The Rodman Dam field trip
was a great success! Elizabeth Ray was kind enough to let me scan
her photos to be placed online. Participants in the trip included
Elizabeth Ray, the Wells family, Steve and Brenda Scoates, Vic Morgan, the
Rooker clan (Rick Rooker, Samantha and Lexi Rubin) and
Whit Heamon.
There is only 5 photos at this time. I hope to have a few more
within the next few days. I have added a brief from the trip that
Samantha was kind enough to allow me to put online. I think she is
trying to get us to ask her to write for the JHS and League
newsletters. I broke Samantha's writing into pieces and made
her text green. Thanks Samantha. |
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It
was a fantastic time! Rick Wells, and his daughter Elizabeth,
did the majority of the seining--obviously they are the most
experienced, and took the big PLUNGE into the water. What a
wonderful experience! We had the opportunity to see so many
different creatures, and as a novice to siening it was a
wonderful experience; especially when I can share with my daughter
the beauty of nature. ~Samantha Rubin
The "Elizabeths,"
(Wells in back, Ray in front) look for critters in the water.
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The "Elizabeths"
carry up the goods. |
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On
the field trip we saw:
Islands --
you see, out in the water are these groups of vegetation that are
large. Steve Scoates, our resident giant, (with a heart of gold)
swam to one of these enormous patches of vegetation and proceeded to
pull it to shore. (what a sight!) ~Samantha Rubin
"Wait a
minute!" "That's not a turtle. That's
Steve!"
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On
the field trip we saw:
Dragonfly Larvae --(do not touch, they hurt)
Crayfish --(large and small)
Small fish --(we threw them back!)
Spiders --(It is so ironic that all these skilled herpers squeal and
scream at a spider)
Name eludes me --small eel thing --they are the slimiest, hardest to
capture creatures on earth, but what fun and laughs we had trying!
(we got quite a few)
Frogs --there is a certain species that hides in the lilies and
makes quite a noise. All I wanted was to find one --WE DID GET ONE!
Snake -Yes a snake. What a prize for us! .A crawfish snake was
discovered! ~Samantha Rubin
Elizabeth and a
crawfish snake.
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Then
we went to another area that the former herpers know well. Of
course, as events would have it, we followed Vic to the appointed
area. Guess what was crossing the road? As hard to
believe as it is, a Gopher tortoise is trying to cross a busy
two-lane road, in front of Vic! Is that divine intervention or
what? We pulled over and examined him and sent him on his
way...(as we all know you NEVER move a gopher tortoise (or any other
creature) from its own habitat. Now we go to an area that has
a stream we follow...and believe me as we get deeper it is more like
Jurrassic park than ever!!! The main excitement for me was the
large cottonmouth that was sunning quietly, (until Vic almost
stepped on it!) The majority of us got to see it and as
respectable herpers...just admired from afar this magnificient
creature! There is one issue I have left
out.......A couple of herpers went into the woods to seek
snakes.....Richard Rooker..(my boyfriend)...I hate that
word!!!....Caught a Pygmy Rattlesnake. As a mother, and
significant other (I am NOT a girlfriend).....(LOL)....I was
horrified!!!! But I have to say I have been a vet tech
for over 15years...(ouch!)..My main concern has always been warm
blooded creatures and Rick has always supported my love for
them....therefore I will always do what I can for cold blooded
creatures.....(don't tell anyone but I had my first snake at the age
of 4..box turtle at the age of 5.....Who knew I would meet the man
of my dreams while being able to protect and enjoy the creatures on
earth ? Our home has the normal amount of daily trials
and tribulations but intertwined is the adoration of Earth's
creatures...cold and warm blooded. Unless you are a true
herper I never diclose the amount of cold blooded creatures in our
home. Rick is a gifted herpetologist, but I will leave the 7
foot snakes to him while I go about trying to help the cats and dogs
of the world. Lexi my 6 year old remains in question.
She is fearless of any snake ...6 inches to 6 feet...and can tame
any cat....but put any bug of any kind near her and I have never
seen such a reaction....Riverdance watch out!!!!.....I cannot begin
to explain the thoughts and feelings I have for all creatures but I
do feel very fortunate to be able to share this world with the
animals and people that make it so warm and furry....cold and scaley....we
are all together on this earth...Lets do the best we can!!!
Samantha
Rubin
(Ecologist wannabe!!)
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Now
if you ask my 6 year old the best part of the trip was the rope
swing we found....(GO FIGURE!) ~Samantha Rubin
Elizabeth poses while
the others are on the rope swing.
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