Friday Night Photos Reptile Edition

Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 5:00pm

Happy Friday everyone. I hope everybody is doing well. As always, post any photos, memes, or music you like.

I woke up yesterday and realized I didn't have any photos ready for tonights FNP. It brought back memories from school days when you remember, Oh shit, I have a test tomorrow and I haven't studied all week. So I grabbed the camera and headed to the zoo to do a little cramming on the subject of reptiles.

Gray's Monitor Lizard

Catalina Island Rattlesnake

The Tommy Turtle Trio Unknown turtle species

African Bush Viper

Green Crested Basilisk

Galapagos Tortoise

Chinese Alligator

Sleeping Dragon Komodo Dragon

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Submitted by ban nock on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 6:03pm

I like the monitor lizard pic

I've heard they are an alternate host for some type of roundworm that needs to live in a rodent to complete its life cycle. Monitor lizards eat a fair number of rodents and when people eat the raw or undercooked monitor the roundworm infects the spine and brain. I simply decline all offers of wild meat while in other countries, not due to squeamishness but there is no scientific wildlife management.

Not sure how I got off on this tangent. I do remember being told not to eat monitor, and why.

Nice pic and interesting critter.

Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 7:31pm

Hi, ban nock

@ban nock
I don't know anything about Komodo's and Roundworms. I do know it's not good to eat most types of uncooked meat.

—

I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.

Submitted by QMS on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 7:09pm

Thanks for the photo essay SP

That Gray Lizard has almost human looking hands. Do you think the thumb is
articulated?

Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 7:34pm

Hi, QMS.

@QMS
Interesting question. Lets give one a beer bottle and see if it can twist off the top.

—

I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.

Submitted by dystopian on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 8:59pm

Hi pixelators

Hi all, Hey SP,

Great herp pix SP!

Love those Basilisk, I have handled them, they are very docile, tame, and non-aggressive. Like snakes, some lizards are bitey, others not. The thing that kills you with Komodos is the dang bacteria in their mouths. You get live flesh eating stuff injected into you when they bite. Carcass eating things (scavengers) are dangerous for contacts. Did you get to see the Basilisk run on water?

quick basilisk bit

For those that don't do herps, no not herpes, herps, the word is short for those animals studied in Herpetology. The study of reptiles and amphibians, including everything from turtles to salamanders, besides the main snakes and lizard groups. Herpers say, we're going herpin'; tonight, you wanna ride left fender? We used to 'run roads' at night, slow, out in the desert, 10-20 mph, people on each fender with snake hooks and other natural historian equipment. A five-iron is hard to beat for a snake hook. I can hook a golf ball with one too. You wouldn't believe the stuff we saw. I hear it is pretty wiped out though now, compared to the 60's and 70's. Socal sounds like it got totally over-collected. Once the herp hobby took off in the 90's, that was it. Now they were worth money. Didn't take long. Prior it was only those with actual serious interest. We maintained full-blown desert ecosystems in the boxes the freezer and TV came in, in the backyard. Neighbors knew to bring snakes back to us. We were that house. The one with the weasel. And snakes. Fish tanks, the occasional bird. All kinds of shit! It was awesome. Never knew what you might get to see there.

This is a Pacific Ridley's Sea Turtle. I think this one was just a few miles off the Palos Verdes Peninsula in L.A. Co., would have been later 90's. It had warmed up so much that the air inside had expanded to a degree that it could not dive. Made a happy load of birders on a pelagic birding trip, the first sea-turtle for many. Socal is not the east coast for sea turtles, I went for many years and never saw one. Many more occur lately since the water has warmed a few dF.

I have a couple hours of work to do, so ... gotta fly...

Have good ones all!

—

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 9:37pm

Hi, dystopian

@dystopian
What a great opportunity to see the Pacific Ridley's Sea Turtle.
Thanks for the video on the Basilisk. I recall seeing it years ago. I had forgotten that they can run short distances on water.
Check out this link. It seems that it's not the bacteria in the Komodo's mouth that's deadly but venom.
https://roaring.earth/komodo-dragon-kill-with-bacteria-or-venom/

Hi all, Hey SP, Great herp pix SP! Love those Basilisk, I have handled them, they are very docile, tame, and non-aggressive. Like snakes, some lizards are bitey, others not. The thing that kills you with Komodos is the dang bacteria in their mouths. You get live flesh eating stuff injected into you when they bite. Carcass eating things (scavengers) are dangerous for contacts. Did you get to see the Basilisk run on water? quick basilisk bit For those that don't do herps, no not herpes, herps, the word is short for those animals studied in Herpetology. The study of reptiles and amphibians, including everything from turtles to salamanders, besides the main snakes and lizard groups. Herpers say, we're going herpin'; tonight, you wanna ride left fender? We used to 'run roads' at night, slow, out in the desert, 10-20 mph, people on each fender with snake hooks and other natural historian equipment. A five-iron is hard to beat for a snake hook. I can hook a golf ball with one too. You wouldn't believe the stuff we saw. I hear it is pretty wiped out though now, compared to the 60's and 70's. Socal sounds like it got totally over-collected. Once the herp hobby took off in the 90's, that was it. Now they were worth money. Didn't take long. Prior it was only those with actual serious interest. We maintained full-blown desert ecosystems in the boxes the freezer and TV came in, in the backyard. Neighbors knew to bring snakes back to us. We were that house. The one with the weasel. And snakes. Fish tanks, the occasional bird. All kinds of shit! It was awesome. Never knew what you might get to see there. This is a Pacific Ridley's Sea Turtle. I think this one was just a few miles off the Palos Verdes Peninsula in L.A. Co., would have been later 90's. It had warmed up so much that the air inside had expanded to a degree that it could not dive. Made a happy load of birders on a pelagic birding trip, the first sea-turtle for many. Socal is not the east coast for sea turtles, I went for many years and never saw one. Many more occur lately since the water has warmed a few dF. I have a couple hours of work to do, so ... gotta fly... Have good ones all!

—

I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.

Submitted by dystopian on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 9:57am

thanks SP

@Socialprogressive thanks SP,

Hadn't heard the newest news... just the now 'old' news. I read of someone getting salmonella from being bit, and it was suspected to be from the raw chickens they were feeding them. For tourism purposes, e.g., photo ops. So it was the people that gave it to the lizards, one of which gave it back, in a simple twist of fate.

—

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

Submitted by janis b on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 4:05am

Absolutely fascinating video, dystopian

@dystopian

The Basilisk's natural abilities are an amazing expression of adaptation to one's natural conditions.

Nothing like the ability to race across water or float like a turtle full of hot air ; ).

Hi all, Hey SP, Great herp pix SP! Love those Basilisk, I have handled them, they are very docile, tame, and non-aggressive. Like snakes, some lizards are bitey, others not. The thing that kills you with Komodos is the dang bacteria in their mouths. You get live flesh eating stuff injected into you when they bite. Carcass eating things (scavengers) are dangerous for contacts. Did you get to see the Basilisk run on water? quick basilisk bit For those that don't do herps, no not herpes, herps, the word is short for those animals studied in Herpetology. The study of reptiles and amphibians, including everything from turtles to salamanders, besides the main snakes and lizard groups. Herpers say, we're going herpin'; tonight, you wanna ride left fender? We used to 'run roads' at night, slow, out in the desert, 10-20 mph, people on each fender with snake hooks and other natural historian equipment. A five-iron is hard to beat for a snake hook. I can hook a golf ball with one too. You wouldn't believe the stuff we saw. I hear it is pretty wiped out though now, compared to the 60's and 70's. Socal sounds like it got totally over-collected. Once the herp hobby took off in the 90's, that was it. Now they were worth money. Didn't take long. Prior it was only those with actual serious interest. We maintained full-blown desert ecosystems in the boxes the freezer and TV came in, in the backyard. Neighbors knew to bring snakes back to us. We were that house. The one with the weasel. And snakes. Fish tanks, the occasional bird. All kinds of shit! It was awesome. Never knew what you might get to see there. This is a Pacific Ridley's Sea Turtle. I think this one was just a few miles off the Palos Verdes Peninsula in L.A. Co., would have been later 90's. It had warmed up so much that the air inside had expanded to a degree that it could not dive. Made a happy load of birders on a pelagic birding trip, the first sea-turtle for many. Socal is not the east coast for sea turtles, I went for many years and never saw one. Many more occur lately since the water has warmed a few dF. I have a couple hours of work to do, so ... gotta fly... Have good ones all!

Submitted by janis b on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 3:00am

Hi Social

Such fascinating and unique creatures you have captured in your photography. It's a treat to go with you on your expeditions.

The portrait of the gray's monitor lizard is captivating and the trio of turtles is very sweet. It looks like you had to lay down on your front or at least bow to greet the chinese alligator.

Thank you Social

Submitted by Socialprogressive on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 1:08pm

Hi, Janis

@janis b
Angles can be deceiving. That and a tight crop. I was standing full upright when I took the shot of the Alligator.
Here's the original unedited version.
NZ9_3217_46340.2.JPG

—

I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.

Submitted by janis b on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 10:38pm

Thanks Social

@Socialprogressive

You perform magic in editing ; )

Submitted by janis b on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 3:17am

Hi all

Three days ago I visited my beloved beach. It was the day after an exceptionally stormy day coincided with a rare King Tide.

I've tried to articulate in words what these photos don’t capture because of how picturesque they are on a clear sunny afternoon after the event. At the same time they are a reminder to me of how much things can change in a day, and highlight the impact of rising sea levels.

In some ways the beach was as familiar as it has always been, as I know it, a moderately well protected bay beach with a prevailing gentleness about it. More sand was moved around than I had ever seen in the past. I have never observed a more shape shifting event there, then on this day.

On this day there was a mixture of 1.5 ft diameter pieces of ocean weathered wood, and young trees that had just slipped off with a piece of the cliff. Some tree debris was so recent they even had small bits of fresh green growth on it.

This photo shows smaller and lighter rocks scattered through the moss-covered large boulders. I had never seen these rocks exposed before, at least as far as I remember.

Very rarely would you see a large piece of driftwood. Normally the pieces wouldn’t be much bigger than what could be held in my hand.

This large piece of driftwood has an animal, if not reptilian look to it.

I figure the best I can do is try to accept the reality of these changes, and still find the beauty and surprise of nature.

Have a good weekend all.

Submitted by dystopian on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 10:01am

Hi Janis!

@janis b Hi Janis,

The calm after the storm... Thanks for taking us on your beach walk! Beautiful photos. What is the water temp? Any Wrybill where you are? Looks a wonderful place.

Take care!

—

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

Submitted by janis b on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 11:00pm

Hi dystopian

@dystopian

I might have seen a wrybill if I had noticed the bird's bill being awry. I learned from NZ Birds Online, they are in the area every winter here. They migrate North in the winter after breeding on the South Island. They are endemic and are considered quite special for being the only bird worldwide with a laterally-curved bill. They also only migrate internally. The bay I frequent predominantly is a small bay neighbouring the much larger bay where they will certainly be at times. I’ll keep my eye out for them the next time I visit that bay, and will bring binoculars as well as my camera. Unfortunately my camera lens will probably not get close enough to identify the birds I see, but I’ll try.

The water temps are 54° f, not exactly comfortable swimming weather at the moment.

Thank you for all your curiosity and knowledge. It encourages me to learn more about my environment, which is always a pleasure.

Submitted by dystopian on Mon, 08/07/2023 - 3:46pm

Hi Janis!

@janis b Hey J! You are a treasure... awry she said !!!! ROFL

Not, Awry bill, a Wrybill. You are so funny...

I bet there are a bunch of kiwi birder bad puns on this line, probably haikus and everything.

It is one of those most unusual, one-of-a-kind end-of-the-line gene pools on earth, whilst being nearly totally overlooked despite such.

Thanks for the laugh...

—

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

Submitted by janis b on Mon, 08/07/2023 - 11:46pm

Hi dystopian

@dystopian

You always make me smile or laugh, with your light-hearted and wry humour. I’m glad when I can reciprocate. Thank you also for the inspiration you give.

I’ll try in this lifetime to see a wrybill, if not record one for you ; ).

I hope you get some cool relief and just the right amount of rain soon.

Submitted by Socialprogressive on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 1:17pm

Thanks for taking us for

@janis b
a walk along the beach, Janis. Driftwood. That's something we don't see a lot of on the beaches in Socal. We make up for it with tons of seaweed and kelp. Love the contrasting lines and patterns in the last shot. And yes, it does look rather reptilian.

—

I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.

Submitted by snoopydawg on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 8:14pm

Great comment

@janis b

I felt like I was right there with you on the beach while you explained what you were seeing. Well done!

As for the driftwood I see the reptile on the left and I see an alien on the right. Boy it’s a good thing that government told us that UFOs are real or I’d be worried.

—

Was Humpty Dumpty pushed?

Submitted by janis b on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 10:50pm

Hi snoopy

@snoopydawg

My association when photographing the driftwood was with dogs, the image enhanced by dog footprints in the sand. It made me think of you, and your love of sand art and dawgs ; )

Thank you for appreciating my effort to try and describe something more tangible than I could translate in photos. I'm glad I could take you on a little beach walk.

Submitted by orlbucfan on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 7:06am

Great photos and interesting comments, you all.

I knew vaguely that Komodo Dragons were large reptiles, but man-sized? Wow! The Basilisk's 'feet' are evolved to walk on water. Nature really is amazing. You're starting to get King Tides where you live, jb? Welcome to the gradually rising sea level club. Grrrrrrr. Nothing like sea water temps. now in the triple digits.
Rec'd!!

—

Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.

Submitted by Socialprogressive on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 1:21pm

Hi, orlbucfan

@orlbucfan
I remember how surprised I was to see water temps in the triple digits. That can't be good for the local ecosystem.

—

I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.

Submitted by orlbucfan on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 6:09am

It's horrific, Sp, but SOP in this state.

@Socialprogressive The eco first responders are trying to save the corals by extracting what they can out of that hot water. They then put them in cooler tanks. Par for the course in this state. Just check out all the elected garbage we have for "state government." You-know-what on the whole bunch!

—

Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.

Submitted by janis b on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 10:51pm

Hi obf

@orlbucfan

I guess we are all experiencing increasing numbers of King Tides. My parents lived in S. Florida for half their lives. My mom repeatedly said half jokingly, she was waiting for the state to sink as she observed the explosion of development.