Search found 890 matches

by Soopaman
September 4th, 2015, 3:19 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Your all-time best rattlesnake shots
Replies: 37
Views: 18830

Re: Your all-time best rattlesnake shots

Hard to pick favorites. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/14053821721_294a73193d_b.jpg Crotalus horridus (Canebrake Rattlesnake) by Kyle , on Flickr https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8564526306_02558fc6eb_b.jpg Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake) by Kyle , on Flickr https://farm6....
by Soopaman
September 2nd, 2015, 5:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: ANF let me in on it's secret.
Replies: 9
Views: 6926

Re: ANF let me in on it's secret.

We tried for one of these, in that general area, in March. Got a pine instead. Didn't realize the moles were so difficult there!

Great find, it's a gorgeous animal. I'm a wee bit jealous, being a calligaster nut.
by Soopaman
August 26th, 2015, 9:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Summer 2015, Tennesee, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Arizona
Replies: 11
Views: 5206

Re: Summer 2015, Tennesee, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Arizo

Nice post, Saunders. You've gotten to see quite a lot of diversity this year!
by Soopaman
August 13th, 2015, 3:59 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: It's been too long since we've had an in situ theme thread..
Replies: 212
Views: 868532

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

Found this looker last night. Accidentally had my shutterspeed at 4 seconds but somehow came out decent(handheld) Your flickr data says: ƒ/5.6 55.0 mm 1/100 400 Flash (on, fired). I think you may be confused about something, that really didn't look like a 4 second handheld exposure to me so I took ...
by Soopaman
August 12th, 2015, 8:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Urgent Photo Request (UPDATE: Case Closed!)
Replies: 12
Views: 4756

Re: Urgent Photo Request--Snakes and Lizards

Sent you pics of a rhino
by Soopaman
July 27th, 2015, 11:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A week in the United Arab Emirates
Replies: 26
Views: 17523

Re: A week in the United Arab Emirates

Amazing photos, Kris. What a fun time that was, I'm sure!
by Soopaman
July 9th, 2015, 4:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: where are all the snake days photos??
Replies: 7
Views: 3796

Re: where are all the snake days photos??

The same night as the afternoon Sanderson hailstorm, we cruised River Road (Presidio-Candelaria). I felt like this was the only decent play for that night, with all the rain going on. Also, there was something BAD happening out on the Marfa-Pinto road, involving a lot of cops and ambulances. (That ...
by Soopaman
July 1st, 2015, 6:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: where are all the snake days photos??
Replies: 7
Views: 3796

Re: where are all the snake days photos??

Chris, I'm not sure how we managed not to run into each other! The barking frog fell from nowhere while I was walking the triple decker cut across from the convenience store in Loma Alta. The rains kind of sucked, but we stayed out west of Marathon for our hunting most nights and we were happy with ...
by Soopaman
June 23rd, 2015, 7:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: where are all the snake days photos??
Replies: 7
Views: 3796

Re: where are all the snake days photos??

In no particular order. Here's a handful of shots from the weekend. Saw about 50 snakes, only photographed a few. https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5451/18285439503_cd8cee5e04_b.jpg Trimorphodon biscutatus vilkinsonii (Chihuahuan Lyre Snake) by Kyle , on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/477/18900842...
by Soopaman
June 23rd, 2015, 4:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Most Herps Found in a 24-hour Period?
Replies: 17
Views: 7347

Re: Most Herps Found in a 24-hour Period?

I was in those 20+ snake groups this last week with Sky et al, though our particular car didn't get that many. Collectively I think we were looking at 30+ for the three vehicles, with one getting an exceptional amount. Other than that, during mid-April every year I will have a flipping day with snak...
by Soopaman
June 7th, 2015, 8:03 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Question about frequency of shedding
Replies: 3
Views: 2955

Re: Question about frequency of shedding

Hi all! Recently i got a new adult L. g. splendida as a rescue, and he has shed twice in the last month. He came from a questionable background (the people didnt even know that he was a desert kingsnake), and he had a nasty scab that completely covered his rostral and internasal scales. Since havin...
by Soopaman
June 4th, 2015, 3:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some snakes from KwaZulu-Natal, SOUTH AFRICA
Replies: 14
Views: 7133

Re: Some snakes from KwaZulu-Natal, SOUTH AFRICA

Awesome stuff man. Lots of great snake photos here. There's a lot of those I hope to see one day!
by Soopaman
May 29th, 2015, 3:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Decent looking for an ugly snake?
Replies: 7
Views: 4526

Re: Decent looking for an ugly snake?

Based on the fresh wound it had on it's side, I'd say you're probably right. Thanks for pointing us in the right direction. Hopefully, I can get out to see some of those ugly calligaster with you guys one of these weekends. I hope so too, it's been a while since we've been out. Here's a not-so-ugly...
by Soopaman
May 29th, 2015, 9:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Decent looking for an ugly snake?
Replies: 7
Views: 4526

Re: Decent looking for an ugly snake?

Nice shots guys! Seems like it was the weekend for ugly black snakes. Mine just came from areas a little further east. http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e326/gretzkyrh4/black%20pine%20crop.jpg Clearly, it's larger than the one you found earlier this spring, Kyle. Chris Looks like it's one full pock...
by Soopaman
May 27th, 2015, 7:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Decent looking for an ugly snake?
Replies: 7
Views: 4526

Re: Decent looking for an ugly snake?

Find any of the "ugly" black calligaster up there? I don't see anything wrong with that rat snake!

From near the border in LA last weekend:

ImageLampropeltis calligaster calligaster (Prairie Kingsnake) by Kyle, on Flickr
by Soopaman
May 10th, 2015, 9:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: stress levels of animals in the wild
Replies: 14
Views: 4402

Re: stress levels of animals in the wild

Joseph S. wrote:Many assert that captivity is invariably more stressful than the wild. Are their any cases that suggest otherwise?
The ongoing success of many thousands of thriving captive animals that continue to live longer, healthier lives than their wild brethren.
by Soopaman
April 22nd, 2015, 10:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some finds so far in 2015
Replies: 7
Views: 3188

Re: Some finds so far in 2015

Would be fun hunting annulata now, but March was good too! Yeah, good point. A wet year is great for them. I generally don't find them too active on roads in March due to the cooler temps at night, but rain makes all the difference. I got mine on I think the second weekend of March. It was 65° and ...
by Soopaman
April 20th, 2015, 11:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some finds so far in 2015
Replies: 7
Views: 3188

Re: Some finds so far in 2015

Those milksnakes are really "scarlet king" like compared to the ones we get further west into eastern TX. Interesting that you are still flipping those. In eastern Texas, my experience was by April you found them on the roads and not so much under bark/cover. Dark of the moon + mid April ...
by Soopaman
April 18th, 2015, 9:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some finds so far in 2015
Replies: 7
Views: 3188

Re: Some finds so far in 2015

Sweet milks. I'm digging that redheaded beauty you found yesterday.

Congrats on a good year so far, excited to see what the Three Amigos turn up tomorrow!
by Soopaman
April 18th, 2015, 8:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My FIRST in situ photographs - POST YOURS
Replies: 33
Views: 12733

Re: My FIRST in situ photographs - POST YOURS

I still pose most colubrids for the well-lit field guide shot, but it's a major goal of my herping buddies and I to take in-situ photos when possible. Sometimes the snake sees us first and ruins the moment. Here's one of my first in-situ, taken with a dinky point and shoot: https://farm9.staticflick...
by Soopaman
April 8th, 2015, 7:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Handling Wild Herps Poll
Replies: 66
Views: 25999

Re: Handling Wild Herps Poll

... Ernie Eison :thumb: Kelly, often I find myself attempting to interpret your post rather than read it directly for its content. It's a maze, rather than a direct path. While your choice of vernacular is clear to you, it leaves the rest of us puzzled and wanting for clarity in communication. If t...
by Soopaman
April 8th, 2015, 6:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Handling Wild Herps Poll
Replies: 66
Views: 25999

Re: Handling Wild Herps Poll

... Ernie Eison :thumb: Kelly, often I find myself attempting to interpret your post rather than read it directly for its content. It's a maze, rather than a direct path. While your choice of vernacular is clear to you, it leaves the rest of us puzzled and wanting for clarity in communication. If t...
by Soopaman
April 6th, 2015, 6:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: April species list
Replies: 5
Views: 3410

Re: April species list

From Northeast Texas:

April 4th, 2015

E. Coach - 4 flipped, 1 hiked
Texas Rat - 6 flipped
S. Copper - 5 flipped, 1 cruised
LA Milk - 5 flipped
Calligaster - 1 flipped
W. Ribbon - 1 cruised, 1 hiked
Western Pygmy - 1 hiked
by Soopaman
April 1st, 2015, 9:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Quick spring update from central Texas!
Replies: 4
Views: 2321

Re: Quick spring update from central Texas!

You didn't even mention your coolest find in south Texas!
by Soopaman
March 30th, 2015, 9:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Your most significant find in 2015
Replies: 51
Views: 20536

Re: Your most significant find in 2015

In addition to the leptodeira I posted a month ago, Ill have to add another leptodeira to the list as well as black pine and Florida pine so far this year.
by Soopaman
March 17th, 2015, 7:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: best state or national parks in texas for herping
Replies: 13
Views: 6274

Re: best state or national parks in texas for herping

what about the WMA's? Are they pretty much hands off too? My understanding is that you can herp in WMAs if you can access them. However, many WMAs have restricted access periods and you need a special permit (Limited Public Use Permit - $12) as well as a hunting license to be allowed to access the ...
by Soopaman
March 9th, 2015, 2:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Replies: 39
Views: 14098

Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage

The other diamondback, to contrast with Kevin's. He wasn't as camouflaged as he thought, but he never rattled or moved even when I brought the wide angle lens out and got close: https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8712/16134437123_ecf471e011_b.jpg Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake) by Kyl...
by Soopaman
March 7th, 2015, 2:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Truths behind fake nature photography
Replies: 69
Views: 25685

Re: Truths behind fake nature photography

... The difference, in my opinion, is that the animals posed above present a false anthropomorphic view of these creatures, presenting false human-like characteristics to emotionally engage the viewer and force them to connect to the animal in a way that isn't true. I'm all for in-situ photographs,...
by Soopaman
March 6th, 2015, 8:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Truths behind fake nature photography
Replies: 69
Views: 25685

Re: Truths behind fake nature photography

cbernz, I'm not sure how that last photo looks questionable. He's using a low aperture for low depth of field, allowing a faster shutter speed. He wasn't planning to take photos of this event, because he didn't expect it. In the tense moments of the event he pointed the camera and clicked, hoping to...
by Soopaman
March 4th, 2015, 6:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Your most significant find in 2015
Replies: 51
Views: 20536

Re: Your most significant find in 2015

chris_mcmartin wrote:
Soopaman wrote:Flipped in south Texas last weekend:
Previously documented locality?
County yes, exact locale no.
by Soopaman
March 3rd, 2015, 7:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Your most significant find in 2015
Replies: 51
Views: 20536

Re: Your most significant find in 2015

Flipped in south Texas last weekend: https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8655/16487102530_9aa1ae869e_b.jpg Leptodeira septentrionalis (Northern Cat-eyed Snake) by Kyle L.E. , on Flickr https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8655/16679598675_ba4c5a8870_b.jpg Leptodeira septentrionalis (Northern Cat-eyed Snake) by...
by Soopaman
February 12th, 2015, 7:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Last Seasonal Theme - Herpers herping
Replies: 23
Views: 5756

Re: Last Seasonal Theme - Herpers herping

Tamara, TimCo seems like he gets around a bit! Y'know, I was thinking about all the places he's herped last year, and it occurred to me that it would be funny to do a thread about just TimCo herping in various parts of the country. The man is everywhere. Hollah at me if you're ever in this area, So...
by Soopaman
February 11th, 2015, 7:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Last Seasonal Theme - Herpers herping
Replies: 23
Views: 5756

Re: Last Seasonal Theme - Herpers herping

Tamara, TimCo seems like he gets around a bit! I might have to pester you about those Alabama mole kings one day! The unmistakable TimCo Broncos hat: https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/13912031313_cf143637b6_b.jpg Herpers Herping by Kyle L.E. , on Flickr https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3910/14693534...
by Soopaman
February 4th, 2015, 8:59 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Living and working in Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Replies: 14
Views: 6882

Re: Living and working in Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Afri

Great post! You saw a lot of cool stuff. I really like the boomsland (wish you'd gotten some more pics!) and the puff adder. That rhombic egg eater might be my favorite though. The matte scales and elliptical eyes are really cool!
by Soopaman
February 2nd, 2015, 2:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Yet another 2014 year-end roundup
Replies: 10
Views: 4011

Re: Yet another 2014 year-end roundup

Knormal, I dig the crotes. Welcome to the forum.


Dave, I'd call it a hobby, myself, and always do when talking about it with folks. Seems appropriate.
by Soopaman
January 28th, 2015, 1:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2014 in review
Replies: 11
Views: 8577

Re: 2014 in review

Great post, and an amazing array of herps for 2014.

It was great to get out with you. You're welcome back in my part of the country, but this time we'll hold onto our hats and steer clear of the africanized bees!

There's plenty of lampro' lovin to do around here.
by Soopaman
January 28th, 2015, 6:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Theme 7 - Photo bombs (human or otherwise)
Replies: 16
Views: 4816

Re: Theme 7 - Photo bombs (human or otherwise)

I didn't notice the fly on the buttermilk until post processing later that day.

Image
Coluber constrictor anthicus (Buttermilk Racer) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
by Soopaman
January 22nd, 2015, 9:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Replies: 39
Views: 14098

Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage

Here's a few more: https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3860/14789139389_1a02634278_b.jpg Crotalus horridus (Canebrake Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E. , on Flickr In this photo a 4ft western diamondback is visible. I nearly stepped on this snake while looking for them on the Texas coast. Almost the entire body ...
by Soopaman
January 19th, 2015, 5:08 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Replies: 39
Views: 14098

Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage

Thanks, Kevin! Sorry, I didn't fully read the rules and missed the three per day part. I removed some photos and will post them later.
by Soopaman
January 19th, 2015, 4:53 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Replies: 39
Views: 14098

Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage

Not a whole lot ever happens in the south central forums, so I figured I'd add some Texas flavor to our neighboring chapter. This one is small in the frame, but it should be obvious in the focal plane: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/13940467249_cf72e1b28e_b.jpg Coluber constrictor flaviventris ...
by Soopaman
January 12th, 2015, 4:42 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (EOY)
Replies: 27
Views: 13488

Re: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (E

Awesome post Kyle. Thanks for everything this year. Well done all around. My favorite pics are: 3 Stooges (3 whips) Horridus Hatchlings One mean looking Pigmy Hey man, it was great meeting you this year. I wish you could have gotten out with me that night when I was passing through up to CO, I thin...
by Soopaman
January 12th, 2015, 2:24 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2014 EOY report...KS, MO, OK, TX...
Replies: 20
Views: 11323

Re: 2014 EOY report...KS, MO, OK, TX...

Good looking year, Chad. I may have to take you up on coming up there at some point.

As always, I love the calligaster. Those milks sure are lookers. Great find with the pair copulating, I really like the look on both of them too.

I guess those alterna are pretty neat ;)

-Kyle
by Soopaman
January 11th, 2015, 10:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (EOY)
Replies: 27
Views: 13488

Re: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (E

I ended up going out once more in 2014. With winter blues overwhelming me, I took my girlfriend to east Texas and we looked for salamanders for a few hours. Happy to see my second every <i>maculatum</i> and some more marbled sals. As well, we had a couple warm days right before Christmas, and while ...
by Soopaman
January 11th, 2015, 10:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: "Can't Get Tired Yet" 2014 (EOY) Post
Replies: 9
Views: 5546

Re: "Can't Get Tired Yet" 2014 (EOY) Post

Hey bud, we certainly can't get tired yet! Lots more years of herping left for us, and lots of cool critters to see. I had a great year with you, and it's awesome to see your photography improve and all the stunning shots you produce. Trips to your property and hiking up canebrakes all day are preci...
by Soopaman
January 11th, 2015, 10:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (EOY)
Replies: 27
Views: 13488

Re: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (E

Thanks everyone for the kind words! Your post appears to have tripped a breaker in my house. What an incredible year you've had. I feel privileged to have experienced some of these great finds with you and I'm looking forward to our next successful trip. As always, the photography is terrific. The c...
by Soopaman
January 11th, 2015, 10:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2014: Illinois, Missouri, and the Smokies
Replies: 12
Views: 7799

Re: 2014: Illinois, Missouri, and the Smokies

Excellent stuff, Edward. Glad to see someone else appreciating the majesty of calligaster as much as I do! I love the variety you have in that field. I hope to see some Illinois callies one day.
by Soopaman
December 12th, 2014, 6:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (EOY)
Replies: 27
Views: 13488

Re: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (E

Final note and thanks: I ended this year having herped 4 states: Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, and Mississippi (though Texas should count as four itself) and found over a thousand snakes (DOR included), a total of 63 species (and subspecies), and 21 lifers. This was by far my best year in my three yea...
by Soopaman
December 12th, 2014, 6:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (EOY)
Replies: 27
Views: 13488

Exploring Texas 2014: An East Texan forges new Trails (EOY)

Once again it's that time of year to summarize and show off our finds from the more productive seasons. Starting this year, I didn't expect to be able to top last year's results , but after nearly doubling the amount of snakes I've seen and greatly expanding my lifelist, I believe I have. This year ...
by Soopaman
November 17th, 2014, 8:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Seasoning Boardlines
Replies: 38
Views: 53176

Re: Seasoning Boardlines

You can find a snake under a board 2 minutes after you lay it out, but most items of cover take 3 years to reach their full potential. My recommendation is to leave them alone for 2 solid years before checking them, period.. The longer you let them sit without checking them at all the better they w...
by Soopaman
October 13th, 2014, 12:34 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Texas the Big Bend
Replies: 22
Views: 11162

Re: Texas the Big Bend

Great post and nice photos, Jake. Good to see some folks really wreck it out there.