Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This!!!

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Daniel D Dye
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Joined: June 7th, 2010, 4:56 pm
Location: New River (Brooker), Florida
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Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This!!!

Post by Daniel D Dye »

What a year it’s been. I’ve traveled to the cane fields of south Florida two or three times, herped my area around Osceola National Forest more times than I can count, participated in data collecting trips to the Four Corners region out west and Alabama. Not to mention several trips to the Apalachicola National Forest and the western panhandle. Oh, and three trips to Georgia…Awesome year!!!

It's been my pleasure to meet many new friends this year on these excursions and hope to see many of them in the field come 2012.

This year has been a blast!!!
Here’s what I’ve seen:

Herp with these three amigos - Young Cage, Tim Warfel and Matt Cage.

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Young Cage, Tim Warfel, Matt Cage by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

Here's what they were photographing. Young found it in Osceola NF.
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Scarlet King Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

These were found in Liberty County, Florida. Young had quite and experience with them.
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Pair of Copperheads by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

Carl Koch visited the farm just after Easter...I always enjoy his visit.
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Carl and Friendly Rat Snake by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Carl and Friendly Rat Snake by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

Glenn Bartolotti joined Carl and I in Apalachicola.

Here are some of what we found
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Glenn snake and Carl by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr
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Red Rat Snake by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Florida Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Southern Copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

I found this Red Rat Snake a week before Carl's visit
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Bradford County Red Rat Snake by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

Here are some Florida Kingsnakes from South Florida.
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Florida Kingsnake Juvenile (Lampropeltis getulus floridana) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Florida Kingsnake Juvenile (Lampropeltis getulus floridana) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Florida Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus floridana) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Yellow Rat snake closeup by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Southern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

Some Four Corners pics.

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Sunspider, solpugid, windscorpion by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Sceloporus spp2 by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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New Mexico Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)2 by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Collarded Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)4 by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Long-nosed leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Collarded Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)3 by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Striped Whipsnake (Coluber taeniatus)2 by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Striped Whipsnake (Coluber taeniatus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Collarded Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)2 by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Western Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris)3 by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Collarded Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Mike Pingleton, Jeremy Westerman, Thomas Wilder, Tim Warfel by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Second Day Breakfast Mike, Jimi, Tim and me. by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Woodhouse's Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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The Skull by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia phaeacantha) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Crotalus spp. by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Red-spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Plateau Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis velox) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Bull Snake by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Collarded Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Hopi Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis nuntius ) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Hopi Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis nuntius ) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

And now the rest of the year.

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Gopher Turtle on the Move by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Pitcher Plants by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Barn Owl by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Peninsula Mole Skink (Plestiodon egregius onocrepis) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Little Grass Frog (Pseudacris ocularis) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Pine Barrens Tree Frog (Hyla andersonii) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Pine Barrens Tree Frog (Hyla andersonii) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Southern Toad (Anaxyrus terrestris) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Bronze Frog (Rana clamitans) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Greenhouse Frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Slimy salamander (Plethodon grobmani) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Three-lined Salamander (Eurycea guttolineata) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Slimy salamander (Plethodon grobmani) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Slimy salamander (Plethodon grobmani) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Central Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens lousianensis) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Central Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens lousianensis) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Red-Spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Red-Spotted Newt Eft (Notophthalmus viridescens) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Longtail Salamander (Eurycea longicauda) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Green Salamander (Aneides aeneus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Pigeon Mountain Salamander (Plethodon petraeus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Mimic Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus mimicus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula getula) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula getula) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea copei) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Rough Earth Snake (Virginia striatula) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Rough Earth Snake (Virginia striatula) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Eastern Hognose (Heterodon platyrhinos) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Eastern Indigo (Drymarchon couperi) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Florida Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata obscura) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Canebrake Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus atricaudatus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Canebrake Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus atricaudatus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Canebrake Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus atricaudatus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Yellowjacket Queen (Vespula maculifrons) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Progressive Bee Fly (Exoprosopa fasciata) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Conenose Bug-Kissing Bug (Triatoma lecticularia) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Black Caterpillar Hunter (Calosoma sayi) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Dung Beetle (Dichotomius carolinus) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

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Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) by Daniel D Dye II, on Flickr

Thanks for viewing,
Daniel
Paul White
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Paul White »

i had to break this up into 3 viewings....holy crap man.

all in all...my favorite shot is the coluber eating the aspidocelis with the aspidocelis fighting back. That is just INSANE. I've come up on the tail end of predation events (seeing the tail end of the food vanish down the snakes gullet) but MAN seeing that on through would be insane.

The canebreak is pretty intense too...I'v enever even had the chance to herp for horridus, don't think I've ever been in their range.

Just insane!
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MHollanders
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by MHollanders »

Very cool post, Daniel. It's been good following you on Flickr. The last scarlet snake picture is particularly good.

Paul, if you've been to Houston, you've been well within horridus range.
gretzkyrh4
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by gretzkyrh4 »

Incredible year and great photos. I will probably have to go back through and look over them all just to absorb it all. And that last most is just wild. I've never seen any moth with that type of coloration.

Chris
Paul White
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Paul White »

when was the last time a horridus was documented as occuring in Harris county? I'd consider historical range but not really current range...and in Houston (i.e. a major metro area) isn'tthe same as getting to herp a place with good herping. I've been to Jesse Jones nearly every time I've been but I don't think a Crotalus (any species) has been documented there in many years.
Matt Cage
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Matt Cage »

Daniel

Wow, quite a year. You got some skills! Enjoyed the post!

Matt
VICtort
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by VICtort »

Daniel, that is an impressive list to see in a lifetime much less a year...well done. I was amazed to see the hatchlng Drymarchon couperi/Indigo. I have always heard juveniles and neonates are scarce as hens teeth...almost impossible to find. Can you comment on that? Have you found other small ones? Do you find adult Indigos and neonates in the same habitat or do they disperse as some have speculated to avoid feeding competition and predation by adult indigos? I would be so stoked to see an Indigo in the wild, and I hope someday I will, on the bucket list! Some amazing photos here, thanks for posting, this will keep me occupied for some time. Vic Herrick-Imperial Valley, Ca. ( and keeper of capitve bred Eastern Indigos).
ThomWild
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by ThomWild »

Daniel it was a pleasure getting to know you and herp with you a bit! I look forward to doing it again sometime.

-Thomas Wilder
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azatrox
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by azatrox »

Well done! Amazing pictures...

I particularly enjoyed the horridus makin' like it was fungi....

-Kris
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Dell Despain
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Dell Despain »

Wow! What a series of great photos.

The Barn owl shot is really nice.
The iridescence on the Mole Skinks tail is an incredible capture.
Really nice shot of the Mimic Glass Lizard, those aren't easy to get photos of.
The Scarlet is poster worthy.
And the first horridus photo is an incredible looking animal, love its black rattles.

Jaw dropping post. Thanks.

-Dell
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JAMAUGHN
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by JAMAUGHN »

Mind-boggling stuff here. Quite a year you've had!

JimM
Tamara D. McConnell
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Tamara D. McConnell »

Purely amazing, Daniel. So many stunning images, I can't pick a favorite. It's mind-blowing that you found all this great stuff in one year.
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BillMcGighan
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by BillMcGighan »

Wow, D
The quality of pics, diversity of creatures, and geographic locations is sensory overload!!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
.
:?: Quick question:
About 2/3 through the post, any info on the Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) with the insects all over it???
Mourits
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Mourits »

That's just amazing! :shock:
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Josh Holbrook
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Josh Holbrook »

Western Hog. Splendid. I think you just fueled my addiction - thanks. :thumb:
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Mike Pingleton »

WOW! Fantastic images! Very crisp and clean. I see you got a killer shot of the whipsnake-whiptail affair. That's one I'll never forget.

Like Bill, I'm curious about the little flies on the GTF. And thanks for the Dryocampa, one of my all-time favorites.

-Mike
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Norman D
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Norman D »

Great photography and finds! Love the crote shots
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monklet
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by monklet »

Yep, reckon that's as good as it get! Epic pics and critters :shock: :shock: :shock: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Can you say about where this one was found?
Image
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fins72
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by fins72 »

What a year indeed.... Awesome diversity in this post although I will say I am a little surprised with all the southeast species you found that you didn't post any EDBs. No luck with them? Congrats on an awesome year
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dery
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by dery »

yep i found a ton of lifers too :beer:
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DaveR
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by DaveR »

WOW!! Some of my favorites: the barn owl, yellowjacket queen, and all the canebrake shots. I will revisit this thread a lot. Thanks for sharing your work Daniel.
JDM
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by JDM »

Great work and excellent photography!!!
mikemike
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by mikemike »

Excellent post, Daniel. Great shots as always! Thanks a lot for taking us along, it looks like you had a great year.
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MHollanders
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by MHollanders »

Paul White wrote:when was the last time a horridus was documented as occuring in Harris county? I'd consider historical range but not really current range...and in Houston (i.e. a major metro area) isn'tthe same as getting to herp a place with good herping. I've been to Jesse Jones nearly every time I've been but I don't think a Crotalus (any species) has been documented there in many years.
I'm not aware of any Harris County horridus in recent years, although there's potential. However, there's (extremely) recent records for Montgomery, Colorado, Grimes, Victoria, Jackson, and virtually everything east and north of there. They are probably also in Brazoria County.

Edit: They are definitely in Brazoria County and probably/possibly Fort Bend County as well. The only reason they wouldn't be in Harris anymore is habitat destruction, not range.
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Carl Koch
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Carl Koch »

Oh my goodness, Daniel, you've SPLENDIDLY outdone yourself! WONDERFUL photography of a MARVELOUS selection of God's handiwork! Peninsula Mole Skink, Green Sal, Li’l Indigo, Rosy Maple Moth -- standouts amongst a standout collection. “....my favorite shot is the coluber eating the aspidocelis with the aspidocelis fighting back.” I’m with Paul. Can't wait to get out with you again!

Carl
joecop
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by joecop »

uhhhhh, yeah, I would say its been a good year for you. Holy crap!! Barn owl, canebrake , and the baby indigo were some of my favorites. How big was that one eastern king? (looks like a GA animal and looks BIG) Very impressive photography too. You just made my day :)

Joe
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Todd McKinney
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Todd McKinney »

That was some year you had
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bladerunner8u
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by bladerunner8u »

YOU JUST RAISED THE BAR! :!: :!: :!: WOW! Anad I thought I had a good year. The photos are some of the best I have ever seen.
TimCO
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by TimCO »

Smokin pics my man. Let's do it again next year.
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Crimson King
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Crimson King »

Well done. I know there's more and I expect you to ammend this post after the weekend....
I particularly like the Cemophora photo!
:Mark
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Tim Borski
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Tim Borski »

Holy Cow, Daniel, you've had quite the year when my back was turned!!! :lol:

The nuntias and Mimic Glass are awfully sharp dressed critters!
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole post and BIG congrats on an amazing season...your encore is gonna be tough/ I suggest you begin very soon! :mrgreen:

Tim
will lattea
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by will lattea »

Awesome post!

Why didn't you go with nuntius on that "Crotalus ssp."?

The tails on the onocrepis look like they're glowing! too cool. thanks for posting.

-Will
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dery
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by dery »

Josh Holbrook wrote:Western Hog. Splendid. I think you just fueled my addiction - thanks. :thumb:
just being outside does it for me :arrow: :mrgreen:
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Gary2sons
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Gary2sons »

Totally awesome post!

Stunning pics and herps!

Truly enjoyed this entire post! :D

Gary
Jimi
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Jimi »

Daniel (ahem, NOT merely "Dan"), I echo Thomas' remark - pleasure to meet you, hope to do it again soon, pardon the partial hijack below.

I also reiterate what everyone says about your photos - nice, real nice. Not much coming from Mr Thumbs here but...it's good to see the results from all that time you were spending with your gadgets!
Can you say about where this one was found?
Heck Brad, Utah is full of those things - come get some! I think that one was from our 4 corners trip (mainly San Juan County Utah & Montezuma County CO) but the Great Basin part of Utah has WAY better pits. Maybe you could make our Chapter field trip in late May? See some NV & UT pyros too maybe?

I need to give you a holler next time I'm in Ventura (I go most every March or April).

Cheers,
Jimi
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Daniel D Dye
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Daniel D Dye »

Let me begin with how much I appreciate the many compliments and positive feedback that you all have conveyed about my work. Yes I said work. Many of you, like me, spend many hours in the field and on the road searching for the critters we love to photograph and gaze upon. Not to mention the time it takes to process the images then upload to flicker or Photobucket so they can be view right here on the forum…exhausting!! The comments I’ve received from you all has made it worthwhile. I’m inspired…thanks.

Now to some of your questions:
VICtort wrote:I was amazed to see the hatchlng Drymarchon couperi/Indigo. I have always heard juveniles and neonates are scarce as hens teeth...almost impossible to find. Can you comment on that? Have you found other small ones? Do you find adult Indigos and neonates in the same habitat or do they disperse as some have speculated to avoid feeding competition and predation by adult indigos? Vic Herrick-Imperial Valley, Ca. ( and keeper of capitve bred Eastern Indigos).
Jake Scott and I found this one while searching for simus (Southern Hognose) and took several photos. Notice how sickly this specimen is. It was heart breaking to leave it knowing that it may not make it through the winter. With nearly 49 year of herping (we didn’t call it that when I was 10); this is the only one I’ve ever seen less than 3 feet long.
ThomWild wrote:Daniel it was a pleasure getting to know you and herp with you a bit! I look forward to doing it again sometime.
-Thomas Wilder
It was great to meet you as well Thomas. Look me up when you come to Florida.
BillMcGighan wrote:.
:?: Quick question:
About 2/3 through the post, any info on the Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) with the insects all over it???
Those I believe are biting midges, similar to the no-see-ums we have along the coastal areas. They seem to only be attracted to the frogs. They didn’t bother Yvonne and me at all.
Josh Holbrook wrote:Western Hog. Splendid. I think you just fueled my addiction - thanks. :thumb:
Don’t blame me for your addition.
Mike Pingleton wrote:WOW! Fantastic images! Very crisp and clean. I see you got a killer shot of the whipsnake-whiptail affair. That's one I'll never forget.
-Mike
Me neither…the whole trip was awesome.
monklet wrote: Can you say about where this one was found?
Image
Southeast Utah.
fins72 wrote:What a year indeed.... Awesome diversity in this post although I will say I am a little surprised with all the southeast species you found that you didn't post any EDBs. No luck with them? Congrats on an awesome year
No EDBs this year…so far. Found 4 in 2010 though.
Carl Koch wrote:Oh my goodness, Daniel, you've SPLENDIDLY outdone yourself! WONDERFUL photography of a MARVELOUS selection of God's handiwork! Peninsula Mole Skink, Green Sal, Li’l Indigo, Rosy Maple Moth -- standouts amongst a standout collection. “....my favorite shot is the coluber eating the aspidocelis with the aspidocelis fighting back.” I’m with Paul. Can't wait to get out with you again!
Carl
Thanks Carl…your friendship and photography always inspires me to keep on keeping on. See you in somewhere in 2012.
joecop wrote:uhhhhh, yeah, I would say its been a good year for you. Holy crap!! Barn owl, canebrake , and the baby indigo were some of my favorites. How big was that one eastern king? (looks like a GA animal and looks BIG) Very impressive photography too. You just made my day :)
Joe
That Georgia king was every bit of 5 feet. A very impressive animal.
bladerunner8u wrote:YOU JUST RAISED THE BAR! :!: :!: :!: WOW! Anad I thought I had a good year. The photos are some of the best I have ever seen.
We are going to have an exciting 2012, don’t you think?
Crimson King wrote:Well done. I know there's more and I expect you to ammend this post after the weekend....
:Mark
I’ll post this weekend separate from this one along with some other animals that didn’t make this post.
Tim Borski wrote:Holy Cow, Daniel, you've had quite the year when my back was turned!!! :lol:

The nuntias and Mimic Glass are awfully sharp dressed critters!
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole post and BIG congrats on an amazing season...your encore is gonna be tough/ I suggest you begin very soon! :mrgreen:
Tim
Yeah Tim, you look away…anything could happen.
And I’m beginning this weekend.
will lattea wrote:Awesome post!

Why didn't you go with nuntius on that "Crotalus ssp."?

The tails on the onocrepis look like they're glowing! too cool. thanks for posting.
-Will
If I remember correctly, there was some debate on whether this one was a hopi or not. So, I posted it as spp.
Jimi wrote:Daniel (ahem, NOT merely "Dan"), I echo Thomas' remark - pleasure to meet you, hope to do it again soon, pardon the partial hijack below.

I also reiterate what everyone says about your photos - nice, real nice. Not much coming from Mr Thumbs here but...it's good to see the results from all that time you were spending with your gadgets!

Cheers,
Jimi
It was great to herp with you Jimi and I know…way to many gadgets.

Daniel
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Ross Padilla
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Ross Padilla »

That was incredible! Very nice photos there, Daniel. I really liked the getula and that one really nice Corn snake. The baby Indigo was really cool too. :thumb:
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by herpseeker1978 »

Hey Daniel!

Great post! It was great getting to meet you at the four corners trip this year! It was also nice to meet another bug guy in this hobby. Great shots! You really got around this year! I hope to have a year like that someday, it's looking kind of dismal for a while now though, due to family circustances. I don't know if you recall my wife being sick on the four corners trip, she hides things pretty well. Well, she was sick for a reason! That reason is coming in February! :thumb: I am so stoked, yet it means less traveling for herping :( But the good outweighs the bad! Amazing post man!

Josh
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Daniel D Dye »

Wow Josh...February, congratulations. What date?

The good thing is when he or she gets old enough, you have another herping partner. The family that herps together stays together. :lol:
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by herpseeker1978 »

Daniel D Dye wrote:Wow Josh...February, congratulations. What date?

The good thing is when he or she gets old enough, you have another herping partner. The family that herps together stays together. :lol:
4th

Josh
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Mike Pingleton »

Hey Josh, let me add my congratulations to you and your wife! :thumb:

-Mike
herpseeker1978 wrote:Hey Daniel!

Great post! It was great getting to meet you at the four corners trip this year! It was also nice to meet another bug guy in this hobby. Great shots! You really got around this year! I hope to have a year like that someday, it's looking kind of dismal for a while now though, due to family circustances. I don't know if you recall my wife being sick on the four corners trip, she hides things pretty well. Well, she was sick for a reason! That reason is coming in February! :thumb: I am so stoked, yet it means less traveling for herping :( But the good outweighs the bad! Amazing post man!

Josh
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by DIAMONDBACK DAVE »

Daniel, loved this post....... Some of those shots are killer, like the coral close ups, real nice.

As ussaul I love seeing the canes from ur area.

And the shot of the copperfellows that almost nipped Young in the "U know where" came out really nice.

Ur always a pleasure to be in the field with.........

Till next spring... :thumb:

DBD
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by ThomWild »

herpseeker1978 wrote:Hey Daniel!

Great post! It was great getting to meet you at the four corners trip this year! It was also nice to meet another bug guy in this hobby. Great shots! You really got around this year! I hope to have a year like that someday, it's looking kind of dismal for a while now though, due to family circustances. I don't know if you recall my wife being sick on the four corners trip, she hides things pretty well. Well, she was sick for a reason! That reason is coming in February! :thumb: I am so stoked, yet it means less traveling for herping :( But the good outweighs the bad! Amazing post man!

Josh
Congrats Josh! Nothing beats herping with a little kid! It is a complete nostalgic overload.
Daniel D Dye wrote:The family that herps together stays together. :lol:
Daniel can I steal this and make a vinyl print of it to put on my car?

-Thomas
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by muskiemagnet »

nice barn owl shot. i also liked the wasp pic. good year for you.

-ben
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Daniel D Dye »

Thanks DBD, I'm looking forward to next year with some awesome trips. See you in Spring.

Thomas, of course you can use it. Send me a photo when it's complete.

Ben, that Barn owl flew almost straight at us. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the photo came out as well as it did. The female Yellow Jacket held her ground while the male took flight and did not return while we were there.

Daniel
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rpecora
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by rpecora »

Great post, and great pictures.

I couldn't help but notice the pic of gopher turtle (tortoise?), a very dark individual. Was that the lighting or was it as dark as it looks in the pic.
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by reptilist »

Great post!
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Daniel D Dye »

rpecora wrote:Great post, and great pictures.

I couldn't help but notice the pic of gopher turtle (tortoise?), a very dark individual. Was that the lighting or was it as dark as it looks in the pic.
As I recall, this one was old and pretty banged up and definitely darker than most.

Thanks, reptillist.

Daniel
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by Joshua Jones »

Great stuff!!! You did, indeed, have a great year. :beer:

I'm pretty sure the unidentified crote was another hopi. BTW, is nuntius still used? I thought the Hopi rattlesnake was re-designated as some form of locality-specific C.v.viridis.
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Re: Wow, What a Year!!! It doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Post by walk-about »

Daniel,

Just too many good pics to draw my favorite from the bunch. Great pics, great specimens and fantastic post. That gopher snake might be one of the prettiest I have ever seen!

RocK ON!

Dave
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