Photos from the Field (DUW)

[Matt Buckingham]

The following is a collection of images from December 2012 until just yesterday. It's a long one, so be warned. I put the herps first for those who might not be interested in other taxa and landscape shots. The majority of the shots are from East Texas, but I've included a number from West Texas, as well as a few from Shenandoah and Zion National Parks.

SALAMANDERS

Ambystoma maculatum

These guys are sporadically located in high quality hardwood dominated forests in East Texas.


Spotted Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spotted Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spotted Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spotted Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spotted Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spotted Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spotted Salamander Egg Mass by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Ambystoma mavortium

In early July I went to visit my pal Scott Wahlberg, who was doing some lizard surveys in West Texas. This beautiful salamander was found in a caliche pit following a major rain event.


Barred Tiger Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Barred Tiger Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Barred Tiger Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Ambystoma opacum

Back in East Texas, it's always exciting running across one of these guys.


Marbled Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Marbled Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Marbled Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Marbled Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

One November day while looking for new places to explore, I spotted what looked like a high quality bottomland hardwood forest from the road. It was loaded with large trees and woody debris. On closer inspection, I could see that it had been ravaged by feral hogs. I turned several logs to see if the hogs left anything, and was lucky enough to turn up a couple of marbled salamanders. I couldn't help but wonder how many of their cohorts were consumed by these nasty invaders.


Marbled Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Ambystoma talpoideum

Despite putting in a fair bit of effort this winter, this was the only terrestrial adult I saw. I did see a number of neotonics and larvae.


Mole Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mole Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Ambystoma texanum

The only Ambystomatid found in the immediate area of my neighborhood, it's always fun looking for these guys. The diversity in Texas animals is impressive, and we have some real lookers.

The individual below was found at a Conservation Easement Area about 10 minutes from my house. In June of 2012, when the property was still being considered for a Conservation Easement, I was surprised to turn up a few recent metamorphs while performing an inventory to document the baseline conditions. About a month later the Houston area experienced a massive rain event, and local waterways were flooded for days. Shortly after the flood event I returned to the site to measure some potential county champion trees. I could see that flash floods had swept through the wetlands, washing out the majority of the area's ground cover, and depositing large amount of new woody debris. I worried for the salamanders and other herpetofauna, as flood waters remained for several days. In fact I've read studies that state that such floods can be devastating to salamander populations. I was pleasantly surprised when I turned up this large adult under the first log I rolled in late February of this year. The Conservation Easement was signed in December of 2012.


Smallmouth Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

The individual below was also found while monitoring a Conservation Easement Area, this one in the post oak savannah towards the western edge of what is commonly considered East Texas. It was found on a steep ravine.


Smallmouth Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

The following two animals were located in the Columbia Bottomlands, a unique and imperiled forest community in Southeast Texas.


Smallmouth Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Smallmouth Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Eurycea quadridigitata

An interesting looking individual from a high quality forested seep.


Dwarf Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Desmognathus cf. conanti

A soon to be verified (or possibly described) Desmog from East Texas. Desmognathus in East Texas have disappeared from the vast majority of previously known localities.


Dusky Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Dusky Salamander by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

FROGS

Anaxyrus debilis


Green Toad by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Anaxyrus cognatus


Great Plains Toad by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Anaxyrus fowleri


Fowler's Toad by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Anaxyrus speciosus


Texas Toad by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Scaphiopus hurterii


Hurter's Spadefoot by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Hurter's Spadefoot by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Spea bombifrons


Plains Spadefoot by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Plains Spadefoot by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Pseudacris streckeri

It was great finding these guys in abundance in a site in East Texas, as they have become quite rare in the region.


Strecker's Chorus Frog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Strecker's Chorus Frog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Pseudacris clarkii


Spotted Chorus Frog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Pseudacris fouquettei


Cajun Chorus Frog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Hyla cinerea


Green Tree Frog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Hyla squirella


Squirrel Tree Frog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Lithobates palustris

I was lucky to find a couple of these last winter. They appear to be less common in East Texas than other portions of their range.


Pickerel Frog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Pickerel Frog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Lithobates sphenocephalus


Southern Leopard Frogs by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

LIZARDS

Coleonyx reticulatus

This was the highlight of my trip to West Texas with Scott. A species found in only two counties in the U.S., it seems to be fairly abundant where it is found.


Reticulate Banded Gecko by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Plestiodon anthracinus

Another species that seems to be infrequently encountered in East Texas, coal skinks tend to be found in deep sand habitats such as longleaf pine savannahs and oak/farkleberry sandylands.


Coal Skink by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Plestiodon fasciatus


Five-lined Skink by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

SNAKES

Tantilla gracilis

Though it remains abundant elsewhere in the state, T. gracilis has become rare in Texas, as have most other species found in its preferred habitat - xeric sand ridges.


Flat-headed Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Flat-headed Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Diadophis punctatus

This is the only herp I photographed while visiting Shenandoah with some good friends. Herping wasn't really the focus of the trip, though I managed to turn up a few other species.


Northern Ringneck Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Heterodon platirhinos


Eastern Hognose Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Eastern Hognose Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Storeria dekayi


Marsh Brown Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Thamnophis marcianus


Checkered Gartersnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Pantherophis bairdi

In my opinion one of the most beautiful snakes in the country. Photos can't do it justice.


Baird's Ratsnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Baird's Ratsnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Bogertophis subocularis


Trans-Pecos Ratsnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Trans-Pecos Ratsnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Lampropeltis alterna

This dark snake was tough to photograph, as all substrate in the immediate area was very bright.


Gray-banded Kingsnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Masticophis flagellum

This was a bit unusual, I nearly stepped on this pair.


Eastern Coachwhips by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Eastern Coachwhip by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Rhinocheilus lecontei


Long-nosed Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Long-nosed Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Cemophora coccinea

Another snake that can be difficult to find in East Texas. Though they may be locally abundant, there appear to be few sites that support this species.


Northern Scarlet Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Northern Scarlet Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Northern Scarlet Snake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Trimorphodon vilkinsonii


Chihuahuan Lyresnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Chihuahuan Lyresnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Agkistrodon piscivorous


Western Cottonmouth by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

This animal was found on a windy, 50 degree December day in the middle of a pipeline right-of-way while monitoring a Conservation Easement Area.


Western Cottonmouth by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Crotalus horridus

Certainly one of our country's iconic herps, it's always a thrill coming across one of these in its element.


Canebrake Rattlesnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Canebrake Rattlesnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Canebrake Rattlesnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Canebrake Rattlesnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Crotalus atrox


Western Diamondback Rattlesnake by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


OTHER ANIMALS


Ocellated Tiger Beetle by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Periodical Cicada by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Periodical Cicada by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Painted Grasshopper by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Texas Leafcutter Ant by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Eight-spotted Forester Moth by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Polyphemus Moth by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Polyphemus Moth by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Striped Bark Scorpion by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Barred Owl by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Rose-breasted Grosbeak by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Bay-breasted Warbler by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Prothonotary Warbler by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Hooded Warbler by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Nine-banded Armadillos by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Nine-banded Armadillo by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


White-tailed Deer by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

PLANTS

Orchids are some of our most iconic native plants.

The Kentucky (or Southern) Lady's Slipper is rare throughout its range. In Texas it has been documented in only a few locations, and population estimates indicate that the number of individual stems might be in the hundreds.


Kentucky Lady's Slipper by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Kentucky Lady's Slipper by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Kentucky Lady's Slipper by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

The following orchid was from my trip to Shenandoah.


Lily-leaved Twayblade Orchid by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

An attractive Spiranthes from a high quality coastal prairie.


Spring Ladies' Tresses by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

There is some debate about the validity of the following taxon. Some suggest that it is not distinct enough to be considered separate from Spiranthes praecox.


Woodland Ladies' Tresses by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

One of Texas's rarest plants, known from only a few sites.


Chapman's Fringed Orchid by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Snowy Orchid by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Grass Pink Orchid by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Wetland Pine Savannah by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Rose Pogonias by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Rose Pogonia by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Green Adder's-Mouth Orchid by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Cranefly orchids are easiest to find in the winter and early spring, when their presence is betrayed by a single green leaf on the forest floor. In late summer, when they finally bloom, they can be difficult to spot, as their dull coloration blends with dried leaves.


Crane-Fly Orchid by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Cranefly Orchid by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Crane-fly Orchid by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

The following group of flowers are typically known as spring ephemerals or early spring bloomers. They grow in early spring prior tree leaf-out while high levels of sunlight are still available on the forest floor. Many of these species are typical of eastern deciduous forests, and reach the western and southern extent of their range in East Texas, where they are often uncommon.


Jack-in-the-pulpit by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Jack-in-the-pulpit by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Jack-in-the-Pulpit by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Jack-in-the-Pulpit by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Green Dragon by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Green Dragon by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Sabine River Wakerobin by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Sabine River Wakerobin by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Louisiana Wakerobin by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Bloodroot by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Bloodroot by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mayapple by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mayapple by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mayapples by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mayapple by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


White Trout Lily by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Arrowleaf Violet by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Common Blue Violet by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spring Beauty by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Lousewort by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Wild Hyacinth by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Crossvine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Some carnivorous plants:


Horned Bladderwort by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Small Butterwort by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Carnivorous Flora by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

The following are other species typical of pitcher plant bogs and other herbaceous seep areas.


Barbara's Buttons by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Procession Flower by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Racemed Milkwort by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Maryland Milkwort by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Candyroot by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Drumheads by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Milkwort by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Helmet Flower by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Golden Colicroot by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

More interesting flora


Propeller Flower by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Propeller Flower by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Virginia Iris by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Swamp Leatherflower by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Cardinalflower by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Swamp Rose-Mallow by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Rare plants of longleaf pine uplands and oak/farkleberry sandylands:


Scarlet Catchfly by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Scarlet Catchfly by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


White Firewheel by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Gulf Blazing Star by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Gulf Blazing Star by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

More upland species:


Maryland Meadowbeauty by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Soft Greeneyes by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Carolina Larkspur by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Wild Potato Vine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Some interesting plants of coastal prairies:


Trailing Krameria by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Berlandier's Yellow Flax by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Powderpuff by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Meadow Pink by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Some milkweed:


Butterfly Weed by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Butterfly Weed by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


White Milkweed by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Green Milkweed by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Hybrid Milkweed by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

One of my favorite wetland plants:


Lizard's Tail by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Some more good stuff:


Mountain Laurel by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Texas Azalea by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Purple Flowering Raspberry by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Littlehip Hawthorn by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Red Columbine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

A couple of plants from Zion National Park. I didn't get a chance to herp the area, but took a couple of nice hikes.


Golden Columbine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Golden Columbine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Columbine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Shooting Star by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

More stuff from East Texas:


Eastern Redbud by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Eastern Redbud by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Flowering Dogwood by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Flowering Dogwood by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Red Buckeye by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

The pyramid magnolia is rare throughout its range, and occurs in some interesting plant associations in East Texas:


Pyramid Magnolia by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Liverworts by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

HABITATS

East Texas

East Texas is primarily forested, and contains a diversity of different habitat types. The following are some of my favorites. Many of these areas are old growth, small pockets that have never been logged, or only selectively so. Others are mature second growth in near old-growth states.


Mesic Ravine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Beech-Magnolia Forest by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


American Beech by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Beech-Magnolia Forest by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Slope Forest by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Slope Forest by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


East Texas Ravine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mayapples by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

A very large mature black cherry. A rarity throughout the country, as this species has been heavily harvested, primarily for use in cabinetry.


Mesic Slope by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Cavity Tree by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Springhead by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Swimming Hole by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Colorow in the Rain by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spring Fed Stream by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Virginia Sweetspire by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Spring-fed Stream by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Baygall by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Baygall by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Baygall by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Wet Forested Seep by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Rock Outcrop by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Catahoula Boulders by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mesic Sandy Loam Upland by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mesic Ravine by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Longleaf Pine Savannah by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Longleaf Pine Savannah by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Longleaf Pine Savannah by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Longleaf Pine Savannah by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Catahoula Boulders by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Longleaf Pine Upland by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Texas Leafcutter Ant Colony by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Wetland Pine Savanna by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Wetland Pine Savannah by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Wetland Pine Savannah by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Hillside Seepage Bog by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Wet Herbaceous Seep by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Xeric Sandhill by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Fire by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Old Growth Cypress Slough by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Cypress Swamp by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Cypress Swamp by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Forested Wetland by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Bottomland Ridge by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Riparian Forest by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Columbia Bottomlands by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


East Texas Stream by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


East Texas Stream by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


East Texas Stream by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


American Hornbeam by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Ephemeral Stream by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Forest Edge by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Forest Clearing by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Coastal Prairie


Coastal Prairie by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Prairie Flora by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Coastal Prairie by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

West Texas


High Elevation Savannah by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Shenandoah


Cove Forest by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Sunset by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


High Elevation Pine - Oak Forest by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Yellow-Poplar by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Mountain Stream by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

Zion


Zion Canyon by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Hanging Garden by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Maple Grove by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Virgin River by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr


Virgin River by Matt Buckingham, on Flickr

[Soopaman]

Matt, I think you've got my East Texas post beaten!

My favorites, of course, were the alterna and horridus. Great photographs, as always. You've got a style that is distinct enough that I can usually tell who took it without looking at the watermark!

[Nshepard]

Great stuff! I always enjoy perusing your photography - always sharp and well lit!

[Tonia Graves]

Great diversity & photography! Those armadillos look like they are posing for you!

[Scott_Wahlberg]

So many nice photos in here. I really like how you were able to catch the young Pyramid Magnolias in their element. I see that I missed a lot of good trips by moving out west. Your flower photos are top notch. I'm jealous of your Coal Skink pics, I've seen a number of them now and still don't have any decent pics.

-Scott

[pete]

Looked through this twice now. Absolutely fantastic !!

Thank you for putting up such a diverse group of wonderful images!

[Rman]

I like it all. I like horridus the most. Very nice!

[Knightkrawler5]

wow...love everything..especially the habitat shots!

[John Martin]

Simply jaw-dropping! Your photography skills are amazing!! Can you tell us what camera/lenses you use? Do you use flash for daylight macro shots, or natural light? I loved the fact that you covered vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and landscape in one amazing post - thank you very much... Also loved the pic of the identical quadruplets

[kricket]

This is such a wonderful post! I've never been to Texas, but now I feel like I've gotten a virtual tour of part of it. The habitat shots are especially helpful to put everything in context and all the images are really beautiful. You could totally publish these as a naturalist's guide to the area.

[JAMAUGHN]

Just extraordinary. I can't decide if this post makes me want to visit Texas, or makes me feel like I've already been there. Both, I guess. If I can document an area half this well by the time I'm eighty, I'll be a happy person.

JimM

[will lattea]

wow... this was a really impressive post. i almost didn't look because I follow you on flickr but man am I glad I did! photos like yours are what motivates me to get out and learn more. thanks for sharing.

[chrish]

I think you mistitled this post. It should have been "Frickin' Ridiculously Awesome Photos from the Field"

That armadillo shot is a classic! You could certainly make some money with that shot.

[MattSullivan]

pretty sweet. that tiger sal is gorgeous, id love to find one like that

[Stohlgren]

You're the man, Matt. I never tire of viewing your photos, everyone seemingly perfect. I agree with Kyle that you have a distinctive style.

[sep11ie]

Great post. Thanks for sharing. Once again I always love to see the local folks out there succeeding.

[walk-about]

Matt - this is a amazing body of work, sir. So impressed. The herp pics are perfect. Those coachwhips and scarlet snake just blew some circuitry here. I don't think I have ever seen a Cemophora with a dorsal lateral flare like that specimen - more typical of milk snakes...and I love the post arrangement with Rhinocheilus in order. The Anuran shots were epic, as well as the standing Nine-banded armadillo pod shot. THat is the best shot I have ever seen of that species anywhere. Habitat shots perfect as well. Just too much to comment on this one. I will be back for seconds and thirds, etc.

Rock ON!

Dave

[justinm]

This post was amazing, what a feast for the eyes. Your photos are incredible.

[Jeroen Speybroeck]

I absolutely love this type of post that doesn't seem to end, especially when it shows so much more than just the herps, thank you very much.

[Matt Buckingham]

Thanks all, for taking the time to go through the post and for the comments.

So many nice photos in here. I really like how you were able to catch the young Pyramid Magnolias in their element. I see that I missed a lot of good trips by moving out west. Your flower photos are top notch. I'm jealous of your Coal Skink pics, I've seen a number of them now and still don't have any decent pics.

-Scott

This post wouldn't be what it is without my boy Scott!

Can you tell us what camera/lenses you use? Do you use flash for daylight macro shots, or natural light?

These were shot with a Canon 7D. Macro shots and most herp shots were taken with a Canon 100mm F/2.8. Landscape shots with the Canon 17-40L. RE: lighting, I use as much natural light as I can. If flash is necessary I'll try to use it only to augment the scene, however a good number of these shots were taken with flash as the primary light source. When I utilize flash it's typically with 2 diffused off-camera units.

You could totally publish these as a naturalist's guide to the area.

Thanks! I actually do have a grand idea of a coffee table book about the ecology of East Texas forests.

That armadillo shot is a classic! You could certainly make some money with that shot.

Ha! Most non-herp people that view my photos identify that one as their favorite. I crept up to within 10 feet of these guys and they were oblivious. I then intentionally coughed, and they all stood up simultaneously.

You've got a style that is distinct enough that I can usually tell who took it without looking at the watermark!

I agree with Kyle that you have a distinctive style.

It's funny that you guys say that, I've had the same experience with a number of photographers, including both of you, and Nate as well.

[John Martin]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions Matt. I gotta say, you MUST find a way to make some $$ from your photography! Yes, it's that good...

[Martti Niskanen]

Gorgeous photos and great use of flash.

[walk-about]

Ok, so now after going back for 'seconds', 'fourths' and beyond, I just made an observation in both this great post and Kyle's Soopaman's great Texas post....one thing was missing. I just could not put my finger on it at first and then it finally dawned on me: Western Pygmy Rattlesnake. LOL. Do you guys not see them much in the field, or was it just not a good year for them in Texas? Even without - still a perfect post sir. But hey, someone had to find something to complain about beyond the perfection. Again, extraordinary post(s) guys.

Rock ON!

Dave

[Matt Buckingham]

Ok, so now after going back for 'seconds', 'fourths' and beyond, I just made an observation in both this great post and Kyle's Soopaman's great Texas post....one thing was missing. I just could not put my finger on it at first and then it finally dawned on me: Western Pygmy Rattlesnake. LOL. Do you guys not see them much in the field, or was it just not a good year for them in Texas? Even without - still a perfect post sir. But hey, someone had to find something to complain about beyond the perfection. Again, extraordinary post(s) guys.

Rock ON!

Dave

Pygmies are definitely around. They have probably declined and become fragmented as around here they tend to prefer high quality mesic sites, which are disappearing fast. It's also a species that's rarely encountered haphazardly in East Texas (though it has happened). If targeted correctly they're fairly easy to turn up. I haven't gone looking for them the past couple of years, though I should, since I need some good photos!

[Soopaman]

Ok, so now after going back for 'seconds', 'fourths' and beyond, I just made an observation in both this great post and Kyle's Soopaman's great Texas post....one thing was missing. I just could not put my finger on it at first and then it finally dawned on me: Western Pygmy Rattlesnake. LOL. Do you guys not see them much in the field, or was it just not a good year for them in Texas? Even without - still a perfect post sir. But hey, someone had to find something to complain about beyond the perfection. Again, extraordinary post(s) guys.

Rock ON!

Dave

To expand on this some more, I know of a couple good places to turn them up here in the Lone Star state, but they're not particularly close to me. One about 2.5hrs away, and the other nearly 4hrs away. Since there aren't any other new or particularly interesting species for me to locate in those areas, I haven't really pursued them. I did end up driving through one of the areas in mid-July on my way to a concert and spent a few hours looking around, but wasn't particularly hopeful as it was blisteringly hot.

But like Matt said, you don't usually come up on them haphazardly, and most of the habitat I hunt isn't exceptionally great for them.

Kyle

[MHollanders]

Damn, buy me a drink before tickling my fancy like this next time!

Seriously though, probably the best Texas post ever. One question; how did you pull off that sunset shot in east Texas? HDR?

[Will Wells]

Awesome post, thanks for sharing!!!

[Carl Brune]

Great post, enjoyed scrolling through it. Excellent photography.

[pjfishpa]

This is the quality I strive for (but only occasionally achieve!). I would like to comment on a few favorites but there are too many! Incredible pics. I can certainly appreciate the time and effort that goes into your photos and the work of putting this post together. Thanks!

[cameron.rognan]

I really enjoyed going through these. Excellent work. Thanks for spending the time sharing your talents with us, even if it makes most of us jealous.

[BillMcGighan]

Sensory overload, Matt.
Looks like you covered lots of ground.
I like how you included much more than herps.
Great job.