Search found 588 matches

by craigb
May 2nd, 2017, 11:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Sawmill Fire
Replies: 4
Views: 2860

Re: Sawmill Fire

I was unaware of it.... I checked here.
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/3/
By the given map it appears north of Madera Canyon.
I sent an email to Terry Cox aka ratsnakehaven, he lives near there.

It would be nice to know what has gone on there before the end of the year.

Craig
by craigb
May 1st, 2017, 9:24 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: It's been too long since we've had an in situ theme thread..
Replies: 212
Views: 868504

Re: It's been too long since we've had an in situ theme thre

AZ.... Last year. Gila monster Heloderma suspectum http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/craigbbbb/DSC09478s_zpsdhgzk5vu.jpg http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/craigbbbb/DSC09480s_zps5xxemcqa.jpg http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/craigbbbb/DSC09479s_zpsdc11bwro.jpg A little surprise ...
by craigb
April 25th, 2017, 6:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: #2 on the year...
Replies: 3
Views: 1796

Re: #2 on the year...

It's going to be an epic year for herps. A buddy of mine texted me a pic of a 4-5ft gopher in a busy intersection of Eastvale last Friday night. There were housing tracts on three sides, and some farm land on one corner. I'd post the pic but it has the street signs with the exact location. So TMI......
by craigb
April 4th, 2017, 9:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping mentor/buddy?
Replies: 10
Views: 4318

Re: Herping mentor/buddy?

One last secret to herping.....


Happy wife, Happy life ! :D :D :D :D :D :D
by craigb
April 4th, 2017, 8:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping mentor/buddy?
Replies: 10
Views: 4318

Re: Herping mentor/buddy?

SSSSHHHHHHhhhhhhhhuuuuusssshs...... it's a secret.... ;)
Now you can be the "lucky" herper. :thumb:
by craigb
April 4th, 2017, 8:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Sensitive Wildlife Habitat Area - violated?
Replies: 12
Views: 4447

Re: Sensitive Wildlife Habitat Area - violated?

Another option is to contact both your local Sheriff's office and Ca. Fish and Game and just explain to them your concerns. Explain that your concern is about the wildlife and ask them to do a patrol check of the location to educate those not obeying the law. You are a concerned citizen, but not a f...
by craigb
April 4th, 2017, 7:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping mentor/buddy?
Replies: 10
Views: 4318

Re: Herping mentor/buddy?

Another "trick" I learned from a buddy many years ago, is to start looking on east facing slopes. When hiking in the morning east facing slopes get the first and the most sunlight. Reptiles will come out of evening hiding to sit and bask in the first sunlight of the day for a few minutes t...
by craigb
March 31st, 2017, 11:27 am
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Sometimes you just have to run. Happy black wolves.
Replies: 3
Views: 13100

Re: Sometimes you just have to run. Happy black wolves.

Well, I let the up beat music influence my opinion. You are probably correct.
I just assumed, they wanted to stretch their legs.
by craigb
March 31st, 2017, 7:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Question / Poll : How Far do you move herps from roads?
Replies: 22
Views: 12089

Re: Question / Poll : How Far do you move herps from roads?

Another simple but important point is that when removing animals from the road is to get off the road ASAP. It sounds stupid but a few years back, road cruising for the first time in Arkansas, I jumped out to grab a ratsnake off the road, and got too interested in the event. A semi came barreling ar...
by craigb
March 29th, 2017, 1:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Labor Day Hatchling Craziness!
Replies: 4
Views: 3373

Re: Labor Day Hatchling Craziness!

Great post ! Thank you.

This is what this forum is about.
by craigb
March 29th, 2017, 1:02 pm
Forum: News
Topic: 30-some reptiles died in Zoo Knoxville
Replies: 2
Views: 11159

Re: 30-some reptiles died in Zoo Knoxville

No, this has not been posted here to my knowledge. It is extremely interesting that there is no obvious cause.
I really like this report. It is just the facts they know and what they are looking for.
The reporter posed no ignorant questions or made no bizarre claims (it's refreshing).
craig
by craigb
March 28th, 2017, 9:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Planning a trip to Arizona in September
Replies: 1
Views: 1388

Re: Planning a trip to Arizona in September

PM sent
by craigb
March 24th, 2017, 9:24 am
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Aquatic animal ID
Replies: 20
Views: 58820

Re: Aquatic animal ID

So, yep it's a photographic enigma.... I agree the top flipper seems long, but the two blobs at the far end on the sides of the animal to me resemble the powerful tail flippers of a Harbor seal. I bet it did scare the folks that never knew it was there. I wish they had seen it, it was trying to wave...
by craigb
March 24th, 2017, 7:51 am
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Aquatic animal ID
Replies: 20
Views: 58820

Re: Aquatic animal ID

Well, Sea Lions are more like dogs and much more agile in the water. Harbor seals are much fatter and not as agile at turning in the water. Harbor Seals are also spotted, slower moving, and do more rolling in the water as opposed to turning their whole bodies at angles. Actually the tail flippers cl...
by craigb
March 23rd, 2017, 9:49 am
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: What is this aquatic mammal?
Replies: 18
Views: 24584

Re: What is this aquatic mammal?

I don't know what part of the country this is....
But I have seen Nutria in the South, and I was confused trying to ID them.

But the head doesn't look like Nutria. I think you are right with Mink.

craig
by craigb
March 23rd, 2017, 7:39 am
Forum: News
Topic: Jumping for Joy: Rana draytonii/Red legged frog in L. A. Co,
Replies: 1
Views: 10481

Jumping for Joy: Rana draytonii/Red legged frog in L. A. Co,

Check out the article in the O.C. Register. It's been a good week for herps in the news.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/popu ... -frog.html

This wet year will be interesting....

craig
by craigb
March 22nd, 2017, 7:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: VIDEO: Hawskbill Sea Turtle
Replies: 3
Views: 2003

Re: VIDEO: Hawskbill Sea Turtle

Very Cool... I bet it was a blast !
by craigb
March 21st, 2017, 1:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Phrynosoma in Kern Co
Replies: 11
Views: 4628

Re: Phrynosoma in Kern Co

Well, a few of us really enjoy seeing them. It reminds us of younger and simpler days. Many of the coastal places covered in Hubbs "Common Kingsnakes" book overlap with Phrynosoma blandvillii. They were common in many of the oilfields in Long Beach and North Orange Co.. Most of those place...
by craigb
March 20th, 2017, 2:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Forum Newbie Here
Replies: 5
Views: 2874

...

..
by craigb
March 20th, 2017, 1:59 pm
Forum: News
Topic: Male Combat in C. helleri at local Ca. wetlands...
Replies: 3
Views: 5106

Re: Male Combat in C. helleri at local Ca. wetlands...

I was there just after Christmas shooting this nice pair... http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/craigbbbb/3_zpsxxs27bry.jpg http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/craigbbbb/4_zps8tjxa6so.jpg I started birding and herping there in the 1980s. I have seen C. helleri and most other common snakes ...
by craigb
March 19th, 2017, 7:17 pm
Forum: News
Topic: Male Combat in C. helleri at local Ca. wetlands...
Replies: 3
Views: 5106

Male Combat in C. helleri at local Ca. wetlands...

Cool :thumb: :thumb:

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/snak ... snake.html

The place is Very popular already....
Craig
by craigb
March 17th, 2017, 8:19 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Defining Naturalistic
Replies: 74
Views: 94272

Re: Defining Naturalistic

WOW.... what a load. I am a human being and not as "visually oriented" in the same way as any other human being. What I see as beautiful others walk past, or see as ugliness. All we can do as keepers is to try keep our animals as healthy as possible. Maybe I am a minimalist or too simplist...
by craigb
March 16th, 2017, 1:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Question / Poll : How Far do you move herps from roads?
Replies: 22
Views: 12089

Re: Question / Poll : How Far do you move herps from roads?

Brian, I agree with much of what you said and also think that more restrictions are coming. I was an Animal Control Officer in Ca. for 15 years and I have special insight regarding Coyotes and Cougars. I think they will be next in regulation reform. I take quick, crappy pics on the road and walk the...
by craigb
March 16th, 2017, 7:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Phrynosoma in Kern Co
Replies: 11
Views: 4628

Re: Phrynosoma in Kern Co

But on a positive note. I bet the reptiles are still there, and always will be. To everything there is a season..... I have twin sons in their twenties. Maybe in twenty years the windmills will be replaced with some other technology. Hell, I should still be mobile. That area was a really cool place ...
by craigb
March 15th, 2017, 7:40 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Phrynosoma in Kern Co
Replies: 11
Views: 4628

Re: Phrynosoma in Kern Co

I used to see coasties in Cabazon/Banning (Riverside Co.) where there are now 50-100 windmills. It was all creosote and sandy washes. They made it close to Palm Springs. They were up near the base of the mountains. We also photographed Petrosaurus mearnsi in the rocks there.

craig
by craigb
March 14th, 2017, 1:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Phrynosoma in Kern Co
Replies: 11
Views: 4628

Re: Phrynosoma in Kern Co

from CaliforniaHerps.com

http://www.californiaherps.com/lizards/ ... iimap2.jpg


When in doubt ..... :?
by craigb
March 14th, 2017, 7:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anza-borrego advise?
Replies: 3
Views: 2823

Re: Anza-borrego advise?

I have found the rangers in Anza Borrego to be professional and concerned. I was stopped on a road and standing in the middle photographing a DOA Speckled Rattlesnake with a hook leaning on my leg. As the truck approached I hooked the DOA to the side of the road and started walking back to my car. M...
by craigb
March 7th, 2017, 2:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping In the valley
Replies: 3
Views: 1820

Re: Herping In the valley

Keep looking..... You will find stuff that is interesting. Start looking at animal tracks, and other stuff. Look for birds of prey. They will be on the highest perch available. Look for lizards out, on east facing slopes, look under rocks/material on west facing slopes. They thermo-regulate accordin...
by craigb
March 7th, 2017, 7:36 am
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Aquatic animal ID
Replies: 20
Views: 58820

Re: Aquatic animal ID

I agree with Harbor Seal, swimming towards the camera. Not much else is that "chunky", and they are playful around people. It was probably checking them out for fishing bait. Lots of folks in kayaks fish the bay there. There are plenty of otters there also.

craigb 8-)
by craigb
March 2nd, 2017, 11:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping In the valley
Replies: 3
Views: 1820

Re: Herping In the valley

I was kinda waiting for someone from AZ to chime in. I'm a California man, but have spent more than two decades herping in AZ. Spring time is great. When morning temperatures reach 60 degrees and afternoons stay in the low 80s. Basically, March to June are good, July is to hot in most desert areas. ...
by craigb
February 27th, 2017, 7:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mystery Snake
Replies: 11
Views: 7353

Re: Mystery Snake

That dorsal pattern looks L. pyromelana to me. I have heard of albinos and hets that have been bred. It looks like a mutant/mutt to me. It's worth holding on to and finding out. How big is it?

"Never suspect a conspiracy when stupidity is an adequate explanation." B. Franklin

craig
by craigb
February 26th, 2017, 11:04 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Travels in New Mexico - Part 2
Replies: 3
Views: 2849

Re: Travels in New Mexico - Part 2

Cool stuff ... I really like the dragonflys.

But really, Badgers!
We don't need no stinkin Badgers!!!!

Just a very small amount of humor.. :lol:
by craigb
February 21st, 2017, 1:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Travels in New Mexico - Part 1
Replies: 3
Views: 4286

Re: Travels in New Mexico - Part 1

Man ... I want to get back to New Mexico. I was there a few years ago for two weeks near Artesia.
Your pictures take my breath away.

Thanks for posting...
by craigb
February 2nd, 2017, 1:08 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes Of Inner Tucson?
Replies: 3
Views: 1954

Re: Snakes Of Inner Tucson?

Through the three decades I have herped that area I have seen many of the herps on the az website in vacant lots, and on the outskirts of town. By herps, I mean several different species of rattlesnakes, blacknecked garters, Lyres, gophersnakes, and lizards. Many good roads extend outward from Tucso...
by craigb
January 31st, 2017, 8:29 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Advice breeding Hyspiglena torquata
Replies: 10
Views: 18944

Re: Advice breeding Hyspiglena torquata

That is so weird..... :oops:
I guess nonsense is amusing to some. :crazyeyes: :crazyeyes:
by craigb
January 30th, 2017, 7:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: '
Replies: 5
Views: 2203

Re: '

Brevity Rocks !
by craigb
January 22nd, 2017, 9:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes Of Inner Tucson?
Replies: 3
Views: 1954

Re: Snakes Of Inner Tucson?

I have spent days trying to memorize this information;
To me this is the most comprehensive site of Arizona reptiles:

http://www.reptilesofaz.org/
by craigb
January 17th, 2017, 11:56 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Establishing reptiles on my land.
Replies: 34
Views: 12248

Re: Establishing reptiles on my land.

In my response I listed my thoughts.
After more thought, I realized that I was speaking about animals (non natives) abandoned in areas without thought or consideration.

Your plan may be no more "invasive" than a person putting in a Koi pond instead keeping native fish.

craigb
by craigb
January 12th, 2017, 12:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Establishing reptiles on my land.
Replies: 34
Views: 12248

Re: Establishing reptiles on my land.

I am on board with lateralis. I went to local oil fields in Long Beach, Ca and caught a few Sceloporus and Elgaria and released them in my yard. I have tons of wild crickets. I keep desert tortoises in pens with native plants for them to eat. I have many native species of birds and mammals that come...
by craigb
January 11th, 2017, 9:15 am
Forum: Reading Room
Topic: Sany 10000th Small Excavator Rollout
Replies: 1
Views: 10730

Re: Sany 10000th Small Excavator Rollout

SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, WONDERFUL SPAM !
by craigb
December 23rd, 2016, 7:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425179

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Yep.... But those are our perceptions. The animal might actually feel better if it was underground in a burrow, without the light cycle enforced upon it. You are right about Petco. But I don't hold the employees at the store solely responsible. Management in offices purchase the cheapest reptiles po...
by craigb
December 23rd, 2016, 6:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425179

Re: Why You Dont Collect

John I agree with your conclusion about feeling a little sorry for all of them but, I don't think the animal in Rodeo is any happier because it is kept in a really pretty box. I don't believe that reptiles crave human contact. That critter in the pretty box is no happier than the one kept at my loca...
by craigb
December 22nd, 2016, 9:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425179

Re: Why You Dont Collect

No
by craigb
December 21st, 2016, 7:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425179

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Kelly, maybe I understand what you meant by "wing man". On my drive to work I had a thought that might be relevant. I do have a different respect for a few of the folks that post here. It is because I have met them personally. Brian Hubbs is one of those unfortunate souls that has met me i...
by craigb
December 21st, 2016, 5:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425179

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Yes Brian, I did like your cartoon. It was meant to be funny and not spiteful or hateful. And yes Kelly, thank you for your permission for me to be myself; And my eyes are fine. I was born in 1957 so your comment about me being an adult is lost on me. Because I have different views from you I must b...
by craigb
December 20th, 2016, 9:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425179

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Yes Kelly I could careless about you pointing to the cinder in my eye without seeing the plank in your own. But that is between you and your God. As my beliefs are my own. This forum is basically to entertain and educate. My sarcasm is not that difficult to understand. I do have fun, when I see opin...
by craigb
December 20th, 2016, 8:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425179

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Yes Kelly, I realized that.... And did you know that Jesus drove a Honda.... Says right there in the New Testament that all of his disciples were in Accord.... That makes just as much sense. It's a book you can interpret many ways. The Old Testament not so much... And in reality the Obama poster was...
by craigb
December 20th, 2016, 7:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425179

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Very easy to toss this aside and blame past presidents....

In your own words "Show Me"

Show me the national debt before Obama and after.