Wet Gear

I have been planning and obsessing over underwater camera gear for a while now. With the herping season nonexistent, I had to find something else to keep my outdoor interests.  (I know it's winter, and scuba diving doesn't exactly make sense!) I finally squirreled away the money, and made the decision to take the plunge into the underwater world as we have an upcoming trip in the south Pacific in February. Hopefully by this time next month I will be able to share pictures from the bottom of the Bora Bora lagoon!

I researched all the different options for my Nikon D7000 and ultimately decided on the Nauticam NA-D7000. From reading numerous reviews, it seemed to provided me with the best access to key controls,  options for lighting and growth in the future. I picked out some strobes, and ports for my lenses and bam. I guess I have a new hobby.

The inside of the front of the rig, with the all important O ring.

And the back.  So sexy. Did I mention I can use all my buttons?

My wide angle port. Hoping to snatch some crapy pics of big sharks and mantas!

And the macro set-up. Umm macro.

I really don't quite know what I am doing, but it sounds like a fun adventure. I took everything in the pool last week and fired it all up. I should be good to go. Maybe I can start getting shots of woodies, mudpuppies and gators from underwater in the future?

I should have some pics - crappy or not - of a nice warm location to share soon. Until then, keep trying to survive winter!

BH

One Last Paddle, Again!

Michigan was lucky to have a few warm spells in November and I managed to sneak up north for a day to take advantage of the weather. Curtis and I met on the fringe of wood turtle territory, although in a river system they are not known from. The conditions were sunny, but cool in the mid to low 50s. It probably wasn't the best time of the year to try and explore fringe rivers, but it was a little closer of a drive for the two of us on a day trip.

We had a some great access, and quickly prepared for the trip. The old trusty explorer made this excursion and is still treating me well.

I am usually not an advocate of drinking while paddling. I focus on the turtles and save that for the campfire, but on a lazy day we couldn't resist bringing one for the water.

We quickly started seeing map turtles basking along the river though. I think we ended up with about 15 for the day.

This turtle was gaping like a crocadilian. I don't see them do this too often.

We were able to watch a pileated woodpecker for a while, but I was unable to get a clear shot.

A great way to enjoy a fall paddle.

Happy Herping,

BH

Herp ID Help: 5

Although this is pretty easy, I will give you two pictures of the same species. Cell phone pictures can be kinda blurry sometimes!

Click for snake ID:

Both pictures are again of Eastern Milksnakes Lampropeltis triangulum.

BH

Herp ID Help: 4

Looks very similar to some of the snakes already posted...

Click for snake ID:

But this is a young Black Ratsnake Pantherophis obsoleta. They have much more distinct markings when they are young, which usually fade into the classic black most people are used to. Some individuals will retain a light pattern into their adult age.

BH

Herp ID Help: 3

I usually first see these pictures on my phone. It is fairly easy to identify the animal most of the time, even on the small screen. Sometimes I have to look a little harder or pull it up on a computer screen.

Most of the images are accompanied by concern that a rattlesnake is in their home.

Click for snake ID:

Eastern Milk Snake Lampropeltis triangulum

This one intially looked a little like a northern watersnake on my small phone screen. What did you first think?

BH

Turkey Day!

Happy Turkey Day everyone! May your winter be mild and the wildlife abundant.

BH

Herp ID Help: 2

The first few will stay pretty easy.

Snake two was found in Ohio.

Click for Snake ID:

Eastern Milk Snake Lampropeltis triangulum

Happy Herping,

BH