Search found 384 matches

by Rags
March 23rd, 2013, 1:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Peruvian Amazon Part 3, Snakes
Replies: 35
Views: 64930

Re: Peruvian Amazon Part 3, Snakes

Well done Matt. I have enjoyed all three posts. You certainly found some spectacular reptiles and amphibians - and left the most spectacular to the very end!

Thanks for taking the time to put this together and post it here.

Cheers, Rags.
by Rags
March 11th, 2013, 3:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Excursion to Edinburgh (any advice on Scottish herping?)
Replies: 10
Views: 2761

Re: Excursion to Edinburgh (any advice on Scottish herping?)

Martti Niskanen;

Rags wrote:
Most important of all - don't forget to sample the whiskey.


Whisky, surely. You'll get in trouble calling it whiskey
Fair point Martti, I was thinking of the American readers.
by Rags
March 10th, 2013, 10:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Request to look at Mambas
Replies: 16
Views: 3929

Re: Request to look at Mambas

Sorry, no photos or stories here.

Try seeking out any of the books about C.J.P. Ionides. An African 'Snake Man,' who routinely caught both Black and Green Mambas.

Snake man : the story of C.J.P. Ionides by Alan Wykes is probably the best.
by Rags
March 10th, 2013, 10:47 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Excursion to Edinburgh (any advice on Scottish herping?)
Replies: 10
Views: 2761

Re: Excursion to Edinburgh (any advice on Scottish herping?)

Looks like the weather is turning much colder in the UK this week. Take plenty of warm clothes, Scotland is chilly! Good luck in your search you may find some frog spawn in local ponds. Edinburgh is a beautiful city, the castle, St.Giles Cathedral, Real Mary King's Close. The zoo, which is a short b...
by Rags
March 10th, 2013, 9:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Peruvian Amazon January 2013 Part 1, Amphibians
Replies: 20
Views: 33000

Re: Peruvian Amazon January 2013 Part 1, Amphibians

Great stuff Matt.

I've been through the post several times over the last couple of days. Your photos are stunning.

Rags
by Rags
March 6th, 2013, 10:46 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Huntsman spider with snowball ice!
Replies: 5
Views: 2082

Re: Huntsman spider with snowball ice!

Hi Kurt, I'm a fan of your great photography. Thanks for posting your images. I found an identical spider to your green huntsman whilst in Penang. I still have been unable to identify it. Did you manage to get an ID on yours? Rags. http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6206/6104918273_2769ed68f3_z.jpg
by Rags
March 6th, 2013, 4:01 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Pipeline Road question.
Replies: 6
Views: 3626

Re: Pipeline Road question.

Thanks Curtis. I'll keep an eye out for that spot.
by Rags
March 3rd, 2013, 11:58 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Pipeline Road question.
Replies: 6
Views: 3626

Re: Pipeline Road question.

Thanks very much for the replies, it was just the type of info I was hoping for. Looking at the options, I'm thinking now of maybe cycling just part of the road, don't want to overdo it. Our accommodation will invariably be governed by what funds we have left when we reach the area. I must say a bit...
by Rags
March 1st, 2013, 12:51 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Pipeline Road question.
Replies: 6
Views: 3626

Pipeline Road question.

Hi, we will be in Panama next month and I am looking for any advice regarding the Pipeline Road. I have read bits and pieces but was looking for more practical info as well. Any one visited the road. Any tips or pointers for staying overnight in the area or nearby. Is it 'doable' on a pedal cycle? A...
by Rags
March 1st, 2013, 12:43 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Winter, (mostly Bosque del Apache)
Replies: 12
Views: 5453

Re: Winter, (mostly Bosque del Apache)

Lovely photos, thanks for posting.
by Rags
February 25th, 2013, 11:19 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Favorite Bird Name(s)
Replies: 13
Views: 5233

Re: Favorite Bird Name(s)

Penduline Tit Nice, but I'm more of a tit-babbler man. Surely the Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler has got to be up there? My favourite scientific name comes from the best ever table football game that had me addicted when I was a youngster. It was sometime before I worked out why the boxes all had a pict...
by Rags
February 21st, 2013, 11:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #65: IMS (Insane Mimicry Spider) ID PLEASE
Replies: 17
Views: 7781

Re: Borneo Dispatches #65: IMS (Insane Mimicry Spider) ID PL

'Borneo - Home of the Weird'

Nice find Hans.
by Rags
February 18th, 2013, 10:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NM & AZ w/ some Chile (S.America) - too long, so scroll fast
Replies: 28
Views: 8377

Re: NM & AZ w/ some Chile (S.America) - too long, so scroll

Great photos + interesting locations + humorous narrative = one of my favourite posts ever.

Thanks for taking the time to put this together, very much appreciated here.

Rags.
by Rags
February 18th, 2013, 8:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Meanwhile, across the pond, at 53 degres latitude N....
Replies: 16
Views: 4559

Re: Meanwhile, across the pond, at 53 degres latitude N....

Great find on the early adder. Still searching here. krisbell wrote; Great capture - they're brave. Down in Jersey none of the green or wall lizards have made it out yet, so these adders are definitely putting them to shame. South coast (Dorset) Wall lizards have been active all Winter. Any weak sun...
by Rags
February 15th, 2013, 10:35 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

Hope I haven't painted us into a corner here. Anyone got Macaw photos?
by Rags
February 13th, 2013, 1:05 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

I thought about ending up with a Turkey Vulture but have opted for this rather distant Woodpecker seen in Bulgaria. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5016/5521549365_7033bd7744_z.jpg Syrian woodpecker takes on a wall. How about two colours linked with 'and'... http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/82909762...
by Rags
February 11th, 2013, 10:37 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

If I may, bird's names with a country included, with the exception 'America' which has already gone before...

With no shame I'll take the easy one.

Image

CANADA Goose
by Rags
February 5th, 2013, 2:13 pm
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Zanna sp. nymph and adult
Replies: 1
Views: 778

Re: Zanna sp. nymph and adult

Hats off, fantastic photos of super looking lantern bugs.
by Rags
February 5th, 2013, 1:11 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

I watched the 'Swainsons' set without a thought to Ramphastos swainsonii. Full credit to Curtis for coming up with that one and it would be great to see his Toucan photo. In the meantime maybe I could post my own effort. It is a silhouette of a Chestnut mandibled/Swainsons Toucan calling from the to...
by Rags
February 3rd, 2013, 10:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Off Topic: Superbowl!
Replies: 12
Views: 2717

Re: Off Topic: Superbowl!

Anyone but Man. Utd.!!
by Rags
February 3rd, 2013, 6:56 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: One Word Bird Game
Replies: 74
Views: 20150

Re: One Word Bird Game

Chrish wrote;
According the the latest Clements taxonomy, Eurystomus orientalis is just the Dollarbird.
Fair enough, I was still checking off the IOC list where it's listed as "Oriental" :roll:
by Rags
February 1st, 2013, 9:47 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: One Word Bird Game
Replies: 74
Views: 20150

Re: One Word Bird Game

Chris, have you sneaked in an Oriental Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis) there ?
by Rags
January 31st, 2013, 7:20 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Cryptic creatures on tree trunks
Replies: 4
Views: 1258

Re: Cryptic creatures on tree trunks

Nice finds, well spotted.
by Rags
January 31st, 2013, 7:17 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

Gray or Grey - who's to say?

Image

Southern Grey Shrike - (Lanius meridionalis) photographed on Lanzarote.
by Rags
January 25th, 2013, 10:07 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

Aah, Back in the game...

Image

Band-backed Wren - (Campylorhynchus zonatus). Dust bathing on the footpath at Cahuita, Costa Rica.
by Rags
January 23rd, 2013, 1:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Costa Rica January 2013
Replies: 20
Views: 5725

Re: Costa Rica January 2013

Nice post, enjoyed all your shots.Looks like you found some great stuff. What was the story on the peccary?

The L. pentadactylus peering out of the undergrowth with fire in it's eyes looks like 'Hell in the Night.'


saleenadam - "Ameiva leptophrys" +1

Thanks for posting.
by Rags
January 17th, 2013, 12:31 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

Chris,

You seem to have captured another bird in your White-faced Storm-Petrel photo. Horned Owl in the reflection?
by Rags
January 16th, 2013, 11:08 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

Love the Lesser Adjutant - a cartoon character of a bird. Nice shot.
by Rags
January 16th, 2013, 11:06 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

I watched this bird for several minutes as it skulked around a clearing. This was the best shot I could manage.

Image

Lesser Green Leafbird (Chloropsis cyanopogon) photographed in Borneo.
by Rags
January 16th, 2013, 12:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: West Malaysian Mountains Report
Replies: 23
Views: 7982

Re: West Malaysian Mountains Report

I see the resemblance but it's definitely a Tokay - the SVL on that guy is 100cm at least!
100cm 'Tokay' - congratulations you've got a new species.
by Rags
January 15th, 2013, 4:43 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

Okay this should go, THROATED

Image
White-throated Magpie Jays photographed in Nicaragua.
by Rags
January 15th, 2013, 4:25 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

Its taken two days of solid searching through murky images of out of focus jungle birds but I knew it was there somewhere... http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8384353151_0599d9cc95_z.jpg White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus). Photographed in Penang. Now excuse me whilst I research what word I ...
by Rags
January 15th, 2013, 11:43 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Bird in a web
Replies: 6
Views: 1915

Re: Bird in a web

I wonder if the injury on the snakes back was anything to do with the spider. Any idea what spider's web had held it?
by Rags
January 15th, 2013, 11:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: West Malaysian Mountains Report
Replies: 23
Views: 7982

Re: West Malaysian Mountains Report

Not knowing what I was holding
Good luck with that...
by Rags
January 15th, 2013, 11:16 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: West Malaysian Mountains Report
Replies: 23
Views: 7982

Re: West Malaysian Mountains Report

Interesting stuff, I'm yet to get up to Fraser's Hill - maybe next visit.

If it helps I would go with Macrocalamus chanardi for your Reed Snake. I found a very similar snake in the Cameron Highlands that eventually was ID'd as chanardi.

Your 'Tokay' looks more like Gekko monarchus.
by Rags
January 15th, 2013, 10:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Naturalist Year- CA, NV, OR and a little Chicago. DUW.
Replies: 26
Views: 7404

Re: A Naturalist Year- CA, NV, OR and a little Chicago. DU

Wow, great post with a fine array of wildlife. Taken time to go through it a couple of times now and although the photos are excellent two stand out for me. The Hummingbird shot is beautifully focused, pin sharp. The silhouette of the vulture sitting in the tree is the shot that sticks in my mind. I...
by Rags
January 14th, 2013, 6:55 pm
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Bird in a web
Replies: 6
Views: 1915

Bird in a web

I recently found a few shots from a previous visit to Panama. These include a couple of photos of a bird that was found tangled in a spider web. I had often heard stories of spiders web's that were strong enough to catch and hold small birds, it was quite something to actually witness it. The spider...
by Rags
January 14th, 2013, 6:08 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: One Word Bird Game
Replies: 74
Views: 20150

Re: One Word Bird Game

krismunk wrote; Not that I mind, it's a nice species and a nice photo - way better than any of mine Thanks for that. The bird came to feed on a sunflower head in the garden where we were staying. I would guess the Fieldfare would probably have been feeding with Redwings. The Smew maybe Mallard or Po...
by Rags
January 13th, 2013, 11:48 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: One Word Bird Game
Replies: 74
Views: 20150

Re: One Word Bird Game

Image

Goldfinch - Photographed in Corfu.
by Rags
January 12th, 2013, 1:10 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: One Word Bird Game
Replies: 74
Views: 20150

Re: One Word Bird Game

Image
Hoopoe crossing the track. Spain.
by Rags
January 9th, 2013, 5:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amphibian puzzle
Replies: 5
Views: 1164

Re: Amphibian puzzle

One hell of a guess.
by Rags
January 9th, 2013, 11:04 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amphibian puzzle
Replies: 5
Views: 1164

Re: Amphibian puzzle

cbernz; Wallace's Flying Frog Hats off cbernz. How on earth did you manage to get that? The tree stump shown is actually the fossil tree stump located over the final resting place of Alfred Russel Wallace who died in his sleep at Broadstone, Dorset, England in 1913. Hence Wallace's Flying Frog (Rhac...
by Rags
January 8th, 2013, 11:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amphibian puzzle
Replies: 5
Views: 1164

Amphibian puzzle

A New Years puzzle for anyone who enjoys that sort of thing.

What amphibian would you expect to see on this tree stump?

Image

I'll give clues if required...

Sorry, can't afford a prize, just an advanced kudos.
by Rags
January 8th, 2013, 1:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #63: Scraping The Barrel
Replies: 13
Views: 6255

Re: Borneo Dispatches #63: Scraping The Barrel

Thanks for clearing that up. Time to re-label some old photos.
by Rags
January 8th, 2013, 1:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #63: Scraping The Barrel
Replies: 13
Views: 6255

Re: Borneo Dispatches #63: Scraping The Barrel

Hi Hans, I enjoyed the post. Any thread containing 'King of Fruit' is a winner for me. My copy of Indraneil Das' new book arrived today and I see from the checklist at the back that Tropidolaemus wagleri is marked absent on Borneo. A bit of a surprise - are they now Bornean Green Keeled Pitvipers (T...
by Rags
January 6th, 2013, 12:55 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736556

Re: FOUR OF A KIND....new game

Image

Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier)
Photographed in Malaysia.
by Rags
January 6th, 2013, 1:11 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Alphabirding
Replies: 308
Views: 125431

Re: Alphabirding

Looks like that heron wandered into another birds photo. Roseate Spoonbills are stunning. Where was that taken Reptiluvr?


Image

House Sparrow - (Passer domesticus).
Photographed in Bulgaria.
by Rags
January 4th, 2013, 12:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Klein Karoo and Eastern Cape , South Africa PHOTO HEAVY.
Replies: 4
Views: 3644

Re: Klein Karoo and Eastern Cape , South Africa PHOTO HEAVY.

Great post of a beautiful place. I particularly enjoyed your mixture of shots that included views of the countryside and local buildings. The Hyperolius is a real stunner.

Thanks for posting.
by Rags
January 4th, 2013, 12:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Aggression in Bronchocela cristatella
Replies: 3
Views: 1680

Re: Aggression in Bronchocela cristatella

Interesting observation. How did the conflict end?
by Rags
January 4th, 2013, 12:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes on the hunt- a question.
Replies: 31
Views: 6283

Re: Snakes on the hunt- a question.

This 'Blue' Eyelash Pit Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii). was found in path side vegetation at Cahuita N.P. in Costa Rica. We returned to the same spot sometime later and watched as it moved into an ambush position. There were plenty of Whiptail lizards among the undergrowth and the snake actually str...