replies: 5
Views: 3812

Reclaimed Zoo

Made a trip to Allegany State Park over the weekend and checked out the remains of an "outdoor museum" built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933. The concrete enclosures originally held fish, turtles, snakes, and other creatures. The museum was only open during the summer, and...
by Zach Cava
May 19th, 2015, 8:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spotted Salmander development timelapse
Replies: 3
Views: 1895

Re: Spotted Salmander development timelapse

Thanks semasko, the sequence was recorded using a glass tank I built specifically for photographing aquatic organisms. Interesting you mention the algae, I was hoping to capture the symbiotic algae invading the egg capsule but this never happened.

-Zach
by Zach Cava
May 18th, 2015, 10:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spotted Salmander development timelapse
Replies: 6
Views: 3433

Re: Spotted Salmander development timelapse

Thank you guys Hadar, I actually didn't use a microscope for this, I used a 100mm macro lens + 68mm extension tubes. Eggs were in a modified tank I built for photographing aquatic stuff (can post photo later), but I was thinking it would have been easier/more stable with a scope + camera adapter! It...
by Zach Cava
May 18th, 2015, 8:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: USGS Desert Tortoise Project: Part 5
Replies: 31
Views: 14432

Re: USGS Desert Tortoise Project: Part 5

thanks John, glad you enjoyed it!

@lateralis no, I was working out of the Las Vegas office
by Zach Cava
May 17th, 2015, 6:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spotted Salmander development timelapse
Replies: 3
Views: 1895

Spotted Salmander development timelapse

Been busy with grad school and haven't had time to post here lately, but here's a fun project I've been working on these last few weeks—best viewed in HD!

-Zach

by Zach Cava
May 17th, 2015, 6:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spotted Salmander development timelapse
Replies: 6
Views: 3433

Spotted Salmander development timelapse

Been busy with grad school and haven't had time to post here lately, but here's a fun project I've been working on these last few weeks—best viewed in HD!

-Zach

by Zach Cava
March 21st, 2015, 6:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Final NYC Snapper Research Post new stuff (125 pics, edited)
Replies: 21
Views: 7686

Re: Final NYC Snapper Research Post new stuff (125 pics, edi

Awesome post Erik. I have always had an interest in urban herpetology. While living in Las Vegas, some of my most memorable herping experiences were not of tracking desert tortoises or gila monsters (though those were great too), but of exploring the concrete flood channels right in the city. It was...
by Zach Cava
January 23rd, 2015, 4:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Preserved snapping turtle shell
Replies: 3
Views: 2192

Preserved snapping turtle shell

Just finished cleaning up this juvenile snapping turtle shell. I decided to remove 1/2 of the scutes to show the underlying bone. Aside from its relatively small size (carapace length=17cm), another indication that this animal was a juvenile are a series of spaces along the margin of the right side...
by Zach Cava
January 23rd, 2015, 4:24 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Snapping Turtle Shell
Replies: 0
Views: 2404

Snapping Turtle Shell

Just finished cleaning up this juvenile snapping turtle shell. I decided to remove 1/2 of the scutes to show the underlying bone. Aside from its relatively small size (carapace length=17cm), another indication that this animal was a juvenile are a series of spaces along the margin of the right side...
by Zach Cava
January 23rd, 2015, 4:22 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Preserved snapping turtle shell
Replies: 2
Views: 1506

Preserved snapping turtle shell

Just finished cleaning up this juvenile snapping turtle shell. I decided to remove 1/2 of the scutes to show the underlying bone. Aside from its relatively small size (carapace length=17cm), another indication that this animal was a juvenile are a series of spaces along the margin of the right side...
by Zach Cava
October 5th, 2014, 6:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Trip with the Bangladesh Python Project - all pics up!
Replies: 27
Views: 14811

Re: My Trip with the Bangladesh Python Project - all pics up

Great series Jon, glad it worked out!
by Zach Cava
July 4th, 2014, 2:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My first Western Groundsnake
Replies: 15
Views: 3109

Re: My first Western Groundsnake

Bryan Hamilton wrote:Nice find Zach. We'll miss you out here. You've done some great work.

I'm not sure how far north Sonora goes in Utah but they make up to the Idaho border in Nevada.
Thanks Bryan! Sorry I couldn't make it out with you guys this week. I'll be back, I'm sure.