Search found 507 matches

by mtratcliffe
April 26th, 2014, 5:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pasco County 4/11-4/20 (Multiple ID's needed)
Replies: 13
Views: 2827

Re: Pasco County 4/11-4/20 (Multiple ID's needed)

Yuck - I didn't know we had cane toads in the Tampa Bay region!

Congrats on the scrub lizards - were those in Pasco Co. as well? Wasn't aware they lived this way. Also, nice shots of the black-crowned night herons! They are elusive birds but one of my favorite sights!
by mtratcliffe
April 5th, 2014, 5:08 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Three Turtle Questions
Replies: 12
Views: 2320

Re: Three Turtle Questions

I'm glad to hear that they are doing fine. I went by the spot I mentioned today and saw one large softshell, though I'm still concerned about the others not being present as in the past they were hanging out under the bridge in plain view every time, without fail.
by mtratcliffe
April 5th, 2014, 9:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Three Turtle Questions
Replies: 12
Views: 2320

Re: Three Turtle Questions

I'm glad you were able to get your IDs, but I feel that I must caution you against feeding the softshells bread. I asked a ranger at a nature preserve about it once and they were adamant that it's bad for them. Softshells are carnivorous and apparently have trouble digesting starches. The other turt...
by mtratcliffe
March 24th, 2014, 2:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Tampa/clearwater area in april?
Replies: 1
Views: 1500

Re: Tampa/clearwater area in april?

This is my first April down here, but there are plenty of parks that offer good herping opportunities. Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties are heavily developed, so you will have to travel a ways to find any herping spots that aren't part of a preserve or a park. Here are some of my favorite parks to...
by mtratcliffe
February 12th, 2014, 4:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2014 NAFHA Spring trip: ANF!
Replies: 132
Views: 26918

Re: 2014 NAFHA Spring trip: ANF!

Man, this trip sounds like a blast! I've been wanting to go up to the panhandle since I moved to the Tampa area last summer, but I've got a kid on the way so it'll have to wait. I look forward to the trip report in a few months!
by mtratcliffe
January 29th, 2014, 7:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Life's a Ditch
Replies: 2
Views: 1131

Re: Life's a Ditch

I may have to try that technique when looking for eastern narrowmouthed toads - like you with peepers, I've literally stood over them without seeing them. Very frustrating. Also, your first pic looks strangely like a spadefoot, but maybe that's just me. Could just be a lighter coloration on that spe...
by mtratcliffe
January 26th, 2014, 2:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: State-by-State Status of County Records on H.E.R.P.
Replies: 11
Views: 7406

Re: State-by-State Status of County Records on H.E.R.P.

I'm surprised VA has such a poor showing on H.E.R.P.