Search found 849 matches

by Andy Avram
June 7th, 2013, 6:48 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Vegas are bird ID needed
Replies: 9
Views: 3691

Re: Vegas are bird ID needed

I would trust the only one who spoke with confidence. Black-throated Sparrow - body and tail is thin and long, unlike a squat, fat grosbeak. The tail is dark with white borders (can be seen in the picture) which is a trait of the sparrow and there is no orange or orange tones at all in these birds w...
by Andy Avram
June 6th, 2013, 6:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: garter snake id requested ***more pics added***
Replies: 7
Views: 1816

Re: garter snake id requested ***more pics added***

Certainly one of the ribbon snakes. They light spot in front of the eye is the giveaway. Not sure offhand which one though.
by Andy Avram
May 18th, 2013, 10:56 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Box Turtles
Replies: 26
Views: 5723

Re: Box Turtles

Kelly Mc wrote:
Andy Avram wrote: ecologically they are no different than being dead.
But individually - they are Alive.
Way to miss the point. Good job.
by Andy Avram
May 17th, 2013, 3:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Odd Looking Northern Water Snake
Replies: 5
Views: 1432

Re: Odd Looking Northern Water Snake

I have caught one very similar and I have seen pictures of others which were much brighter brown-orange than that one. In fact is almost formed a dorsal stripe. I have always thought it an odd color mutation, but others will say it is staining of the scales. I guess short of capturing one and holdin...
by Andy Avram
May 17th, 2013, 3:22 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Box Turtles
Replies: 26
Views: 5723

Re: Box Turtles

If you want to keep them as pets and it is legal to do so in your state (especially since they are wild-collected) then that is fine, but you can't really justify it by saying they are likely to die by getting hit by a car if left in the wild. Where you took them from is there wild, natural and nati...
by Andy Avram
May 16th, 2013, 6:30 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Cross country road trip advice
Replies: 7
Views: 4025

Re: Cross country road trip advice

Well if you want Plain Chachalaca and you don't want to leave the US, you already answered part of your question on where you are going. It is well worth it. Also as you get a little further west towards the Falcon Dam area you should be able to pick up Pyrhuloxia and possibly Scaled Quail. Either w...
by Andy Avram
May 9th, 2013, 10:50 am
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?
Replies: 121
Views: 191356

Re: What was your last lifer?

Not too often I get lifer mammals in Ohio, but two within a week is pretty crazy. Anyways, today I got a Woodland Vole at work.
by Andy Avram
May 6th, 2013, 5:59 am
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?
Replies: 121
Views: 191356

Re: What was your last lifer?

Least Shrew. Wish I had a better look at it, but it was good enough for an ID.
by Andy Avram
May 2nd, 2013, 6:35 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: A couple from the Texas Coast.
Replies: 5
Views: 3310

Re: A couple from the Texas Coast.

Some great shots and a great day list. Extremely jealous of the Swainson's Warbler my next quest bird and one of only 2 eastern warblers I am missing (Connecticut is the other), I just need to get a little south of Ohio. King Rail is high on my wish list too, but they are hard to come by in Ohio, us...
by Andy Avram
April 30th, 2013, 5:43 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Little help with ID on this one from Brazil?
Replies: 10
Views: 5172

Re: Little help with ID on this one from Brazil?

It's a Peregrine.
by Andy Avram
April 27th, 2013, 11:49 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Some local birds ...updated with new photos
Replies: 115
Views: 297557

Re: Some local birds

WOW! I knew American White Pelicans are giagantic birds (in fact they have some of the largest wingspans for NA birds), but I didn't think the size extreme between them and a Spoonbill would be so apparent. Looks photoshopped!

Andy
by Andy Avram
April 27th, 2013, 9:11 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: OK, now this is just stupid
Replies: 16
Views: 6287

Re: OK, now this is just stupid

I like it. THere is actually some pretty fun YouTube videos of people who rigged GoPros to their dogs when duck hunting. The swimming also helps keep the camera steady.

Then again I am the one who started this thread...
http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/vie ... =2&t=14387
by Andy Avram
April 13th, 2013, 3:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake bite first aid clarification ?
Replies: 11
Views: 2722

Re: Snake bite first aid clarification ?

8000 venomous snake bites a year in the US? That seems high, but I have nothing to base it on, so I could easily be wrong, but really 8000? That is an average of 167 bites per state (using the 48 that actually have venomous snakes), which is of course at average, so some states like Florida or Calif...
by Andy Avram
April 10th, 2013, 2:23 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

Hey, I just realized that I want to offer a big THANK YOU! to everyone for referring to these animals as gray wolves rather than grey wolves throughout this thread. The relatively recent but widespread American adoption of the British spelling of the color gray bugs me considerably! Gerry What abou...
by Andy Avram
April 9th, 2013, 7:27 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

It occurred to me recently that I might actually be at least a smidgen less brusque with our female participants ("blunt" and "literal" have always been two of the very nicest ways people describe my communication style, online or elsewhere ;) ), not because I think they can't h...
by Andy Avram
April 9th, 2013, 4:23 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

Don't be silly, Michele. This board is a fine place for this thread, and you haven't started any problems by it. Disagreements, even heated ones, happen all the time in internet forums, and we don't have to let them divide us if we don't want to. Agreeing to disagree on entrenched differences of op...
by Andy Avram
April 9th, 2013, 4:19 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: PA Herpin' Help...
Replies: 4
Views: 1354

Re: PA Herpin' Help...

Thanks! I was thinking maybe near ponds too, and also under artificial cover. ;)
by Andy Avram
April 9th, 2013, 3:55 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

Holy lack of reading comprehension, Batman! (Sometimes I understand how KW felt…) Not sure why I am jumping back into this. Probably my last post on this topic. First let’s go over how question and answers work and then I will make my point and then my fun will be done. "rules of nature"? ...
by Andy Avram
April 9th, 2013, 5:48 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Worthy shots from Montana.
Replies: 7
Views: 4993

Re: Worthy shots from Montana.

Ouch, could prove tough. I've only seen them in flight after I've spooked them out of cover. The Crow Indian reservation has a decent population, and I'm on the reservation more often then not in the summer. I like the challenge, I'll do my best Andy. -Dell Awesome. As a hunter I am really partial ...
by Andy Avram
April 8th, 2013, 4:52 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Worthy shots from Montana.
Replies: 7
Views: 4993

Re: Worthy shots from Montana.

Nice, I got my lifer Red Crossbill (type 3) this year on New Year's Day. I am putting in my request for you to post some pictures of Greater Sage-Grouse.
by Andy Avram
April 8th, 2013, 4:51 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Grand Cayman Birds and More
Replies: 8
Views: 6068

Re: Grand Cayman Birds and More

Looks like you made the best of the trip. It almost seems wrong of me to say, but I think I like the Whistling Ducks best! I also like the iguana begging with the ducks and chickens.
by Andy Avram
April 8th, 2013, 4:49 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Red Tail Near Miss
Replies: 8
Views: 5754

Re: Red Tail Near Miss

Yup, that is an awesome action series!
by Andy Avram
April 8th, 2013, 4:32 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

Andy I have never claimed to be holy in any way, shape or form. I just don't get the whole killing things just because you want to. You may eat deer or moose or wild turkey but I seriously doubt you eat wolf. Hunting abundant animals for food is way different than trophy hunting or hunting just bec...
by Andy Avram
April 8th, 2013, 4:31 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

Edit - sorry. Instead of editing I replied.
by Andy Avram
April 7th, 2013, 6:32 pm
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Bad News for Wolves
Replies: 54
Views: 22756

Re: Bad News for Wolves

Curtis said... The short answer is it's not the same. You're right Curtis, in my scenario the animals get to live. ;) But I am glad you tried to explain why some people enjoy hunting. I have been asking hunters that question for years and so far I still just do not get it. Some have said it's getti...
by Andy Avram
April 5th, 2013, 6:05 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: South and West Texas Birding Advice
Replies: 6
Views: 3851

Re: South and West Texas Birding Advice

Curtis, I unfortunately have no advice for you, as I still need most of what is on your list, but it is interesting you are going for 500. I think you will beat me. As of a few hours ago I need 59 more. I am not confident I can pull it out this year, but regardless I think I will be darn close.
by Andy Avram
April 5th, 2013, 6:02 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: The Fight for 500... (5/28/16 - FINISHED)
Replies: 29
Views: 35968

Re: 2013: The Fight for 500... (updated: 4/5/13)

There are only 5 species of loons (or divers for you Old World folks) in the world. All five can be found in North America. It has been a long shameful issue of mine that I only had 1 species of loon on my life list - the Common Loon (or Great Northern Diver for you Old World folks). Well I figured ...
by Andy Avram
March 28th, 2013, 8:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: PA Herpin' Help...
Replies: 4
Views: 1354

PA Herpin' Help...

So after too many years together I am finally biting the bullet and getting married this May. She is from PA and we are going to get married in said state. Immediately afterwards, per her suggestion, we are going to spend the weekend in Cook’s Forest and Allegheny National Forest. My request to purs...
by Andy Avram
March 27th, 2013, 5:25 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: New Zealand - January 1st Pelagic Trip
Replies: 12
Views: 9238

Re: New Zealand - January 1st Pelagic Trip

I would agree with Pete that the fish look like Yellowtail (a type of snapper), but I was unaware how large their range was - if they are indeed, the same species I was catching in the Keys. Tasty fish. Chris, you have a lack of cold birds on your list, I have a lack of pelagics (only a handful of s...
by Andy Avram
March 27th, 2013, 5:22 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: diurnal amphib. migration?
Replies: 3
Views: 1163

Re: diurnal amphib. migration?

Interesting observations. My friend is a falconer and he told he me that he was hunting with his Red-tailed Hawk a few years ago with a complete snow pack of a few inches. His hawk looked down and pounced in the snow only to fly up onto a tree branch with a living, wiggling Spotted Salamander. The h...
by Andy Avram
March 26th, 2013, 7:10 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: not a lifer
Replies: 3
Views: 2500

Re: not a lifer

Awesome ducks! Both species. I saw my first and only King last fall, but it was a female on Lake Erie. I still would go out of my way to see a male (and the rest of the eiders).
by Andy Avram
March 24th, 2013, 4:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring migration, cave and Alabama caudate lifers
Replies: 7
Views: 3771

Re: Spring migration, cave and Alabama caudate lifers

Great post Matt. Those 6 adult rubers would be my quota for a few years. I can't remember the last adult I have found (larvae on the other hand... plenty). Is that one series of salamander shots of Grottos? If so really really cool.

Andy
by Andy Avram
March 24th, 2013, 9:35 am
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: Iberian Lynx and other beasties trip report
Replies: 18
Views: 11571

Re: Iberian Lynx and other beasties trip report

And that is why I want my next European trip to be Spain. I just couldn't squeeze it in last year when I went to Germany.

Epic! Love the interest in all things from herps to mammals to birds to bugs to plants.

And so many Lynx. I would probably die of excitement.
by Andy Avram
March 23rd, 2013, 5:31 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: The Fight for 500... (5/28/16 - FINISHED)
Replies: 29
Views: 35968

Re: 2013: The Fight for 500... (updated: 3/23/13)

After some great reports of gulls just over the border in Erie (Presque Isle) Pennsylvania, I decided to take a quick drive over after work today. I got to the spot about 5pm, within 20 minutes I had my ABA Black-headed Gull (which I have seen in Germany before) and a number of Little Gulls - a whit...
by Andy Avram
March 23rd, 2013, 9:41 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998853

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. I a...
by Andy Avram
March 23rd, 2013, 8:58 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Bald Eagle hunting coot on the lake
Replies: 5
Views: 4167

Re: Bald Eagle hunting coot on the lake

Always fun to see birds of prey hunting. I have seen a Bald Eagle do this exact same behavior in Maine, but unsuccessfully going after baby Common Eiders, which would dive every time the eagle swooped and the mom just quacked her bill off. Cool to see your eagle actually getting the coot, which by t...
by Andy Avram
March 21st, 2013, 4:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Wyoming advice for pygmy rattlesnakes
Replies: 12
Views: 5282

Re: Wyoming advice for pygmy rattlesnakes

C'mon guys, don't you think Roki meant midget vs pygmy, as in Midget Faded Rattlesnake? It is found in southwestern Wyoming... When I first read it I thought there is a town, county or the like called Wyoming within the range of Pygmy Rattlesnakes. I know in Ohio we have city called Oregon. Guess w...
by Andy Avram
March 16th, 2013, 7:03 am
Forum: Mammal Forum
Topic: South American Mouse ID+update (3/29/13)
Replies: 17
Views: 10245

Re: South American Mouse ID

Update! I emailed Jon at mammal watching.com and he got in contact with Fiona Reid, a mammalogist in Ecuador for me. This is what she says... So still not quite resolved but getting there. Really makes me wish I had gotten better photos. Fiona Reid, more than just a mammalogist in Ecuador, check ou...
by Andy Avram
March 12th, 2013, 3:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Turtle ID Debate
Replies: 18
Views: 3649

Re: Turtle ID Debate

Thanks, and looks like a slider to me too. Even the growth rings are not correct for a Wood Turtle. Regardless in SW Ohio a Wood Turtle would be the result of an introduction, in fact, the sliders are likely part of an introduced population, they were only known to be native to 2 oxbow lakes just so...
by Andy Avram
March 12th, 2013, 3:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Turtle ID Debate
Replies: 18
Views: 3649

Re: Turtle ID Debate

I can't see the picture. Was it removed? I'd be interested with this being from Ohio. Regardless, there have been very, very few Wood Turtles found in Ohio. The state doesn't even consider them part of our native fauna (they are), but they are on the basis of 2 for sure records and less than a handf...
by Andy Avram
March 9th, 2013, 8:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cool photo....real or fake???
Replies: 9
Views: 2793

Re: Cool photo....real or fake???

To clarify, they were in an outdoor enclosure. But to say that people see this all the time in their range is a bit of an overstatement. If that is in response to me, I never even remotely stated that people see this all the time in their range. I said people see adults in their range and that it w...
by Andy Avram
March 9th, 2013, 1:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cool photo....real or fake???
Replies: 9
Views: 2793

Re: Cool photo....real or fake???

Agreeing with the others, that this picture seems entirely plausible and don't think I would ever question it's authenticity. But to elaborate on this: Only reason I was thinking it might be fake was what are the chances of walking up on 3 adult male Diamondbacks that appear to be almost the same if...
by Andy Avram
March 6th, 2013, 7:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Kwa-Zulu Natal. A few pictures from a herping trip to SA.
Replies: 26
Views: 14458

Re: Kwa-Zulu Natal. A few pictures from a herping trip to SA

I guess by zoo I meant captive animals. Like the cheetah...

But really cool. To be honest I didn't know Gaboon vipers were found in South Africa until this post! What a sweet snake.
by Andy Avram
March 6th, 2013, 7:19 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Bora Bora (Warning, extremely limited herp encounters!)
Replies: 14
Views: 4506

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

Glad to see some picture of this trip. Looks like a great time and I am happy your wife decided she liked diving. Really liked the sea turtle.

Andy
by Andy Avram
March 6th, 2013, 7:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: In Search of Blue-spotted Salamanders
Replies: 11
Views: 2466

Re: In Search of Blue-spotted Salamanders

Very cool salamander. I have only seen one I would call pure and it was pretty far north in Quebec. Cool, its still a bit too early here. Nice finds, those are a staple around here and are the most commonly encountered salamanders atleast for me. I didn't realize they were considered endangered in a...
by Andy Avram
March 5th, 2013, 3:35 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Kwa-Zulu Natal. A few pictures from a herping trip to SA.
Replies: 26
Views: 14458

Re: Kwa-Zulu Natal. A few pictures from a herping trip to SA

How many of these were actual wild animals you experience in the field? It seems there are a lot of zoo shots in there.

Otherwise, looks like a great trip, and one I would like to take in a couple of years.

Andy
by Andy Avram
February 26th, 2013, 1:26 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Mid-April in Dry Tortugas
Replies: 7
Views: 3768

Re: Mid-April in Dry Tortugas

I sort of thought more people would say opposite of me to be honest.

Curtis, I was working off some old info on the 3 day trip. I do now see you can do a day excursion. Maybe I WILL have to add a trip out there next time I am in Florida!
by Andy Avram
February 25th, 2013, 12:52 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Mid-April in Dry Tortugas
Replies: 7
Views: 3768

Re: Mid-April in Dry Tortugas

Not Black Terns, but Sooty Terns, and possilbly a few others. The draw for the Tortugas for US/Canada (known as the ABA) birders is a few tropical species that breed nowhere else in the ABA region. I have also heard nothing but good reports for neotropical migrants, but like I said they are also on ...
by Andy Avram
February 25th, 2013, 10:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anyone know the origin of this picture?
Replies: 18
Views: 5101

Re: Anyone know the origin of this picture?

A news article said he didn't realize he was bitten until he developed the pictures the next day. Said it was a dry bite. Dry or not, I notice when a garter snake bites me, besides it usually bleeds. How to you take any bite from a snake that big and not know it?
by Andy Avram
February 25th, 2013, 10:23 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: ID help
Replies: 2
Views: 2119

Re: ID help

Forester's Tern. It has red legs, black eye/ear patch and black bill.