Monthly Archives: July 2009
Lower Falls
Downstream from the lower falls at Letchworth State Park, the river is naturally channelized between two large cliff faces. From the foot bridge across the river, I think every patron that visits the park takes a photograph, particularly now that digital cameras are so popular. I, of course, am no exception.
Hog-nosed Viper
This Porthidium is the third venomous snake in Palo Verde. The first one we found I accidently ran over with a rented car. It didn’t die in vain though, as Charles took it back to the museum in Kansas.
Purple gallinule
A fantastically colorful wetland bird, the purple gallinule was skittish and quiet. It prefers roasting in the cattail (Typha) and would squeeze into a small area within the cattail, keep totally silent and watch as I walked by, making it difficult to photograph them. Most instances when I did see them, it was only their white rump as the quickly flew away.
Jacana in flight
A Northern Jacana flies passed. In flight, the jacanas vocalize almost constantly, even when potential predators (like myself) are around. It always seemed odd that the birds were so conspicuous.
Meet Coral
Coral, my father’s new haflinger, was born in late May and I was able to see her for the first time last weekend. She’s excitable, curious and very pretty. Additionally, she likes here chest scratched – her eyes nearly roll back if you scratch hard enough.
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Depth of field
I’m learning a lot about my camera and lenses still. Here’s an example of aperture adjustment.
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Name the Family
What family does this fly belong to? I discovered it rested on a unknown shrub rooted on the bank of a stream.
Behind the scenes
Most of my herp pictures weren’t taken in the field proper. The animals were brought back to the lab, placed near the lab and photographed in an environment that was a bit more comfortable and tolerable for the photographer. In addition to photographing the individuals, measurements such as length and weight were taken in a quick and dirty effort to provide some longer-term monitoring of these species. Below, Mahmood (left) and Vinny (right – a fellow IRES student that arrived 1 July… the day I took to recover from my birthday) photograph a Micrurus.
Fringe-toed foamfrog
Leptodactylus melanonotus’ common name above refers to the small spike on the medial edge of the front legs of males – kind of like a nuptial pad, except sharper – and the build up of a foamy substance the frogs create when laying eggs by kicking around the surface of the water.