Random Pictures Thread

[DLJeffs]

And as best I know, no one has come up with a good theory why certain snakes developed keeled versus smooth scales. There are no commonalities either - such as not all water snakes have smooth or keeled scales, not all venomous snakes have smooth versus keeled, not all desert habitat snakes or jungle habitat snakes, etc etc. Nearly all vipers have keeled scales but not all. One theory is light reflextion - smooth scales are shiny, keeled are not which could aid in camouflage. That means snakes that are ambush hunters theoretically would favor keeled scales and vice versa but there's plenty of contradictions to both. I love nature, I doubt we'll ever figure it all out.

 

[scootac]

Keeled scales look like they have a boat keel, sometimes distinct, sometimes very faint. Let me see if I can find a picture. Smooth don't have the "keel" feature.

Here's a good picture comparison...
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Thank You!!!
Have never inspected a snake that closely. But....if there's a dead one.....I'll take a look now!

 

[scootac]

And as best I know, no one has come up with a good theory why certain snakes developed keeled versus smooth scales. There are no commonalities either - such as not all water snakes have smooth or keeled scales, not all venomous snakes have smooth versus keeled, not all desert habitat snakes or jungle habitat snakes, etc etc. Nearly all vipers have keeled scales but not all. One theory is light reflextion - smooth scales are shiny, keeled are not which could aid in camouflage. That means snakes that are ambush hunters theoretically would favor keeled scales and vice versa but there's plenty of contradictions to both. I love nature, I doubt we'll ever figure it all out.

Easy.....keeps them from sliding downhill when going across a slippery slope!

 

[SENC]

Thank You!!!
Have never inspected a snake that closely. But....if there's a dead one.....I'll take a look now!

I'm not a huge snake fan, either, and tend to keep my distance, too. That said, we have lots of different snakes in NC including numerous venomous species - and since I like outdoor activities that can find us occupying the same square yard or two of land/water it has made sense to learn a few identifying characteristics.

 

[DLJeffs]

Easy.....keeps them from sliding downhill when going across a slippery slope!

Actually, that is sort of one of the theories - keels or rough ventral scales and scales on the sides help snakes that climb trees. And that's probably true. Trouble is, lots of snakes that don't climb trees have keeled scales as well, and some arboreal snakes like the mambas have smooth scales and boomslangs have keeled scales only high on the dorsal pinnacle. Boas are very arboreal too and they're all smooth scaled. Go figure.

 

[tcarltonw]

@tcarltonw Travis which park in north Austin? I love those kites. Jim

Rattan Park. They had a water hole that they'd frequent right off of the bridge on Tamayo st(rd?) I saw them on Monday but the hole dried up a day later so I'm worried they may have moved on.

 

[barry richardson]

Enough about snakesBig rock off the south coast of Iceland, you can see a mainland volcano peak in the background right, this is from a couple weeks ago…

 

[bhatleberg]

Praying mantis egg case hatched.

 

[Nature Man]

Praying mantis egg case hatched.

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They are such good bugs!

 

[Arn213]

New York Harbor & Staten Island Ferry Terminal……..

 

[Arn213]

New York Harbor View of The Financial District w/ The Brooklyn Bridge & Manhattan Bridge in the background………

 

[T. Ben]

Some clouds that looked pretty cool.

 

[Arn213]

This specific spot and preferably with a wide angle lens (which I did not have), you can capture the 3 iconic buildings in this mid-town NYC location in 42nd Street. The MetLife Building (was the PanAm building) in the far background, Grand Central Terminal in the middle ground and the Chrysler Building in the foreground. Fascinating trio of Architecture that represents 3 distinct styles: 1). International Style, 2). Beaux Arts and c). Art Deco.

 

[Arn213]

The endless debate between New Yorker’s or tourist- which is the “coolest” Art Deco style skyscraper, the Chrysler Building or the Empire State Building? The distance between them is about 3,000+ feet, 5+ minute walk and they were only 11 months apart when they were completed (c. 1930).

 

[Arn213]

Definitely one of my fave’s, a “gem” of an interior and one of the most beautiful re-use in NYC. If you are close to or already in the dog house with your other half, this is truly one of the most romantic places for a romantic get away. This is how siblings are added!

The skylight with the central atrium sets this apart from many hotel layouts. This Historic Landmark building (Victorian Style c. 1880’s), The Beekman” is nestled in the Nassau Street in lower Manhattan, adjacent to City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

[DLJeffs]

The endless debate between New Yorker’s or tourist- which is the “coolest” Art Deco style skyscraper, the Chrysler Building or the Empire State Building? The distance between them is about 3,000+ feet, 5+ minute walk and they were only 11 months apart when they were completed (c. 1930).

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Shoot, there's no debate there ... King Kong resolved that one a long time ago.

 

[Arn213]

Shoot, there's no debate there ... King Kong resolved that one a long time ago.

Don’t forget Godzilla

 

[Rocking RP]

Did some rearranging in my office. Like the way it turned out (I did not carve the goose)

 

[JD1137]

Did some rearranging in my office. Like the way it turned out (I did not carve the goose)

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Looks great. Just asking, what type of wood is the wall sculpture w/turquoise(?) inlay?

 

[Rocking RP]

Looks great. Just asking, what type of wood is the wall sculpture w/turquoise(?) inlay?

That's mesquite by Buddy Compton from Colorado City, Tx. Won it at Christmas party where we do a raffle.