Search found 580 matches

by Curtis Hart
April 21st, 2013, 9:19 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?
Replies: 121
Views: 191287

Re: What was your last lifer?

Although I wasn't able to find my main target, I did see a Desert Shrew and several Chihuahuan Pocket Mice in Big Bend National Park.
by Curtis Hart
April 21st, 2013, 9:15 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

I'll finish my drive home tomorrow or the next day. Over the last two weeks I started in Mcallan, Texas spent a week in Big Bend NP, then on to Guadelupe Mountains NP, then north to Omaha NE. Here are the lifers I saw. Clapper Rail - South Padre Convention Center Gray Flycatcher - Big Bend Black Chi...
by Curtis Hart
April 12th, 2013, 2:54 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: South and West Texas Birding Advice
Replies: 6
Views: 3851

Re: South and West Texas Birding Advice

After rushing to Big Bend, I've now found that I may have a bit more time. I am planning to go through the Davis Mountains and Balmorrhea, I always stop there for a good swim after Big Bend anyways. I'll probably head north through NM maybe into the mountains, depends on time. Thanks again Chrish, w...
by Curtis Hart
April 11th, 2013, 5:57 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: South and West Texas Birding Advice
Replies: 6
Views: 3851

Re: South and West Texas Birding Advice

I was told I needed to be in Omaha sooner than expected, so I had to pass on the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. I used Ebird to decide where to go for the Seedeater, and once there I decided I wasn't leaving sight of my truck. It was a rather rough looking neighborhood in Laredo and ...
by Curtis Hart
April 7th, 2013, 9:45 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

They are one of the most endangered animals in the world and the most endangered mammal in North America. Unfortunately I can name one that's worse off. North Atlantic Right Whale, declining population and can't be bred in captivity, but I guess it's not a contest. I'm not sure what the video was s...
by Curtis Hart
April 7th, 2013, 9:30 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

Oh, and Michele, if you do eat meat, I'd recommend you try hunting. Get someone to take you squirrel hunting in early fall. It's good stalking and usually a very clean kill. You might be surprised at how much you like it, if you go into it with an open mind and give it a chance. A squirrel is a fine...
by Curtis Hart
April 7th, 2013, 9:27 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

I don't think Andy was attacking you Michele, which seems how you responded. I interpreted his statements as further clarifying why people hunt. I'll respond to your various questions. The Yellowstone Wolf. I'd prefer that it hadn't happened, but all laws were obeyed. I'm not losing any sleep over i...
by Curtis Hart
April 7th, 2013, 6:05 am
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

So why not stop short of killing? Why not stalk with cameras and not guns? Take amazing photos of animals in the wild then leave them to live out their lives. The fact that you have to track an animal that's slowly bleeding to death sounds very disturbing to me. :? The short answer is it's not the ...
by Curtis Hart
April 6th, 2013, 3:34 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

I'm pretty much agree with Gerry here. Ben, I'm not sure why we need to control the population swings. It's natural and will sort its self out in the long run. That said, I think the Great Lakes states will manage their wolf populations pretty well. "Just because they want to"? I'm sorry b...
by Curtis Hart
April 3rd, 2013, 3:08 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: South and West Texas Birding Advice
Replies: 6
Views: 3851

South and West Texas Birding Advice

Inspired by Andy Avram, I've decided to try to get to 500 in the ABA as well. I am currently in Mcallen, spending my weekends in Port Isabel or offshore. I have spent about 7 months of the last 18 in southern Texas, so it's getting tougher to pick up lifers here. I still need to ID a Lesser Nighthaw...
by Curtis Hart
April 3rd, 2013, 6:34 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #68: Phantasmagasmical Photo Phalanx!
Replies: 17
Views: 10176

Re: Borneo Dispatches #68: Phantasmagasmical Photo Phalanx!

Great all around post. Your bats are some kind of Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Cynopterus. They're tough to ID by photo and I don't have my Borneo/SE Asia references with me at the moment, so I'm not sure which species exactly it is.
by Curtis Hart
April 2nd, 2013, 9:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #67: Shuriken Turtle
Replies: 8
Views: 3238

Re: Borneo Dispatches #67: Shuriken Turtle

That is a beautiful specimen. Nice find Hans! I didn't think they were endangered. I found one at Bukit Lawang in Sumatra, and the guides there said they find them about 50% of the time. I'm guessing that is high, but who knows. Malayan Softshells are very easy there as well. Seeing two species of t...
by Curtis Hart
March 27th, 2013, 2:38 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: New Zealand - January 1st Pelagic Trip
Replies: 12
Views: 9236

Re: New Zealand - January 1st Pelagic Trip

That looks like a great day on the water. I especially like the sharks and dolphins.




Curtis
by Curtis Hart
March 26th, 2013, 6:41 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: not a lifer
Replies: 3
Views: 2500

Re: not a lifer

Nice sighting! I'd love to see those.



Curtis
by Curtis Hart
March 26th, 2013, 1:02 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

Couldn't afford the field guide?? Sheesh......back when I was a boy.... :lol: Well, part of it was that I expected to find it in Asia for a fraction of the price of the internet. I could not find a copy anywhere in Asia, including Singapore. Either way it would have been $200+. Not a lifer, but add...
by Curtis Hart
March 24th, 2013, 8:31 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

You have gotten some pretty choice birds lately, but looking at the ABA website, which goes of AOU, and I don't see Yellow-headed Parrot on the list, thus meaning it isn't "countable". Of course that all could change in a few years, but personally I don't get as excited as some people abo...
by Curtis Hart
March 21st, 2013, 2:33 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

Congrats on the Tyrannulet. I had been down to the valley many dozens of times over 20 years before I finally got that little bugger. Thanks. I heard another one at Bensten Rio Grande this morning, but didn't take the time to track it down. It was really tough to find the first one, even after I he...
by Curtis Hart
March 20th, 2013, 10:28 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

I saw a Greater Scaup at Lake Hudson a week or so ago and picked up a Northern Beardless Tyrannulet at Anzulduas County Park this morning. I also saw a Yellow-headed Parrot this morning. I haven't decided if I'll count that one or not yet.




I picked up an Elf Owl at Bensten Rio Grande 3/21/2013.
by Curtis Hart
March 18th, 2013, 8:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Question for you south Texans
Replies: 5
Views: 1992

Re: Question for you south Texans

I researched the Coati question last fall and I think your money and effort are better spent going to Costa Rica. From what I could tell, Coatis are not reported in south Texas every year. There is a ton of inaccessible private land, so they may be there, but you'll never see them.



Curtis
by Curtis Hart
March 12th, 2013, 8:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Turtles from 2012, Taiwan
Replies: 3
Views: 1222

Re: Turtles from 2012, Taiwan

Thanks for posting. That Cuora is an awesome find! Aren't the Ocadia sinensis pretty easy to find? I saw several in my one day in the field with Hans. It was the only species of herp we did see. Turtles are pretty hard to see in Asia, but there are a couple places I have seen them. Khao Yai in Thail...
by Curtis Hart
March 7th, 2013, 8:04 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: South American Mouse ID+update (3/29/13)
Replies: 17
Views: 10243

Re: South American Mouse ID

The drawing at the link below looks a lot like your rodent. That would be Neusticomys monticolus. It would be nice to find the original location the drawing came from for more info.


http://www.planet-mammiferes.org/drupal ... monticolus
by Curtis Hart
March 7th, 2013, 1:36 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: South American Mouse ID+update (3/29/13)
Replies: 17
Views: 10243

Re: South American Mouse ID

I'd like to highlight the words "possible" and "maybe" in my reply. Your rodent seems to have a distinctive face, so I think it is IDable, with an expert or better book.



Curtis
by Curtis Hart
March 6th, 2013, 6:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Bora Bora (Warning, extremely limited herp encounters!)
Replies: 14
Views: 4506

Re: Bora Bora (Warning, extremely limited herp encounters!)

I'm impressed with your photography. I'm a bit jealous of some of the rays and sharks you saw. Nice job on the Hawksbill as well.







Curtis
by Curtis Hart
March 6th, 2013, 4:51 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: South American Mouse ID+update (3/29/13)
Replies: 17
Views: 10243

Re: South American Mouse ID

The only book I have on Ecuador is Mammals of the Neotropics Vol. 3 Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil . There are no rodents in the plates that are a good match. I used Wikipedia to get a list of the mammals of Ecuador and eliminated things I knew it was not. It's tough as there are few images to work ...
by Curtis Hart
March 3rd, 2013, 2:07 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Pipeline Road question.
Replies: 6
Views: 3626

Re: Pipeline Road question.

I am keen to see what birds the famous pipeline road has to offer but would have to say the chance to see douroucoulis would be towards the very top of my wish list. My goal for that trip to Panama was to see the Night Monkey and Geoffroy's Tamarin. Both were relatively easy. The Night Monkeys were...
by Curtis Hart
March 1st, 2013, 7:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Kenya and Tanzania!
Replies: 37
Views: 12238

Re: Kenya and Tanzania!

Lucky I was called there, as I think all the herps in Africa or Amazonia would have been distracting. Interesting way of thinking about it. I always feel bad when I see young Mormons in random, uninteresting American towns. I guess they have plenty of time to focus on their mission. Personally, if ...
by Curtis Hart
March 1st, 2013, 6:34 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Pipeline Road question.
Replies: 6
Views: 3626

Re: Pipeline Road question.

I was there twice. I hear there are a couple of expensive lodges and a reasonable guesthouse in Gamboa, which is at the beginning of the road. You can also camp on the road, although it's hot and potentially wet. I saw a couple on mountain bikes about 10k in, so it is doable. It is mostly rather fla...
by Curtis Hart
February 28th, 2013, 12:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2012: A year in review. LONG READ (Warning: self indulgent)
Replies: 20
Views: 8075

Re: 2012: A year in review. LONG READ (Warning: self indulge

A wild Aye-aye? I think it's easier to find Snow Leopards. Great all around post. I'm sure I'll be reading it a few more times.




Curtis
by Curtis Hart
February 25th, 2013, 1:30 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Mid-April in Dry Tortugas
Replies: 7
Views: 3767

Re: Mid-April in Dry Tortugas

I've never been to the Tortugas, but I know you can do it as a day trip out of Key West. I does not require 3 days. If you are into snorkeling, I hear it is great.


Curtis
by Curtis Hart
February 23rd, 2013, 12:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Kenya and Tanzania!
Replies: 37
Views: 12238

Re: My first post.

Nice first post. You were quite lucky getting sent to Africa for your mission. Your tortoise looks like one of the Kinixys. Was the carapace hinged in the rear, or do you have a photo of the back part of the carapace? That would let you know for sure.



Curtis
by Curtis Hart
February 16th, 2013, 5:27 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

I saw a Rough-legged Hawk in Ontario yesterday. For some reason I though they were a lot smaller, it was huge.




Curtis
by Curtis Hart
February 14th, 2013, 10:22 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What's your favorite?
Replies: 12
Views: 4577

Re: What's your favorite?

I've never really thought about this before. I really like seeing Black-throated Blue Warblers in the spring. Any day I see a Red-headed Woodpecker is a good day. As far as calls I like the Wood Thrush and Veery in North America. Slate-colored Solitaire has by far the best call I've ever heard inter...
by Curtis Hart
February 12th, 2013, 1:12 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

Andy, I could probably get to 500 in MI, but I would rather not spend the gas $ needed to do that right now. I live in just about the worst place birding wise in MI. I'm as far from a great lake as you can get and there is a lot more agriculture than forest here. I normally don't work in MI, so I'll...
by Curtis Hart
February 12th, 2013, 12:43 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736767

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

Indian Peafowl
Image
by Curtis Hart
February 6th, 2013, 8:10 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

I'm currently at 483 in the ABA. I'll enjoy getting to 500, but 600 and 700 are very accomplishable.
by Curtis Hart
February 6th, 2013, 3:31 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998573

Re: What was your last lifer?...

Good job Freddy81. Enjoy your celebration! I personally have a long way to go to hit an ABA # worth celebrating.


Curtis
by Curtis Hart
February 6th, 2013, 9:57 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: 1079 checklists later...now what?
Replies: 4
Views: 2479

Re: 1079 checklists later...now what?

Frankly, now that I am entering all my birds into Ebird and my herps into NAHerp, the only non-birds that go into Avisys are lifers or particularly interesting sightings. I don't use Avisys a lot for North American herps, but NAHERP's big failing for listing is the NA part. NAHERP is MUCH better fo...
by Curtis Hart
February 5th, 2013, 6:52 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: 1079 checklists later...now what?
Replies: 4
Views: 2479

Re: 1079 checklists later...now what?

I have an ebird account, but don't use it much. While I like Avisys as birding software, I mainly use it for mammals (thanks again Chrish). Since August of 2011 I have recorded every mammal sighting. Between NAHERP and all the effort I put into mammals, I don't have an interest in entering a lot of ...
by Curtis Hart
February 5th, 2013, 10:51 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: November - January in S. Illinois, Snake Road never sleeps
Replies: 7
Views: 2860

Re: November - January in S. Illinois, Snake Road never slee

Thanks for this post. I've been in the north too long this winter and haven't seen a herp in over 2 months. This is a nice preview of spring.



Curtis
by Curtis Hart
February 5th, 2013, 10:47 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736767

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

As requested, here's my poor picture of a Chestnut-mandibled Toucan from Sirenia Station.
Image

Red-capped Lark, Barberspan Bird Reserve, South Africa.
Image
by Curtis Hart
February 5th, 2013, 6:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Talk about your envenomations.
Replies: 41
Views: 7650

Re: Talk about your envenomations.

There should be an option for no notable envenomations.
by Curtis Hart
February 4th, 2013, 12:35 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736767

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

Another acceptableish option at this point would be a Chestnut-mandibled Toucan. One of its former alternate names was Swainson's Toucan, and until the recent lump with Black Mandibled Toucan, it was Ramphastos swainsonii . I have a very poor photo, I'll post it tomorrow if no one comes up with anyt...
by Curtis Hart
February 3rd, 2013, 7:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: wisconsin on a cold winter night
Replies: 4
Views: 995

Re: wisconsin on a cold winter night

I did that a couple nights ago. The only problem was that by the third beer they were slush. I guess I need to find that distance from the fire where they are still cold, but not frozen.




Curtis
by Curtis Hart
February 1st, 2013, 11:44 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736767

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

I had the Hawk as well, I was hoping someone had the Warbler. The Sparrow is also common in most cities in Ethiopia. I've never even seen any of the remaining ones.
by Curtis Hart
January 31st, 2013, 5:47 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: One Word Bird Game
Replies: 74
Views: 20150

Re: One Word Bird Game

Sunbittern. This it it. I'm done until a Canvasback shows up here.
Image
by Curtis Hart
January 31st, 2013, 11:07 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736767

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

Gray Go-away-bird
Image

This one may be tough, but let's try Swainson's.

Swainson's Francolin
Image
by Curtis Hart
January 30th, 2013, 6:39 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736767

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

Pacific Loon
Image

I would have played another state bird, but I didn't have any more. I still have a few categories that I have several for.
by Curtis Hart
January 29th, 2013, 8:29 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Batty about books
Replies: 4
Views: 3186

Re: Batty about books

I researched bat field guides last year and this is the book in my backpack when netting. Peterson Field Guide to Mammals of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides) Fiona Reid The old version was good, I assume this is even better. Bats of Texas (W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series)...
by Curtis Hart
January 28th, 2013, 1:33 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: One Word Bird Game
Replies: 74
Views: 20150

Re: One Word Bird Game

Secretarybird
Image
by Curtis Hart
January 28th, 2013, 1:11 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Four of a kind...** - UP AND RUNNING AGAIN March 2016!
Replies: 281
Views: 736767

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

Mississippi Kite
Image