Search found 51 matches

by millmoss
April 4th, 2014, 6:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NM, AZ, FL, NC, CA, & TX - Shuffled
Replies: 58
Views: 38957

Re: NM, AZ, FL, NC, CA, & TX - Shuffled

I've been thinking about this post all morning. For me, the following comments just don't square up. You say: Does anyone think I'm proud or happy about that? It's just terrible that I caused that. It makes me hurt inside just to remember it. I'd rather the rocks had smashed me....no exaggeration......
by millmoss
February 23rd, 2014, 3:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Biology cub herping trip to the carolinas, question re: laws
Replies: 3
Views: 1188

Re: Biology cub herping trip to the carolinas, question re:

John,

What part of NC are you hitting? Are you looking for anything specific? And how many are you?

Jeremy
by millmoss
January 21st, 2014, 3:34 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Crystal River Area
Replies: 12
Views: 3609

Re: Crystal River Area

It actually reminded me of some of the discussions I've seen on this site about collecting herps. There are a lot of human-caused factors that are contributing to the majority of manatee deaths - boat hits, pollution, the closing down of some power plants where they go for warm water. Ironically, th...
by millmoss
January 20th, 2014, 7:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Crystal River Area
Replies: 12
Views: 3609

Re: Crystal River Area

Well, we didn't have as much time as we would have liked, and it started raining on Sunday. We'll be back though. I did manage to scare up a couple of animals around the yard. I assume the anoles are brown anoles. That was a new one for us. http://www.jsbivins.com/pics/anole1.jpg http://www.jsbivins...
by millmoss
January 16th, 2014, 5:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Crystal River Area
Replies: 12
Views: 3609

Re: Crystal River Area

Thanks Bill,

I'll come back and give a quick post trip update.
by millmoss
January 15th, 2014, 1:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Crystal River Area
Replies: 12
Views: 3609

Re: Crystal River Area

Thanks, Bill. Anything in particular to look for? I honestly thought with the temps that low, I wouldn't see anything but the odd anole and some frogs. But I found an eastern king here in coastal NC on Jan 5. so I guess anything's possible.
by millmoss
January 15th, 2014, 9:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Crystal River Area
Replies: 12
Views: 3609

Crystal River Area

So I made a deal with my son that if he learned to swim well last year, I would take him down to swim with the manatees. We're driving down for a quick trip Saturday, but I will have an hour or two here and there for herping. Looking at the temps though, I'm not expecting much. Any general advice fo...
by millmoss
September 6th, 2013, 4:23 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Michigan Native Snake Breeding/Selling
Replies: 4
Views: 3477

Michigan Native Snake Breeding/Selling

I know this isn't a legal forum, and I'm posting more for curiosity's sake after trying to acquire some Michigan snakes. Based on the document here: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/RegsOnTheTakeOfReptilesAndAmphibians_164917_7.pdf It sounds like it would be legal to take two redbellied snakes from...
by millmoss
September 6th, 2013, 4:11 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Michigan Native Snake Breeding/Selling
Replies: 1
Views: 1818

Michigan Native Snake Breeding/Selling

I know this isn't a legal forum, and I'm posting more for curiosity's sake after trying to acquire some Michigan snakes. Based on the document here: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/RegsOnTheTakeOfReptilesAndAmphibians_164917_7.pdf It sounds like it would be legal to take two redbellied snakes from...
by millmoss
July 19th, 2013, 2:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Biggest eastern hognose?
Replies: 13
Views: 3201

Re: Biggest eastern hognose?

Sorry for the late reply - work deadlines... We did get a picture of him laid out, although it's not very good.

Image
by millmoss
July 15th, 2013, 2:40 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Biggest eastern hognose?
Replies: 13
Views: 3201

Re: Biggest eastern hognose?

Wow. That's impressive.

I didn't get a picture of ours stretched out, and so you can't really tell how big it was. Now I know it's more reasonable.

Image
by millmoss
July 14th, 2013, 9:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Biggest eastern hognose?
Replies: 13
Views: 3201

Re: Biggest eastern hognose?

It's visually sort of shocking. Again, I think because I've only seen smaller easterns and then southerns and our pet western.

I'll try and get a decent picture of it tomorrow.
by millmoss
July 14th, 2013, 6:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Biggest eastern hognose?
Replies: 13
Views: 3201

Biggest eastern hognose?

I found one behind our house today that measured out at 38 inches (there were a couple of kinks still for maybe another half inch/inch). I've never seen a hognose this big before.

Is it rare that they get that big, or have I just not been around enough hognose?
by millmoss
June 28th, 2013, 6:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Trip through TN and OH
Replies: 4
Views: 1277

Re: Trip through TN and OH

We've caught two garters there in the past. And usually a racer and a rat snake or two. No luck this time though. Although the variety was decent considering I had to work a lot.
by millmoss
June 25th, 2013, 6:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Trip through TN and OH
Replies: 4
Views: 1277

Trip through TN and OH

I'm at a loss on a couple of these salamanders. Two lined(?) - New Richmond, OH http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/trip/186.jpg Longtailed - New Richmond, OH http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/trip/189.jpg Juvenile Milk Snake - New Richmond, OH http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/trip/199.jpg Ringneck - Ne...
by millmoss
June 3rd, 2013, 6:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Upcoming Tennessee Visit
Replies: 1
Views: 606

Upcoming Tennessee Visit

We're making the annual birthday rounds for my son soon, and will be in Middle TN (Williamson County) for a week. Was planning to hit Edwin and Percy Warner, and also potentially Cedars of Lebanon. If there are any locals that are familiar with these areas and have any advice, that would be great. W...
by millmoss
June 3rd, 2013, 6:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Ohio Recommendations
Replies: 0
Views: 921

Ohio Recommendations

Hi, Normally I'm in the Southeast chapter, but we're going to be visiting family in Cincinnati, specifically the New Richmond area, in the next few weeks. They have 5 acres, and I've found garters, black rats, and box turtles on their property. I've also found racers, a queen snake, two lined sallie...
by millmoss
June 1st, 2013, 7:48 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Garter ID
Replies: 9
Views: 1947

Re: Garter ID

Shite. Nevermind. Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi.
by millmoss
June 1st, 2013, 7:47 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Garter ID
Replies: 9
Views: 1947

Garter ID

Note from my old neighbor: We found this snake on a hike today. High Sierras, up on Donner Summit. Here's the pic: http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/garter.png So based on where they found it and the range maps and a general likeness, I would have said Thamnophis elegans elegans, but I cannot find a ...
by millmoss
May 25th, 2013, 5:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring in Coastal NC
Replies: 12
Views: 2545

Re: Spring in Coastal NC

It's the biggest yellow bellied slider I've seen. It was huge, and we've seen some big ones.
by millmoss
May 22nd, 2013, 9:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring in Coastal NC
Replies: 12
Views: 2545

Re: Spring in Coastal NC

All the kings are New Hanover and Pender County - Southern Coastal NC.
by millmoss
May 22nd, 2013, 6:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring in Coastal NC
Replies: 12
Views: 2545

Spring in Coastal NC

It's been a great spring so far. With a lot of luck and some good tips, we've been able to cross a few species off the list. Black Swamp Snake http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/spring/blackSwamp.jpg Copperhead - I was really surprised at how quick they can be. A bit unsettling. http://www.jsbivins.co...
by millmoss
April 24th, 2013, 8:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Flipping today
Replies: 6
Views: 1374

Re: Flipping today

I hope he sticks with it, but I'll be happy if he just has a better knowledge and appreciation for wildlife. And good identification skills.
by millmoss
April 23rd, 2013, 1:40 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Flipping today
Replies: 6
Views: 1374

Flipping today

A lot of the snakes we find here you sort of have to strain to see. Some of the more obvious ones are starting to appear though. My five year old (Jack) and I have found a couple of new species this year - Eastern Hognose, Little Grass Frog, Barking Treefrog, and Pine Woods Snake (my hands still sti...
by millmoss
April 1st, 2013, 11:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Striped gopher snake from today
Replies: 21
Views: 8016

Re: Striped gopher snake from today

I'm bummed I didn't really get into herping until right before we left CA.

We looked and looked for these our last year in Davis, but just turned up Kings. We go back every year or two to visit. Maybe on one of those trips...
by millmoss
March 12th, 2013, 2:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Bad photograph of a frog egg mass
Replies: 0
Views: 429

Bad photograph of a frog egg mass

The photo stinks. Sorry about that. http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/eggmass.jpg I originally thought Narrow Mouthed Toad based on the look of the tadpoles. We brought one home though, and in the two days, it's started to look less distinct and more like a 'standard tadpole'. Also, it seems early fo...
by millmoss
February 14th, 2013, 8:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What would you do?
Replies: 32
Views: 4355

Re: What would you do?

Unfortunately, you would never have enough input on the final edit to ensure that it wasn't a sensationalist piece that did way more harm than good. You would be better off filming your own show, gaining momentum on youTube, and then taking it to a cable channel. Or hell, keep it on the net and keep...
by millmoss
January 7th, 2013, 5:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: TN Herpers
Replies: 18
Views: 6755

Re: TN Herpers

I was JUST about to create a post asking this very question. Growing up in TN, I always heard the term blue racer. I saw exactly one racer when I was a kid, and it did look bluish. But I was probably 12 and my memory isn't all that reliable. I was actually going to post the question because I recent...
by millmoss
December 12th, 2012, 8:40 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Winter is here....lets go herping!
Replies: 9
Views: 2368

Re: Winter is here....lets go herping!

My son so wants to find a marbled salamander here in NC. Great finds.
by millmoss
December 5th, 2012, 12:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NAFHA members - An opportunity to help on an Indigo hunt
Replies: 93
Views: 13156

Re: NAFHA members - An opportunity to help on an Indigo hunt

Unfortunately my inability to say no to extra work has inadvertently killed this week for me. I may have to do an epic random when I get through this project to make up for it. I'm truly sorry to miss this one. Good luck all, and hopefully Feb. will pan out better.

Jeremy
by millmoss
December 4th, 2012, 7:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Lucky Afternoon
Replies: 11
Views: 2501

Re: A Lucky Afternoon

We just found the one hognose, but after some discussions with local experts, I think I can find more in the spring. Now that I know what to look for. Within our park, the flytrap range is pretty small. I know of one spot. There is rumored to be another with hundreds of plants. I haven't found that....
by millmoss
November 12th, 2012, 5:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: State Park Sundays
Replies: 7
Views: 1387

Re: State Park Sundays

I don't think greenhouse frogs are in range here. Based entirely on range, there really seems to be two likely options - gray treefrog, or pine woods treefrog. This one show the coloration a little better, but I'm learning the high level of variability of frog color. That cricket frog, for instance,...
by millmoss
November 11th, 2012, 9:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: State Park Sundays
Replies: 7
Views: 1387

State Park Sundays

We've been spending our Sunday mornings in the local state park, with some decent results. The spadefoot is from our flower bed... the rest were found at the park. Baby Cricket Frog http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/cbsp/IMG_0463.jpg Slimy Salamander http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/cbsp/IMG_0264.jpg...
by millmoss
November 6th, 2012, 4:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NAFHA members - An opportunity to help on an Indigo hunt
Replies: 93
Views: 13156

Re: NAFHA members - An opportunity to help on an Indigo hunt

It's a long drive for me, but I'm working on making the December trip if there's still room. I should know more by the end of the week.

Jeremy
by millmoss
October 22nd, 2012, 11:24 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Lucky Afternoon
Replies: 11
Views: 2501

Re: A Lucky Afternoon

Coastal North Carolina. And when I think about the specific set of decisions that brought me to standing nearly on top of it, we really shouldn't have found that snake. If ever there was an encounter made from pure dumb luck, this was it.
by millmoss
October 21st, 2012, 3:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frog ID Help
Replies: 3
Views: 1178

Re: Frog ID Help

Thanks! Based on the range of the two, it must be Southern.
by millmoss
October 21st, 2012, 3:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frog ID Help
Replies: 3
Views: 1178

Frog ID Help

The coloration and bumps puzzle me, although I'm certainly less familiar with frogs than I am with snakes and lizards. Thanks in advance for the help. http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/frogID/IMG_9859.jpg http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/frogID/IMG_9862.jpg http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/frogID/IMG...
by millmoss
October 20th, 2012, 3:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Lucky Afternoon
Replies: 11
Views: 2501

Re: A Lucky Afternoon

I think it is. I'm sort of new to distinguishing between hognose, but the coloration was totally unlike any eastern I've seen around here (we've been to a couple of herp classes). Also, the underside was all white, and I think one of the markers is an underside that is all the same color. I'm sure s...
by millmoss
October 20th, 2012, 1:57 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Lucky Afternoon
Replies: 11
Views: 2501

A Lucky Afternoon

Stopped off to show the wife some venus flytraps that we found, and discovered something much more interesting on the way back. This totally makes up for a fruitless 4 hours of walking up and down the island last weekend and finding a southeastern crowned and a brown hornworm. http://www.jsbivins.co...
by millmoss
October 11th, 2012, 8:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rescues
Replies: 11
Views: 2023

Re: Rescues

You know, I think I found your post about that experience on another message board, and just based on your picture of the guy's head, I figured the rat snake could surely recover. He didn't, unfortunately, and I tried to feed him everything. To no avail though. The glass lizard is back out in the ya...
by millmoss
October 3rd, 2012, 9:05 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rescues
Replies: 11
Views: 2023

Re: Rescues

So Jim, that's the line I was thinking for the rat. We're lucky in that we've met quite a few herp education/ncwrc people while finding programs for Jack, and know a couple of women starting a new nature education organization. I thought I might hit them up as well. This is all dependent on whether ...
by millmoss
October 3rd, 2012, 3:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anyone see this?
Replies: 9
Views: 2100

Re: Anyone see this?

Yeah, the others stink though. In a fit of guilt, I got out his superman shirt and measured it and it's 6 inches diagonal if that helps. I'll do better next time in terms of measurement. http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/IMG_8366.jpg http://www.jsbivins.com/pictures/IMG_8370.jpg http://www.jsbivins.c...
by millmoss
October 3rd, 2012, 1:24 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rescues
Replies: 11
Views: 2023

Re: Rescues

Sorry, it is a greenish rat - and actually the patterns and colors are not as drab as I expected. It's no florida rat in terms of color, but not without its charm. Those pictures don't really do it justice. I found the corn snake on the way to the store and it was dead. The rat snake I found on my w...
by millmoss
October 3rd, 2012, 1:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anyone see this?
Replies: 9
Views: 2100

Re: Anyone see this?

I didn't post the pics here because I figured our finds were sort of ho-hum for CA. We lived in Davis and moved to coastal NC last summer. Around Davis, we typically found CA Kingsnakes, fence lizards, and alligator lizards, although we once flipped a log and found a baby pacific rattler. I am reall...
by millmoss
October 2nd, 2012, 2:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Have you guys seen this?
Replies: 13
Views: 2607

Re: Have you guys seen this?

Amelanistic? It's missing black, although there may be something else going on.

I'm not a huge fan of color morphs just based on what they've done to the reptile husbandry business. Having said that, it's a beautiful snake!
by millmoss
October 2nd, 2012, 9:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rescues
Replies: 11
Views: 2023

Rescues

In reading through many of the threads on the board, I know that the opinions on interacting with the animals while taking their pictures varies pretty widely. I haven't seen much in the way of posts about intervention/rescue, and thought it might be worth discussing. Over the weekend, our neighbor'...
by millmoss
September 29th, 2012, 9:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rainbow snake
Replies: 8
Views: 3198

Re: Rainbow snake

So there are a series of streams that feed into the 5 retention ponds behind our neighborhood, and it was in one of those streams that we caught the eel. The water levels vary a lot, but with our flooding a month or so ago, I imagine that eels could travel between the ponds and streams fairly easily...
by millmoss
September 29th, 2012, 9:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rainbow snake
Replies: 8
Views: 3198

Re: Rainbow snake

The snake is indeed a ringneck. Our first. I was hoping to find a rubber boa, but it was pretty late in the summer. The habitat seemed perfect though. We ended up finding a few slugs. I mentioned it to my aunt when we got to San Jose, and she said they counted 100 on a hike one day, so I figured the...
by millmoss
September 27th, 2012, 7:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rainbow snake
Replies: 8
Views: 3198

Re: Rainbow snake

We went back and it was gone. There are lots of scavengers back there though. There's a chance the crows or vultures got it, or the alligator that lives in the pond. The carcass was close to his basking spot. What struck me was that he was far enough up the bank that it wasn't necessarily a soft mud...
by millmoss
September 27th, 2012, 7:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rainbow snake
Replies: 8
Views: 3198

Rainbow snake

So on my morning walk by our retention pond this morning, I found a rainbow snake that had been killed during the recent mowing. He was still halfway buried, and his colors were faded, but I knew immediately what it was. I've heard rumors that they are on the island, and my 5 year-old and I caught a...