Search found 507 matches

by mtratcliffe
March 1st, 2017, 7:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: TwoThousandSixteen.. Reptiles and Landscapes
Replies: 8
Views: 5880

Re: TwoThousandSixteen.. Reptiles and Landscapes

Notah, it's great to hear from you again! It's been a while. Seeing your photos brings back memories of the few weeks I spent out there in August 2014. Glad to see you are still hiking that canyon. I think you still owe me a Blacktail! Though, truth is, it is I who owes you for taking me along one o...
by mtratcliffe
February 25th, 2017, 5:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Updated Database Entry Levels List-2-20-17
Replies: 5
Views: 3130

Re: Updated Database Entry Levels List-2-20-17

Noah M wrote:I would love to but apparently my sticky privileges were not granted when I became a moderator.

I'll race you to 3,000 entries...haha.
The race is on!
by mtratcliffe
February 24th, 2017, 7:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Winter So Far
Replies: 6
Views: 4067

Re: Winter So Far

That is a nice selection of things. I'm jealous of all of the salamanders. I may do some dipnetting to scratch that sally itch. It has been pretty dry down here. We did get some rain yesterday and I took a short drive but didn't turn up much of anything (toads and a pig frog). We need a serious wea...
by mtratcliffe
February 24th, 2017, 6:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rogue Year
Replies: 10
Views: 6934

Re: Rogue Year

Great post, Josh! You got to see a lot despite not being able to get out as much this past year. I hope everything is going well at home and that you can get out again soon. I'm glad to see that you are excited to see the common stuff. I try to keep that perspective, otherwise herping would be fille...
by mtratcliffe
February 22nd, 2017, 11:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Winter So Far
Replies: 6
Views: 4067

Re: Winter So Far

Thanks everyone. Apparently Wood Frogs are breeding elsewhere, which is puzzling as it has been rather dry lately. I was surprised that vernal pool even had that much water in it. I'm afraid I'm going to miss out on their peak breeding due to schedule conflicts! Bill - I can't wait for him to become...
by mtratcliffe
February 22nd, 2017, 11:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Updated Database Entry Levels List-2-20-17
Replies: 5
Views: 3130

Re: Updated Database Entry Levels List-2-20-17

Can a mod please sticky this and delete the similar thread for 2015 that is currently stickied? Thanks.
by mtratcliffe
February 20th, 2017, 6:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Winter So Far
Replies: 6
Views: 4067

Winter So Far

This has been my first winter not spent in Florida since 2013, the year I picked up herping as a hobby. Being in Northern Virginia, my location has more in common with portions of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic than it does with the South. Winter up here usually spells the end of the herping season,...
by mtratcliffe
February 20th, 2017, 5:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Updated Database Entry Levels List-2-20-17
Replies: 5
Views: 3130

Re: Updated Database Entry Levels List-2-20-17

Thanks for posting, Hubbs. I finally cracked 2000! Here's to getting 3000 by 2018.
by mtratcliffe
February 15th, 2017, 6:42 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southern Mississippi in late march early April
Replies: 6
Views: 4472

Re: Southern Mississippi in late march early April

I haven't herped much through there, but try paddling some of the rivers to find some of the endemic turtles of the Southeast. There should be some outfitters to rent from. On warm (not hot) days, roadcruising should be productive. Try DeSoto National Forest - plenty of roads through there. There's ...
by mtratcliffe
February 4th, 2017, 12:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Beginner herper.
Replies: 9
Views: 5232

Re: Beginner herper.

If you are willing to drive an hour-plus away, you have the Everglades and Big Cypress, which have nearly endless herping opportunities. Closer to you, try kayaking the Loxahatchee River or hiking the local Wildlife Management Areas and Preserves near you. Pulling up Google Maps shows several of the...
by mtratcliffe
January 30th, 2017, 4:15 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Looking for some Florida advice!
Replies: 5
Views: 3317

Re: Looking for some Florida advice!

I don't think many of us have spots besides the springs. You could try the Deep Hole at Myakka River State Park as there are probably 100+ gators there right now, but honestly it might not be safe with the density, plus you'd probably have to clear it through the park. And I'm not sure how clear the...
by mtratcliffe
January 28th, 2017, 1:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images
Replies: 28
Views: 15639

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

Here's a few: Peninsula Ribbonsnake in Pinellas County, FL https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8657/15662924883_ddc4802b61_c.jpg DSCN3519 by Matthew Ratcliffe , on Flickr Southern Black Racer in Pinellas County, FL (resting on palmetto) https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8635/16096921197_afb1d2b39a_c.jpg DSCN4...
by mtratcliffe
January 16th, 2017, 5:37 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Finds from Wakkerstroom (Mpumalanga), South Africa
Replies: 3
Views: 2760

Re: Finds from Wakkerstroom (Mpumalanga), South Africa

Those are some exceptionally beautiful snakes and frogs you found. Glad to see youngsters getting involved!

Thanks for sharing.
by mtratcliffe
January 15th, 2017, 7:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Weird Salamander
Replies: 5
Views: 4973

Re: Weird Salamander

This is all assuming that Northern and Southern Two-lined Salamanders have similar larva forms, but the Northern Two-lined larvae I find behind my house have two rows of light dots where the "lines" will eventually form in the adults. This one does not appear to have that. A quick Google s...
by mtratcliffe
January 11th, 2017, 3:19 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Weird Frog
Replies: 5
Views: 3640

Re: Weird Frog

Come on Noah, you know better than that! :lol:
by mtratcliffe
January 7th, 2017, 6:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review - Part Two
Replies: 8
Views: 5260

Re: Year in Review - Part Two

dwakefield wrote:Love all the sallies, especially the spotteds!
Thanks Daniel! Have you ever found Spotteds before?
by mtratcliffe
January 4th, 2017, 6:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2016 - A good year pt. 2
Replies: 11
Views: 6236

Re: 2016 - A good year pt. 2

Thanks for sharing, Nick! Looks like you had a great year with plenty of lifers - did you get all of your finds into H.E.R.P.? If I'm ever down your way, I'll be sure to hit you up for some Panhandle herping, as I've spent very little time there. Glad to know that the drought has broken! Your Florid...
by mtratcliffe
December 31st, 2016, 10:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Fourth Quarter 2016
Replies: 6
Views: 3258

Re: Fourth Quarter 2016

Thanks for sharing! Glad to see some Alabama herps on here. I used to live there, but that was long before I was a herper. I hope I can make it back and herp there sometime.
by mtratcliffe
December 30th, 2016, 11:34 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: EOY Report: New York State (Very Long Post)
Replies: 5
Views: 2473

Re: EOY Report: New York State (Very Long Post)

Thanks for sharing, Alex! I know I've seen a few of these photos before, but I enjoy seeing even the common herps when they are found near the edge of their ranges. How many NY species didn't make this list this year? I can only think of a couple.
by mtratcliffe
December 29th, 2016, 6:47 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2016 Review Part 2: Summer (India, Colorado, Kentucky)
Replies: 2
Views: 2150

Re: 2016 Review Part 2: Summer (India, Colorado, Kentucky)

Thanks for sharing, Ananth! That's cool that you were able to go to India and experience the wildlife there. That Shieldtail is a really neat snake.
by mtratcliffe
December 25th, 2016, 4:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Kentucky Caudates
Replies: 7
Views: 3065

Re: Kentucky Caudates

That is an impressive assortment of salamanders. Were all of those from this year? Still, well done and thanks for sharing!
by mtratcliffe
December 23rd, 2016, 1:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review - Part Two
Replies: 8
Views: 5260

Re: Year in Review - Part Two

Noah M wrote:I like the spotted best too in aprt because like Tamara, I haven't seen one either. I don't think they're in Florida, so I'll have to do some traveling to get one.
The time to go north and fine one is here!
by mtratcliffe
December 20th, 2016, 3:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425211

Re: Why You Dont Collect

I'd like to put all your little minds at ease with a prediction... When Trump takes office he will destroy the environment in ways you've never imagined. Kiss the ESA goodbye, kiss your favorite herp spots goodbye, kiss any fragile eco-system goodbye. Trump's developer buddies are going to have a f...
by mtratcliffe
December 18th, 2016, 6:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review - Part Two
Replies: 8
Views: 5260

Re: Year in Review - Part Two

So much cool stuff! I especially like your turtle photos. The picture of your son with the box turtle is adorable. I also really like the spotted salamander photos. I've never found one. Thanks Tamara! That photo of him is one of my favorite. Good luck with finding a Spotted - now is the time of ye...
by mtratcliffe
December 16th, 2016, 6:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2016 Year in Review
Replies: 10
Views: 8754

Re: 2016 Year in Review

Great finds and excellent photography! Your shots with the Milky Way in the background are truly exceptional. I've heard someone describe before how they do it, but I don't recall. How did you find that Mudsnake? Looks like you were out in some wetlands. Must have taken a lot of patience to get it t...
by mtratcliffe
December 16th, 2016, 4:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review - Part Two
Replies: 8
Views: 5260

Year in Review - Part Two

Hey everyone, welcome to Part Two of my year-end recap! In Part One, I covered my time in Florida and elsewhere in the South. In late July, I got news that I would be moving to the D.C. area in September to go work at the Pentagon. As such, I took a week in August to travel north and look for a new ...
by mtratcliffe
December 14th, 2016, 6:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amphibians of Gaoligong Mountains in SW Yunnan, China
Replies: 2
Views: 3309

Re: Amphibians of Gaoligong Mountains in SW Yunnan, China

Nice finds! I appreciate the fact that you included some calling frogs, as few things bring me greater peace than to hear a chorus of frogs at night. That Hyla annectans looks very similar to our Hyla andersonii (Pine Barrens Treefrog), yet it sounds almost identical to Hyla squirella (Squirrel Tree...
by mtratcliffe
December 14th, 2016, 6:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2016 Review Part 2
Replies: 10
Views: 7263

Re: 2016 Review Part 2

Great series and great shots! I enjoyed the non-herp finds just as much as your large variety of herps. The pale Wandering Garter was certainly a stand-out.

Thanks for taking the time to share your finds with us.
by mtratcliffe
December 13th, 2016, 3:15 pm
Forum: News
Topic: Hundreds of animals with no black market value stolen
Replies: 13
Views: 11627

Re: Hundreds of animals with no black market value stolen

Most likely done by animal rights activists, I suspect they are all dead now as they have no black market value. See http://www.mystatesman.com/news/were-hundreds-endangered-salamanders-stolen-from-san-marcos-lab/uiKeI24i78u7Lx5HJKnPMJ/ Ok, I think your anti-environmentalist sentiments are going a ...
by mtratcliffe
December 12th, 2016, 5:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Everglades Herping Questions
Replies: 9
Views: 8989

Re: Everglades Herping Questions

I haven't been to the Everglades during the winter time, but there should be plenty of activity during the day. Not sure how busy it will be, but you can turn stuff up while hiking, and there may be some herps on the road. If it's a warmer day (mid 80s) there might be snakes on the road in the eveni...
by mtratcliffe
December 10th, 2016, 9:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425211

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Regardless of opinions, I for one have given up on arguing with Ernie because he seems unable to state facts without an overload of arrogance, subjectivity and rudeness. It has made me reluctant to participate in any of this (interesting) type of discussions, and even in the forum as a whole. For t...
by mtratcliffe
December 7th, 2016, 7:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review - Part One
Replies: 10
Views: 4761

Re: Year in Review - Part One

Amazing post with some impressive lifers from down Sunshine State way. I'm in Western Virginia, about three hours from DC, and if you ever get the time to come out this way, I can point you toward a ton of cool salamander lifers. Happy herpin'! Sounds great! Thanks for the offer, and I plan to take...
by mtratcliffe
December 6th, 2016, 5:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review - Part One
Replies: 10
Views: 4761

Re: Year in Review - Part One

Tamara D. McConnell wrote:Holy cow, what amazing nature photography! Wow!
Thanks Tamara! It's nice to hear that, though I know I am leagues behind some of the top-end herp photographers out there. I try to do the best I can with with basic cameras that I have.
by mtratcliffe
November 30th, 2016, 3:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review - Part One
Replies: 10
Views: 4761

Re: Year in Review - Part One

I think despite all of the cool herp shots and finds (the kingsnake being one), my favorite photograph is the anhinga in the water about halfway through the post. Thanks Noah. It's one of my favorite shots as well. That's not an easy angle to get on an Anhinga. As far as the burrow, I agree that it...
by mtratcliffe
November 28th, 2016, 7:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review - Part One
Replies: 10
Views: 4761

Year in Review - Part One

2016 has been a year of ups and downs. I spent the first three and a half months deployed to the Middle East, where my extent of herping involved seeing a couple of Rough-tailed Geckoes around my dorm and an unknown snake while out dune bashing. I finally returned back stateside mid-April, and thank...
by mtratcliffe
November 24th, 2016, 6:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lifer Elegant Bronzeback
Replies: 3
Views: 3027

Re: Lifer Elegant Bronzeback

Nice finds as usual, Lou. Good to know that the Bronzeback is non-venomous so you could get better photos. Look forward to seeing what you find in Hong Kong!
by mtratcliffe
November 22nd, 2016, 6:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2017 Chapter Officer Nominations Needed
Replies: 7
Views: 6261

Re: 2017 Chapter Officer Nominations Needed

Regardless of my previous post, I will throw my name in to the hat for whatever roles need to be filled for the SE Chapter. I'm far away from most other chapter members, but I'm still 15 miles within the chapter's geographic boundaries!
by mtratcliffe
November 17th, 2016, 6:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamanders.
Replies: 8
Views: 6381

Re: Salamanders.

Great diversity, Thomas! And your pictures are fine. I never really realized why they called them Smallmouth Salamanders until I saw your voucher. Such a goofy looking creature!

I hope someone can chime in on your larvae IDs. I know what Northern Two-lined larvae look like, but that's about it.
by mtratcliffe
November 16th, 2016, 6:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2017 Chapter Officer Nominations Needed
Replies: 7
Views: 6261

Re: 2017 Chapter Officer Nominations Needed

Hi All, 2017 Nominations have to be had or NAFHA will have to close shop. We have no structure anymore. We have NO IC. No DC If Chapters cant keep Presidents and IB Members if chapters, there will be no NAFHA. Is it time to Close UP shop, forums, and chapters? Or Do we want to continue? Yours Truly...
by mtratcliffe
October 24th, 2016, 6:47 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Laowa 15mm herp shots
Replies: 12
Views: 8439

Re: Laowa 15mm herp shots

Fantastic shots! Now I know just how close some of you get to your subjects for macro shots. Yet I don't know how you find the courage to do that when it comes to venomous snakes.
by mtratcliffe
October 18th, 2016, 5:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in Toronto
Replies: 3
Views: 3399

Re: Herping in Toronto

You probably aren't going to get many responses with specific locations, unless they are public areas. Generally, any natural area that is not over-trafficked by humans should be productive for herping. Bodies of water are always a good place to start. Your window for herping this year is closing. N...
by mtratcliffe
October 16th, 2016, 6:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Tibet and Yunnan 2016
Replies: 5
Views: 5247

Re: Tibet and Yunnan 2016

Great shots from an under-represented part of the world! Those giant newts are impressive.
by mtratcliffe
October 9th, 2016, 5:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamander Movement Question
Replies: 5
Views: 3933

Re: Salamander Movement Question

After the rains yesterday from Hurricane Matthew, I went out roadcruising at night. I didn't turn up any salamanders on the roads, but there were plenty of frogs. MC - I went and took your advice and sought the salamanders out in their native habitat. It paid off! I turned up four Marbled Salamander...
by mtratcliffe
October 6th, 2016, 5:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herp Surveys in Jackson County, FL
Replies: 3
Views: 2775

Re: Herp Surveys in Jackson County, FL

The two tadpoles above the Cricket Frog tadpole are Lithobates sp. Probably Bullfrog or Pig Frog.

And the frog in your second post is indeed L. clamitans. Nice photos and finds!
by mtratcliffe
October 3rd, 2016, 5:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Third Quarter 2016
Replies: 6
Views: 3707

Re: Third Quarter 2016

Mudsnakes are fickle creatures, aren't they? They panic at the first sign of trouble.
by mtratcliffe
October 2nd, 2016, 6:58 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: ID help with a very small frog? Opinions are all over
Replies: 7
Views: 3538

Re: ID help with a very small frog? Opinions are all over

Agreed, 100% a Cricket Frog. We need the general location to narrow down the species.
by mtratcliffe
October 1st, 2016, 11:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: ID help with a very small frog? Opinions are all over
Replies: 7
Views: 3538

Re: ID help with a very small frog? Opinions are all over

You can upload the photo to Flickr and then paste the BB code link in a reply here. Where was this frog found, and in what kind of habitat?

If you post a clear picture, I guarantee you that we will be able to identify it.
by mtratcliffe
September 27th, 2016, 5:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamander Movement Question
Replies: 5
Views: 3933

Re: Salamander Movement Question

Hi Matt, I'm going to chime in until someone else can give you a more experienced answer, as I usually don't road cruise salamanders. The question that I had for you: why not look for them in their native habitat instead of seeking them out as they are moving? Many of the salamanders that you menti...
by mtratcliffe
September 25th, 2016, 6:49 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.
Replies: 12
Views: 15022

Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.

This post is meant to serve as a guide that is updated on a recurring basis using user-submitted photos. As most of us have learned, tadpoles are notoriously difficult to identify, especially when they vary greatly in appearance even within a species. Anyone who has turned to the internet for tadpol...
by mtratcliffe
September 25th, 2016, 5:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamander Movement Question
Replies: 5
Views: 3933

Salamander Movement Question

Hey everyone, I've posted here a few times before, but my name is Matt and I just moved from Tampa, FL to Fairfax County, VA. While I'm still in the Southeast Chapter (geographically speaking), the climate and terrain around my new home is more in line with that of the Northeast. Tampa was a tough s...