Search found 138 matches

by ChadHarrison
February 14th, 2017, 12:35 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images
Replies: 28
Views: 15609

Re: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images

Sistrurus catenatus, Midwestern United States
ImageEastern Massasauga Rattlesnake by Chad Harrison, on Flickr
by ChadHarrison
August 12th, 2016, 8:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Germany help!
Replies: 0
Views: 2087

Germany help!

I've got a buddy travelling around Germany with his family right now. He would really like to see a Vipera berus and/or a fire salamander. He tells me it's pretty rainy and chilly right now. Are Vipera doable this time of year in Germany? Could anyone give me some advice to help my buddy see some ne...
by ChadHarrison
August 5th, 2016, 1:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: When is habitat restoration for herps a good thing?
Replies: 42
Views: 28326

Re: When is habitat restoration for herps a good thing?

I'm sure this has already been mentioned in previous posts, but I was too lazy to read everything. More often than not, habitat restoration largely consists of the eradication of invasive/non-native invasive flora or fauna. Mostly flora. I'm pretty sure I know the project you're talking about. The m...
by ChadHarrison
July 27th, 2016, 7:40 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring and Summer finds 2016: Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois
Replies: 7
Views: 4480

Re: Spring and Summer finds 2016: Kansas, Missouri, and Illi

You mentioned Steve Karsen. I contracted him on a project close to 20 years ago that had him crawling through the steamy, bug-infested swamp margins around New Orleans. He was untiring in his efforts, and this while he had a family and was earning a Masters Degree. Once again, I really enjoyed the ...
by ChadHarrison
July 25th, 2016, 8:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring and Summer finds 2016: Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois
Replies: 7
Views: 4480

Re: Spring and Summer finds 2016: Kansas, Missouri, and Illi

Jeff wrote:
That's all for now, folks.
Thank heaven! Snakegasm!

Jeff
Ha! Thanks, Jeff.
by ChadHarrison
July 20th, 2016, 10:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring and Summer finds 2016: Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois
Replies: 7
Views: 4480

Spring and Summer finds 2016: Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois

Picking back up after a lovely outing full of Timber Rattlesnakes and a Western Pigmy, I didn't get out much back home in Illinois, as a rocket-run Kansas trip was in the works. Last year I had missed out on the three special anurans. I live smack dab in the middle, so everything cool is a 2 hour dr...
by ChadHarrison
May 5th, 2016, 9:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pelonnese solo quickie
Replies: 16
Views: 10615

Re: Pelonnese solo quickie

WOW. That was one hell of a trip! Awesome finds. The Leopard Snake, Vipera, and Eryx were just fantastic to see.
by ChadHarrison
April 22nd, 2016, 7:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Vipera aspis in Riva del Garda (Trentino, Lake Garda, ITALY)
Replies: 8
Views: 4593

Re: Vipera aspis in Riva del Garda (Trentino, Lake Garda, IT

Awesome. I just cannot get enough of this genus. Thanks for sharing!
by ChadHarrison
April 22nd, 2016, 7:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring-Time Goodies: Illinois and Missouri
Replies: 3
Views: 2972

Re: Spring-Time Goodies: Illinois and Missouri

pjfishpa wrote:Nice pics and post! That's hilarious about the Timber on the log. Glad things worked out for all parties involved!
Thanks! We're glad it worked out, too. We were a hundred miles from nowhere.
by ChadHarrison
April 19th, 2016, 10:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring-Time Goodies: Illinois and Missouri
Replies: 3
Views: 2972

Spring-Time Goodies: Illinois and Missouri

Late March brought some awfully snakey conditions this year, so after a day out on the Shawnee Wine Trails with my gal, we went for a hike at a favorite Timber spot of mine. It didn't take long for us to spot the first Timber Rattlesnake of the year for me, as well as the earliest I have ever seen o...
by ChadHarrison
April 15th, 2016, 7:57 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: snake road this weekend April 15-17
Replies: 7
Views: 3225

Re: snake road this weekend April 15-17

Good to hear from an illinois herper. Unless the weather changes a ton for the worse i will be there. Looks like low to mid 70s dat and sunday last time i checked. Havent been for a few years so i am excited. As always hoping for a mud snake!!! They're out. I observed this one a couple weeks ago on...
by ChadHarrison
April 12th, 2016, 11:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: snake road this weekend April 15-17
Replies: 7
Views: 3225

Re: snake road this weekend April 15-17

It's going to be excellent this weekend. If you don't go, you're out of your mind.
by ChadHarrison
April 1st, 2016, 9:56 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Don't Tread On Me... BLEACH & BOOTS
Replies: 43
Views: 16824

Re: Don't Tread On Me... BLEACH & BOOTS

I was taught to go with a 10% bleach solution. It's easy to come by, easy to make, and extremely effective against threats like Chytrid and the Ophidiomyces complex. Spray bottles are cheap at walmart. Mix up a 10% solution, fill your spray bottle, and just keep that thing in your trunk. This is a g...
by ChadHarrison
March 29th, 2016, 8:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: “GPS My Rattlesnake” - Tracking Snakes Using New Technology
Replies: 14
Views: 7721

Re: “GPS My Rattlesnake” - Tracking Snakes Using New Technol

Epoxy is a nightmare to work with. I used it in the field on Ornate Box Turtles, marking new study animals. I can't imagine how much of a pain in the ass it would be to use on the body of a snake. Although, I do think an adhesive is going to be your best bet for mounting the unit. Any sort of restri...
by ChadHarrison
March 29th, 2016, 6:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: “GPS My Rattlesnake” - Tracking Snakes Using New Technology
Replies: 14
Views: 7721

Re: “GPS My Rattlesnake” - Tracking Snakes Using New Technol

Very cool project. However, I'm a bit puzzled by the placement of the unit. Won't an external GPS complicated ecdysis for the snake? On top of that, the mount appeared to simply be electrical tape. Won't you lose the unit once the snake sheds?
by ChadHarrison
March 25th, 2016, 6:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New here with some pics
Replies: 5
Views: 2523

Re: New here with some pics

Off to a good start. I like that big holbrooki. Big, healthy, nice looking speckled kings like that are always great to see. I see a lot of younger individuals, but I'm always stoked to see the big fat adults.
by ChadHarrison
March 24th, 2016, 5:56 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herps in habitat - photo thread
Replies: 69
Views: 31549

Re: Herps in habitat - photo thread

I'd second Jasmine's assessment about the "look." It's hard to explain, but there is definitely something different. And I am far more liberal with the ISO than I was with my 7D. For the 7D, I wouldn't go much past ISO 400 because images would start getting noisy. But for the 5DIII, I can...
by ChadHarrison
March 22nd, 2016, 8:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Rocket Run to NE NC - 3 RAINBOW SNAKES!
Replies: 6
Views: 2222

Re: A Rocket Run to NE NC - 3 RAINBOW SNAKES!

kevin h wrote:I think we all agree that at this point you are a god. :lol:
Whoa now. Lets not get ahead of ourselves, there, Kev. Gods don't get speeding tickets like it's their job.
by ChadHarrison
March 21st, 2016, 8:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herps in habitat - photo thread
Replies: 69
Views: 31549

Re: Herps in habitat - photo thread

Timber Rattlesnake as found in South Western Illinois
ImageTimber Rattlesnake by Chad Harrison, on Flickr
by ChadHarrison
March 19th, 2016, 7:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mississippi Herp Literature?
Replies: 5
Views: 2476

Mississippi Herp Literature?

What is the deal with Mississippi's complete lack of information on the local herp residents? I can't find a single site that shows native herps with range maps and info or anything even close. Best I got was a checklist, which is not helpful in the slightest. I'm going to be in Southern MS for 4 da...
by ChadHarrison
March 19th, 2016, 7:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Post your favorite Rattlesnake photo!
Replies: 34
Views: 18209

Re: Post your favorite Rattlesnake photo!

Daniel, the 'sauga is a Michigan animal.
by ChadHarrison
March 18th, 2016, 11:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Post your favorite Rattlesnake photo!
Replies: 34
Views: 18209

Re: Post your favorite Rattlesnake photo!

Sistrurus catenatus
ImageEastern Massasauga Rattlesnake by Chad Harrison, on Flickr
by ChadHarrison
March 16th, 2016, 9:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Quick 2016 Update: Georgia and Southern Illinois
Replies: 3
Views: 2275

Re: A Quick 2016 Update: Georgia and Southern Illinois

Great finds! I really enjoyed reading your Indigo adventure. What a beast of a snake. I'm still trying to get my lifer, so it's at least nice to see other people finding them! Thanks man. It's been a great year already. You'll get your indigo soon enough. Trust me, it will be so much more rewarding...
by ChadHarrison
March 15th, 2016, 8:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Quick 2016 Update: Georgia and Southern Illinois
Replies: 3
Views: 2275

A Quick 2016 Update: Georgia and Southern Illinois

Not much of a winter for us Midwesterners this year! A little snow and a little cold here or there; just enough to keep both us, and the herps, inside. After my rocket run to Northern California, it didn't take long to plan the next one. Next in line was South Georgia with one goal in mind; the East...
by ChadHarrison
March 2nd, 2016, 8:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Australia 2016 Part 1: Sydney and the Snowy Mountains
Replies: 7
Views: 5449

Re: Australia 2016 Part 1: Sydney and the Snowy Mountains

JP, your photography is ridiculous. That shot of the ocean is just fantastic.
by ChadHarrison
February 26th, 2016, 8:10 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Underwater Photography Question
Replies: 14
Views: 9922

Re: Underwater Photography Question

Kevin, that hellbender shot is SERIOUSLY dope. That was all I needed. Went ahead and ordered that housing. Thanks!
by ChadHarrison
February 24th, 2016, 7:58 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Underwater Photography Question
Replies: 14
Views: 9922

Re: Underwater Photography Question

I'm a housing guy, but understand they aren't practical. I think a POS is your best bet for vernal pool and stream work. Having a small rig in shallow water is helpful. I lugged my housing out to a couple vernals last year and it was too big and cumbersome to do anything. J Thanks Jason. You ought ...
by ChadHarrison
February 21st, 2016, 12:04 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Underwater Photography Question
Replies: 14
Views: 9922

Re: Underwater Photography Question

A relatively inexpensive solution if you don't want to risk a DYI project is a DiCAPac camera housing which cost under $100. I have used mine down to about 20 feet below the surface while snorkeling. I reviewed it here - http://fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=12476 Chris, I'm real...
by ChadHarrison
February 19th, 2016, 3:01 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Underwater Photography Question
Replies: 14
Views: 9922

Re: Underwater Photography Question

Hey Chad, How deep are you trying to shoot and how much control of the camera do you want? You could cheat with the use of glass and mirrors like these guys, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OubvTOHWTms . Two of the best underwater photographers I know are Jeremy Monroe and Dave Herasimtschuk. They ...
by ChadHarrison
February 19th, 2016, 1:31 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Underwater Photography Question
Replies: 14
Views: 9922

Underwater Photography Question

Bottom line, full underwater housings are expensive. I am wondering if an accessory exists that allows you to cover house just the lens to break the surface of water and shoot aquatic scenes without fully submerging the camera. I have no idea if something like that exists, but if it does, I would li...
by ChadHarrison
February 8th, 2016, 11:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Far
Replies: 13
Views: 7716

Re: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Fa

Thank you for the kind words, everyone!
by ChadHarrison
February 5th, 2016, 7:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Far
Replies: 13
Views: 7716

Re: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Fa

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1634/24197189783_a6a65ae1ee_c.jpg Isn't this a Prairie King? You have it labeled as a Great Plains Rat Josh It's 100% a Great Plains Rat Snake, Josh. It looks a bit like a prairie king in this photo. But I can assure you it's not. A closer examination of the identifyi...
by ChadHarrison
February 5th, 2016, 3:24 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Far
Replies: 13
Views: 7716

Re: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Fa

Kyle from Carolina wrote:Wow, awesome finds. I never realized the midwest could be so awesome. That being said, I think the real gem of this post is the saying "happier than a fish with titties".
The Midwest is a really underrated area, herp wise.
by ChadHarrison
February 5th, 2016, 10:51 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Far
Replies: 13
Views: 7716

Re: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Fa

Soopaman wrote:You've had some really excellent years, Chad. I'm envious of some of those finds, and your photography is great. I really like that shot of the cotton gaping next to the cypress knees.
Thanks, Kyle! I really appreciate it, brother. I'mma come hang out Texas style this spring. K? K.
by ChadHarrison
February 5th, 2016, 9:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Far
Replies: 13
Views: 7716

In the Field: Highlights of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Thus Far

Well, there's no snow on the ground here in the Midwest. As a matter of fact, it's really not all that cold for the beginning of February. It's too cold for snakes, not wet enough for salamanders, so it's too lame to be outside as far as I'm concerned. As such, I suppose I'll sit down and take the t...
by ChadHarrison
February 2nd, 2016, 6:02 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Question: Preferred DOF with reasonable working distance?
Replies: 15
Views: 8077

Re: Question: Preferred DOF with reasonable working distance

Sunny day, ISO 200, f/13 with the sigma 105mm macro, before owning the external flash. I don't like the shadows. http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j122/captainjack0000/2015Wildlife/IMG_7273-2_zpsdradshqo.jpg~original Another solution for this problem is using a diffuser in sunlight. Here I used a c...
by ChadHarrison
February 2nd, 2016, 5:50 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Calling all Sony A Mount Users
Replies: 6
Views: 4922

Re: Calling all Sony A Mount Users

I agree. The 70-400 G is my go-to lens and is on my camera most of the time. Decent hand holdable long lens, tripod collar and it will focus close enough for some lizard shots, etc. It is a bit of a beast, but so are all lenses in this size/range. The new version may focus faster, but the old versi...
by ChadHarrison
February 2nd, 2016, 5:49 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Calling all Sony A Mount Users
Replies: 6
Views: 4922

Re: Calling all Sony A Mount Users

Thanks, gentlemen. I never bothered to look at used selections of that lens. That just may be doable!
by ChadHarrison
February 1st, 2016, 1:32 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Calling all Sony A Mount Users
Replies: 6
Views: 4922

Calling all Sony A Mount Users

For all you Sony Alpha turds, I'm looking to figure out what to choose for a long lens. I currently use the Sony Alpha A65, but will be upgrading to the full frame A99. I have the Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 16-80mm wide angle, and the Sony 100mm f/2.8 macro. So I would like something greater than/equal...
by ChadHarrison
January 29th, 2016, 12:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Oklahoma rattlesnakes summer 2015
Replies: 13
Views: 6791

Re: Oklahoma rattlesnakes summer 2015

Holy cats, man. That half-striped tergeminus was outta sight! Even in blue.
by ChadHarrison
January 14th, 2016, 12:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2015 - EOY (CA, NV, UT, AZ, Costa Rica, Mexico)
Replies: 18
Views: 8780

Re: 2015 - EOY (CA, NV, UT, AZ, Costa Rica, Mexico)

Insane post. Entirely too many cool things to single out; however, I am shocked at the lack of love for the Thornscrub Hooknose. I'll happily be the only applause; spectacular find.
by ChadHarrison
January 5th, 2016, 9:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Oreganus Question
Replies: 4
Views: 1979

Re: Oreganus Question

Thanks for all the tips, folks! I'm definitely not counting on seeing one, but it would be a nice addition to what is already on the menu.
by ChadHarrison
December 30th, 2015, 12:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: All them salamanders of 2015
Replies: 19
Views: 10866

Re: All them salamanders of 2015

Jake, your salamander photography is ridiculous. What lens are you using? Twin macro flash, I reckon?
by ChadHarrison
December 30th, 2015, 12:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Oreganus Question
Replies: 4
Views: 1979

Oreganus Question

Greetings from the Midwest all, I'll be spending some time around Mendocino County and elsewhere nearby from January 19-22nd with MikeMike and Tuatarifer. We've pretty well got the itinerary nailed down, so I'm not looking for spots or anything. I am curious as to when is the latest in the year you ...
by ChadHarrison
December 29th, 2015, 12:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I traveled too much this year(AZ, TX, Fl, Wa, etc)
Replies: 11
Views: 6582

Re: I traveled too much this year(AZ, TX, Fl, Wa, etc)

Great post, buddy. Lots of familiar faces here. Your photography is improving quite a bit! Lets find a salamander or 6 in the Pacific Northwest in a few weeks, okay? Okay.
by ChadHarrison
May 13th, 2015, 10:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Wisconsin Massasauga or Timbers Tips
Replies: 5
Views: 3474

Re: Wisconsin Massasauga or Timbers Tips

The bleach suggestion is important. Spray boots before you start your hike and before you get back in your vehicle. Every single time. Make it a habit!
by ChadHarrison
May 13th, 2015, 10:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Floridian visiting the Midwest
Replies: 12
Views: 10122

Re: Floridian visiting the Midwest

Absolutely. Depending on when you'll be there, hoggies could be making their burrows. I've been up in June and seen a half dozen in a couple hours just by observing the burrowing process with the late Carl Koch. Preggo timbers will be out basking. Should still be able to flip milks and bulls and fox...