Search found 369 matches

by J-Miz
September 4th, 2011, 8:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mexican rattlesnake ID
Replies: 15
Views: 2561

Re: Mexican rattlesnake ID

Sorry...no ID either...just wanted to say your photos are very nice :beer:
by J-Miz
September 4th, 2011, 1:04 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: A few birds from Peru
Replies: 4
Views: 1322

Re: A few birds from Peru

Awesome! I was just leafing through the Peruvian field guide to birds (Schulenberg, Lane, Parker, O'neill) yesterday. Right there with Colombia as the world's "birdiest" nation. Next time you go, pack me with the rest of your luggage ;)
by J-Miz
September 2nd, 2011, 7:42 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Help on Katydid ID
Replies: 5
Views: 1418

Re: Help on Katydid ID

Guys,

Thanks a bunch. I did post the photo on bugguides.net yesterday but haven't received any comments. I had not known that female katydids were so difficult to nail down.
by J-Miz
September 1st, 2011, 7:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #6: Night of the Tarsier
Replies: 23
Views: 7224

Re: Borneo Dispatches #6: Night of the Tarsier

Mike Pingleton wrote:awesome little mogwai. Don't feed 'em after midnight....

Really cool, Hans.

-Mike
HA!
by J-Miz
September 1st, 2011, 6:57 pm
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Help on Katydid ID
Replies: 5
Views: 1418

Help on Katydid ID

I was driving home from Staples when I noticed this katydid was chillin' on the arm rest next to me. Funny, as a couple weeks ago I started realizing how cool the insect chorus is at night this time of year. I was wondering if anybody knew what species of katydid this was. It was found in Cuyahoga C...
by J-Miz
August 30th, 2011, 4:57 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: How do you format your lifelist?
Replies: 18
Views: 5245

Re: How do you format your lifelist?

Andy, My list was very unattractive and I would just add the new lifers to the side where they would generally go taxonomically. In no way was it professional-looking! Also--the revised 6th edition of the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America is to be released in November. I read...
by J-Miz
August 28th, 2011, 12:35 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: How do you format your lifelist?
Replies: 18
Views: 5245

Re: How do you format your lifelist?

Wow...very attractive life lists you have created. I used to just have a life list on regular college-ruled paper...common names only in taxonomic order. No divisions for waterfowl, warblers, etc...one group of birds ran straight into the next. I have since stopped updating the list as I can barely ...
by J-Miz
August 26th, 2011, 6:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Best herp!
Replies: 32
Views: 4322

Re: Best herp!

I'd say my favorite was this Kirtland's Snake I found last year in late October. It was my best field-herping day ever...and that was before I came across this lifer. Unfortunately, I haven't really done much field-herping since :/ Perhaps another reason it is my favorite is because I found it; for ...
by J-Miz
August 24th, 2011, 7:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Costa Rica 2011, LOTS OF PHOTOS, ID help requested on frogs
Replies: 36
Views: 9247

Re: Costa Rica 2011, LOTS OF PHOTOS, ID help requested on fr

Just noticed this (when I saw your quetzal shot on the "post your camera setup" thread.

Good God, man! WONDERFUL PHOTOS! Quetzals, Scarlet Macaws, Fiery-throated Hummers...monkey grand slams, etc. Loved this post...thanks for sharing!
by J-Miz
August 24th, 2011, 3:37 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Yard Visitor
Replies: 3
Views: 1103

Re: Yard Visitor

Haha, pretty funny that he flew off to enjoy some peace but chose another perch equally close to another window. Probably thought, "Uh, not this guy again..."

Wonderful photos, Chris!
by J-Miz
August 24th, 2011, 3:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Tan Phase or just a juvie?
Replies: 6
Views: 1073

Re: Tan Phase or just a juvie?

Probably two-thirds of the smooth greens I've come across have been juvies...and all have been green. The photo below depicts what (in my experience) is the typical juvie coloration (generally not bright green like the adults I've encountered...but more olive-green). I've never seen a tan smoothie, ...
by J-Miz
August 23rd, 2011, 4:49 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Post your setup
Replies: 15
Views: 2556

Re: Post your setup

M Wolverton summed it up pretty well. If you want the best image quality, choose a DSLR. If you're more of a fieldherper and just want something more pocketable, choose a nice point-and-shoot. Personally, I don't mind carrying around a camera bag for my gear. If quality is what you're looking for, I...
by J-Miz
August 22nd, 2011, 5:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Post your setup
Replies: 15
Views: 2556

Re: Post your setup

You've posted many threads asking for advice on cameras...from advanced point-and-shoots to DSLRs to lenses. It seems you're constantly wondering about something completely different. Not to be disrespectful, but if you can tell us your budget and what you like to shoot, I will give you my personal ...
by J-Miz
August 20th, 2011, 7:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Costa Rica- October 2010 (mega DUW)
Replies: 24
Views: 7053

Re: Costa Rica- October 2010 (mega DUW)

Sorry to resurrect, but just found this trip report. Awesome! Love the birds (I agree with Mealy Parrot, by the way) and mammals as well as the herps. Lovely shots of the flora, landscapes, and Arenal, too!
by J-Miz
August 18th, 2011, 10:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A little Lake Erie island herping...
Replies: 15
Views: 2553

Re: A little Lake Erie island herping...

Interesting...was your "beast of a garter" from the glacial grooves area? Perhaps the largest T. sirtalis I've ever stumbled upon was from just that area. Maybe I can dig up a pic...
by J-Miz
August 17th, 2011, 2:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A little Lake Erie island herping...
Replies: 15
Views: 2553

Re: A little Lake Erie island herping...

Very neat. I visited Kelley's Island last year for just a few hours strictly for herping. I know you wouldn't believe it, but I recorded only one LEWS. Cool find on the garter; I've got sites on the mainland but wasn't sure if they were at all common on the islands.
by J-Miz
August 10th, 2011, 3:58 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Herping Bycatch Part II - Caprimulgids
Replies: 1
Views: 995

Re: Herping Bycatch Part II - Caprimulgids

They definitely are an interesting group. Gotta love their vocalizations. We get whips during migration and a few in summer, too. Almost stepped on a nest of young whips a few years back. Mom wasn't so happy!
by J-Miz
August 10th, 2011, 3:53 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: A little Mexican Fun...
Replies: 5
Views: 1345

Re: A little Mexican Fun...

Neat birds...esp. like that trogon.
by J-Miz
August 9th, 2011, 6:42 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Tamron 180mm
Replies: 4
Views: 1825

Re: Tamron 180mm

I own the Sigma 180mm f/3.5 and love it. But many seem to feel it is too long for their tastes. The most popular FL for this genre of lenses seems to be the 100mm f/2.8 macro lenses. I'd add a few sample shots, but truthfully you'd gain nothing from it. All macro lenses are sharp. If you're looking ...
by J-Miz
August 4th, 2011, 2:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NBorneo Snake ID Needed
Replies: 27
Views: 2971

Re: NBorneo Snake ID Needed

That thing is insane. I just googled the genus and came up with another beautiful species:

http://norhayatiahmad-herpetologist.blo ... -post.html
by J-Miz
July 31st, 2011, 10:34 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Don, I think I love you.....
Replies: 42
Views: 5556

Re: Don, I think I love you.....

chrish wrote:I saw a total of ONE amphibian and I accidentally ran over that one :oops:.
Love the honesty! Too bad about the poor trip.
by J-Miz
July 30th, 2011, 5:01 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Which is best?
Replies: 4
Views: 1678

Re: Which is best?

No doubt, #1. That was clearly my favorite of the bunch...and I hadn't even noticed it was feeding. That makes it all the better.
by J-Miz
July 28th, 2011, 7:45 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Some new armchair birds on the horizon!
Replies: 3
Views: 1110

Re: Some new armchair birds on the horizon!

Eh...I'm totally a lumper. I remember back in the mid-1990's (when I was young) I used to be excited about the splits. Now it seems that if there is any difference between populations, it is reason for a split. Pretty soon I will be part of one of many newly-split human species, Homo caucasoidus , w...
by J-Miz
July 25th, 2011, 5:56 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Clark's nutcracker
Replies: 22
Views: 4031

Re: Clark's nutcracker

Agreed...seeing snow in July seems so odd (unless I'm seeing it wrong and it's not actually snow).

Cool bird. Chrish, if you are ever in Las Vegas, they are a cinch there on Mount Charleston.
by J-Miz
July 21st, 2011, 1:17 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Canon 40d question
Replies: 15
Views: 4014

Re: Canon 40d question

First off, congrats on selecting the 40D...truly, at present, one of the best buys you can possibly find.

I'm not too sure what your focusing problems may be. What lens are you using? What are your settings? Post a few sample photos with exif information?
by J-Miz
July 15th, 2011, 12:00 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: some color...
Replies: 6
Views: 2036

Re: some color...

Those contrastingly vivid colors of the Painted Bunting sure make it a contender for most colorful North American Bird. There are certainly other contenders (Purple Gallinule, Wood Duck amongst them) but is any bird as colorful AND as contrastingly marked? Love those Green Jays. Those photos make me...
by J-Miz
July 15th, 2011, 10:29 am
Forum: Reading Room
Topic: Frogs of Iquitos, Reptiles of Iquitos
Replies: 0
Views: 1994

Frogs of Iquitos, Reptiles of Iquitos

Bumped into these today and thought it may be of interest. I especially like the frog one...those color plates make me really want to hit the neotropics.

http://www.4shared.com/get/GSNp_Gei/Fro ... uitos.html

http://www.4shared.com/document/ipGXrdJ ... Upper.html
by J-Miz
July 14th, 2011, 4:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Costa Rica June 2011
Replies: 13
Views: 2873

Re: Costa Rica June 2011

As a bird-nerd, I love that Resplendent Quetzal!
by J-Miz
July 13th, 2011, 2:42 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: tamron 180mm macro, anyone tried one?
Replies: 5
Views: 2058

Re: tamron 180mm macro, anyone tried one?

Sweet! It's an awesome focal length...and when it is too much one of my shorter zooms (17-50, 70-200) picks up the job. There might be a bit of a learning to curve to determine which apertures work best for depth of field on that FL, but I'm sure you'll love it!
by J-Miz
July 13th, 2011, 2:39 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Canon 60mm macro
Replies: 5
Views: 2268

Re: Canon 60mm macro

Chris, Congrats on the new lens! New toys are always fun. The Canon 60mm 2.8 is very sharp (actually, 1:1 macros are just about always among the sharpest of lenses). Awesome lens no doubt, but the focal length just wasn't the right fit for me. If you're looking to upgrade the 70-300, you might want ...
by J-Miz
July 12th, 2011, 2:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (HELP)
Replies: 7
Views: 1494

Re: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Dr. Dark wrote:J-miz, there is absolutely no such thing as "enough" herping! ;)
Well, you've got me there. Can't wait to see the trip report!
by J-Miz
July 12th, 2011, 12:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (HELP)
Replies: 7
Views: 1494

Re: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I think you've herped tropical America enough this year...save some adventures for the rest of us!
by J-Miz
July 11th, 2011, 6:34 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: tamron 180mm macro, anyone tried one?
Replies: 5
Views: 2058

Re: tamron 180mm macro, anyone tried one?

Used to have a 60mm macro...then bought a 180mm Sigma f/3.5 macro lens. Haven't used the 60mm since. Love the longer focal length! Here's some sample pics of the Tamron you're considering (almost 5000 in all...make sure to click "more" for additional images: http://www.pbase.com/cameras/ta...
by J-Miz
July 10th, 2011, 1:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: The Hidden Jewels of Appalachia (new short documentary)
Replies: 25
Views: 5177

Re: The Hidden Jewels of Appalachia (new short documentary)

Off to work soon so I couldn't watch all of the video...I'd say about half. But amazing work, Joe...quality like what I'd expect from a show on the Discovery Channel. Having Canon DSLR equipment but having not played with the video features yet I'd be interested in hearing what you used and how you ...
by J-Miz
July 8th, 2011, 11:35 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: finally
Replies: 14
Views: 3048

Re: finally

Having a Mongolian Plover as your California nemesis bird is like me saying a Turquoise-browed Motmot is my Ohio nemesis bird ;)

Those shots of that Great Blue Heron taking on a leopard shark are unreal!
by J-Miz
July 7th, 2011, 7:24 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Canon 60mm macro
Replies: 5
Views: 2268

Re: Canon 60mm macro

I take it then that you shoot with one of the 1.3x (APS-H) bodies? I have an APS-H body (1D3) and a APS-C (1.6x) that I have used for herping. My original macro lens was the Canon 60mm f/2.8 USM on the 1.6x body. Not bad, but I haven't used it since purchasing a Sigma 180mm f/3.5 macro. Sure, it is ...
by J-Miz
July 3rd, 2011, 9:59 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Costa Rica, June 2011 trip...
Replies: 25
Views: 20059

Re: Costa Rica, June 2011 trip...

Just curious...should have asked before. What references did you use for the trip, Andy? I have a couple guides on Costa Rican herps (the La Selva/surrounding Caribbean guide and the large, 900+ Jay Savage tome) but it isn't always easy to find common names. I know learning latin names is best, but ...
by J-Miz
July 1st, 2011, 11:14 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 966758

Re: What was your last lifer?...

Andy Avram wrote: ps. Sorry Jared, I don't have a lens for decent bird shots and all mine came out bad.
I don't care if they're bad shots....blurry, out of focus, whatever. Me wanna see!
by J-Miz
July 1st, 2011, 8:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Costa Rica, June 2011 trip...
Replies: 25
Views: 20059

Re: Costa Rica, June 2011 trip...

-Just noticed your "bird lifer list" on the birding forum. I would have had constant orgasms out there---central american coral snake here, turquoise-browed motmot there. Helmeted iquana here, green hermit over there. Awesome!
by J-Miz
July 1st, 2011, 8:16 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Recent finds in the Great Lakes region
Replies: 15
Views: 3677

Re: Recent finds in the Great Lakes region

Very nice photos...love those mammal shots BTW.
by J-Miz
July 1st, 2011, 8:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Costa Rica, June 2011 trip...
Replies: 25
Views: 20059

Re: Costa Rica, June 2011 trip...

About as rewarding a trip to Lowe's as I'll ever hear! Damn...like you said I was under the impression that tropical snake-hunting is difficult, but you guys made it look easy! As I said before in Dave's post, AWESOME trip you guys had. Both of your posts are filled with stunning photography...I sti...
by J-Miz
June 30th, 2011, 10:18 am
Forum: Reading Room
Topic: Reptiles of Central America, Kohler ?
Replies: 3
Views: 3291

Reptiles of Central America, Kohler ?

Just wondering if anybody has this bought and has any thoughts on it. It seems quite expensive, and I can't find any previews/sample pages anywhere on the net. Any good?
by J-Miz
June 29th, 2011, 3:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: COSTA RICA June 2011
Replies: 27
Views: 10266

Re: COSTA RICA June 2011

HOLY ****! That must have been the most productive Costa Rican trip ever! A standing ovation! I was going to pick some stuff out to comment on, but jeez...I wouldn't know where to start! I hope Andy posts a thread, too, so I can enjoy this trip once more.
by J-Miz
June 29th, 2011, 3:17 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Great Blue photos needed
Replies: 6
Views: 1773

Re: Great Blue photos needed

I once read that some duck hunters, instead of putting out decoy ducks, will put out decoy herons. Because they are so wary, any fly-by duck will assume the marsh surrounding the heron to be safe. Just thought I'd share that neat factoid :)
by J-Miz
June 28th, 2011, 2:22 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Nikon D80 needs repair
Replies: 6
Views: 1904

Re: Nikon D80 needs repair

What Matt said...
by J-Miz
June 28th, 2011, 5:21 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Great Blue photos needed
Replies: 6
Views: 1773

Re: Great Blue photos needed

Hey Joe, "I'm looking for a photo or two to draw from...from which to draw..." Trying to cover all your bases just in case one of us is an english professor? :lol: I have a few... From a few years back: http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq131/swamp_ratter/heronfhf1.jpg http://i441.photobu...
by J-Miz
June 27th, 2011, 2:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thank you FHF and recent post from Ontario
Replies: 16
Views: 3742

Re: Thank you FHF and recent post from Ontario

STELLAR!
by J-Miz
June 25th, 2011, 5:09 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Bird ID?
Replies: 3
Views: 1243

Re: Bird ID?

Agreed...a very messy (wet?) Chipping Sparrow.
by J-Miz
June 25th, 2011, 5:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Melanistic Garter Found in Cuyahoga County
Replies: 13
Views: 3154

Re: Melanistic Garter Found in Cuyahoga County

Wow, Tim! Just like the ones we can find a bit west...cool find! As a fellow Cuyahogan I find this post doubly fascinating.
by J-Miz
June 24th, 2011, 11:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Springtime Salamanders and Snakes (DUW)
Replies: 15
Views: 2880

Re: Springtime Salamanders and Snakes (DUW)

No excuses, Marisa...I'm bad luck!

If I was smart I would travel more...in the last few years I've turned down trips to Florida, Puerto Rico, etc etc. You caught me on my only out-of-state trip in the last two years though!