T.radix den?

[guidofatherof5]

Well, I pulled a board off the deck and found a number of areas the snake could be entering the house or at least the inside of the cinder blocks. I set the video camera up on the one that had snake poop stains on the block. I figure this must be the location that gets the most traffic.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/radix_den.jpg

Here's the small security camera I'm using.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/camera.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/camera1.jpg

I ran the video and audio cables around the outside of the house and in through the radix nursery window. This is a shot of what the camera sees. I have it hooked up to my flat panel TV in the nursery. I also put a small light under the deck. I will have to see how that works after dark. If the action is good I might invest in a webcam for the location.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/radix_den1.jpg

[ssssnakeluvr]

nice....can't wait to see how many are crawling in and out!!! I neeeeeed a house like that!!!

[brain]

So this will confirm or not you have a winter den for the locals? ;)

[guidofatherof5]

So this will confirm or not you have a winter den for the locals? ;)

My plan is to get my hands on a fiber optic camera I can snake(haha) down the cinder block. If I do have a den I'm going to punch a hole into it from the inside and setup a viewing box. The box will be insulated as to keep the natural temp. where it should be. Should be pretty cool if it all works out the way I want.

[brain]

Exciting .. looking forward to the progress.

[gregmonsta]

Fingers crossed for great results ;)

[prattypus]

Sounds neat. Looks like you are going to be giving Manitoba a run for their attention.

[guidofatherof5]

Haven't had but a few minutes to watch the radix channel but so far no activity. Might be a dead zone if it is a den. This fall may prove to be a different story. I'll keep you posted on any activity I witness.

[Snaky]

Exciting, let's hope you'll see some interesting activity in the fall;)

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow that would be soo cool!

[guidofatherof5]

*UPDATE*

The radixcam is back up and running. After moving the nursery down stairs I didn't take the time to re-run the wiring from the camera. Tonight I got that done since on Tuesday the weather is making a change for the colder. Tuesday is the first day of Fall and our high temp here will be in the low 60's. At night down in the 40's. All my outside snakes are going to be heading for warmer accommdations. I'm hoping this location turns out to be a Den. Imagion that, a radix den in my own house. It doesn't get any better than this.

[Mommy2many]

Put out the signs, couple of blankies and you're all set!

[guidofatherof5]

I haven't had a great deal of time to watch the radix channel but tonight when I flipped it on I saw one checking out a warm spot down in the cinder block of my house foundation.
He stayed on top for awhile then headed down in the block for the night. I'm still hoping to find a snake camera(no pun intended) so I can get a look down in the block.
The lows have been in the 30's so I think the traffic in this location should be picking up. We have our first chance for snow in the forcast this weekend.
Sorry for the poor photo quality. Taking a picture of a TV screen never turns out well.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/video_den.jpg

[sirtalis01]

that is the koolest idea.....

[dashnu]

Haha, this is great Steve. :D :D

[wolfpacksved]

What if you see the radix exiting w/ TVs, DVD players, jewelery ??

[jitami]

Very cool, Steve :)

[gregmonsta]

Well spotted :D. Look forward to more.

[guidofatherof5]

I took some video of this one heading into is den last night. I'll try to get it loaded on youtube today. This morning I found him just coming out. As I type he's just sitting there.
Sorry about the quality of the photo. Taking pictures of something on TV never works out.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like someone has a roomate.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/en11.jpg

[bkhuff1s]

You have just a little bit of free time on your hands don't you :)

[guidofatherof5]

You have just a little bit of free time on your hands don't you :)

Home sick with the flu.
That's even a good time to spend with my snakes.

[guidofatherof5]

I just posted a video on these guys.
YouTube - Garter snake(t.radix) den (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyQRPxAcVmc)

[Stefan-A]

Watching it right now.

[gregmonsta]

Nice :D ... watched and rated.

[guidofatherof5]

While watch the radix channel I saw one of the snakes heading out of the den. I went outside and waited for it to come out from under the deck.
She's a very nice female with just a hint of orange on her sides. After shooting some video I let her go back under the deck Here's a link to the video.

My plans are to put a couple more cameras under there to catch the mating activity this Spring. I've never seen any mating balls in my area so they must be taking care of business under the cover of the deck.
YouTube - radix den visitor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Yrz4UAAu4)

[mustang]

h1n1? i got it too hey now ur immune! yay and u get the right to be lazy!(since none wants u to sspread it theyll probably look u in a room with a tv and when u want something u call ur house phone and theyll bring it to you!it was somewhat fun excluding the coughing and abuteral)

[guidofatherof5]

h1n1? i got it too hey now ur immune! yay and u get the right to be lazy!(since none wants u to sspread it theyll probably look u in a room with a tv and when u want something u call ur house phone and theyll bring it to you!it was somewhat fun excluding the coughing and abuteral)


Only one problem. You're coming at this illness from the young adult still living at home view. I'm the only adult in the house, which means. Sick or not my 5 kids still need taken care of. You had me ROFL with that totally fictional account of the illness. I'm not even aloud to die, yet.:D

[mustang]

on the contrary im not healthy i got seireus asthma and once my parents were both sick so i took care of them and my little brother!

[guidofatherof5]

on the contrary im not healthy i got seireus asthma and once my parents were both sick so i took care of them and my little brother!

That is refreshing to hear. Nice job being respectful and responsible, Robert.

[mustang]

That is refreshing to hear. Nice job being respectful and responsible, Robert.
thank u i dont here that often usually im called lazy, jack _ _ _, or a smart _ _ _ (since im in science academy i cant be a dumb _ _ _) but when it comes to enviormental science im a know-it-all! being a social outcast for elementery &midle school and spending my time outside has payed off in an AP class!!!:D now whos the bright one all u people at brandies hs!

[mustang]

sorry i rant at times :)

[guidofatherof5]

With a big snow storm due in now it looks like the T.radix den is shutdown until Spring. I hope before the Spring exodus I will find a snake camera to take a look down in the den. I'll try to get some video and post.

[ConcinusMan]

I always knew there was no way for you to have the concentration of snakes that you have, without there being hibernacula around! Give's me an idea though. I had already planned to go to some ordinoides hibernacula spots I know of, this coming spring, just so I can check them out while there are so many concentrated in one area.(looking for "special" ones) For just a few days a year in the spring, and again in the fall, you can definitely observe "piles" of them mating. I'll be sure to bring a video camera!

[guidofatherof5]

I call this a den but it's not a large amount of snakes. I think the concentration around my area is normal. I think the snakes have places like mine all over the area.
I've never seen a mating ball or for that matter any mating going on in the Spring. It may all be taking place under the cover of my deck. With the camera under there I will have more of an idea this Spring.
I guess it will then become the XXX radix cam:D

[ConcinusMan]

:eek:.... Scary thing is, you'll probably get way more viewers if you name it that!

[charles parenteau]

well done its very nice!

[guidofatherof5]

Sunday 3/21/10. Saw my first snake at the top of the den.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/FIRST_SNAKE_3_10.jpg

[gregmonsta]

Woot :D ready for action!

[drache]

exciting

[infernalis]

congratulations Steve.....

[guidofatherof5]

It 10:30pm here and about 34 degrees. The little den radix is still on top of the cinder block. Must still be some residual heat from the day.

[guidofatherof5]

I was able to get a photo of this nice radix.
It was under the deck and decided to come out for some sun.
This is about 2 feet from the den entry.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den_snake_Spring_2010.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

I was telling you a while back, with the sheer number of snakes you have, they must be overwintering right there.

[Mommy2many]

I haven't seen one wild garter yet:(
Or froggy:(
Or salamander:(

Not even a wild cricket:(

Have I stirred up any pity yet???:D

[guidofatherof5]

I haven't seen one wild garter yet:(
Or froggy:(
Or salamander:(

Not even a wild cricket:(

Have I stirred up any pity yet???:D

Tons, but there's nothing we can do about it.
I could always ship you a few radixes.
I'll tell them to act wild:D

[guidofatherof5]

I stepped out on the deck this afternoon(72 degrees and sunny) the snakes went fly off the deck. They all headed under the deck. I was able to grab a good looking dark phase male. Offered some food which he refused. He looked good considering the long cold Winter we had.
I let him go and he too went back under the deck. Probably went and told his buddies how he kicked my butt and got away.:D

[guidofatherof5]

With all the activity on the outside I forgot to check my den camera.
There's a big female wanting to come out but she's staying put for now.
A lot of snakes coming and going. It's great. I'll get a photo posted soon.

[guidofatherof5]

The den is empty now but a have plenty of radixes housed around the outside of the Ranch.
My 2 youngest counted 10 while they were outside today. They said most were sunny on the deck.
I think I'll invest in some tiny lounge chairs. There's already a small pool out there(for the turtles):D

[ConcinusMan]

Extra long and slim lawn chairs without arm rests of course.

[Nir]

That is the coolest idea ever!!! hehe

I just love the little radix heads poking out of the den!! Good job Steve!

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like I spoke too soon about the den being empty. They may be using it as a year round shelter/hide.
I flipped on the radixcam and spotted these two coming out this morning. We had heavy rain and storms last night. Looks like the radixcam may be active during the Summer and Fall months also.
Who says there's nothing to watch on TV now a days:D
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/116.jpg

[bkhuff1s]

Awesome

[guidofatherof5]

Met the Associate Professor of Herpetology at the University of Nebraska.
He's going to bring his fiber optic camera over to my house this late Fall to look inside my den.
He said he uses it when looking for rattlesnakes. It should be interesting.

[adamanteus]

I'd love to see that! I guess you won't be getting bored in your retirement, Steve!:D

[guidofatherof5]

I'd love to see that! I guess you won't be getting bored in your retirement, Steve!:D

I just got off the phone with the guy.
The unit he has won't record video. I may have to try an record it off the eye piece.

[mustang]

awesome you should get a live broadcast of it!

[drache]

way cool Steve
if there's no way to record the image, you'll have to record an audio description as you go

[Mommy2many]

awesome you should get a live broadcast of it!


It could be like the BP oil spill only more entertaining and less threatening to the environment:D

[guidofatherof5]

It could be like the BP oil spill only more entertaining and less threatening to the environment:D


Yes and I won't be trying to put a cap on it.:D
I may try to funnel some of the overflow to my basement though.:D

[Mommy2many]

It could be a Radix escape hatch...

[guidofatherof5]

Preparing for the Fall guests at the outside den, I had to check the camera. The radix channel was off-line. I found that the camera had fallen over and needed cleaned and adjusted.
Now, the radix channel is back on-line in my big snake room. All I have to do now is wait for my Fall visitors to arrive.
I've moved the camera closer to the opening and adjusted its height. It should have a better look at the top of the cinder block they lay on.
Once everyone is settled in for the long Winter I'll have the Nebraska University Herpetologist come and run his camera down inside the den.

[Selkielass]

Hooray!
I'm glad you're setting up the camera again!

Does anyone know of any information online about setting up artificial snake wintering dens? I've got a barrel full of broken concrete that was dumped and buried years ago in my back yard and I've wondered if it could become a garter wintering shelter if it was reburied with 'proper' nooks and crannies provided.

I sort of want an ahem 'Rock garden' with a little guppy filled pool next to it next summer. Rock Garden, that's the ticket...

ETA; found this; AdoptAPond (http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/snakehibernacula.asp) In the garden: Got slugs? Build a hibernaculum in your yard (http://www.gateline.com/2010/08/18/7607/in-the-garden-got-slugs-build.html) Landowner's Guide: Frogs, Turtles & Snakes (http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/landowners_guide/species_mgmt/Frogs_Turtles_Snakes.htm) digs, dwellings, and dens - wild about gardening - CWF (http://www.wildaboutgardening.org/en/dig_dwell_den/section2/index.htm#l8)

Any other good info out there?

[guidofatherof5]

I've seen my first snake at the den this Fall. Hoping it will be an exciting season on my radix channel.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den1.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

I was out herping on an unusually warm saturday (82 deg) and I noticed at the concinnus/ordinoides den area, they are starting to show up and start entering/exiting den openings.:D

Days are getting shorter fast and and today is very cool and light rain showers. They know it's getting to be that time.:)

[guidofatherof5]

Daytime temps in the 50's and low 60's and night time temps in the 30's has brought my wild kids home to the den.
The next week or so should show a lot of activity.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den11.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

A week from today the highs are going to be near freezing.
Den activity is really picking up as my wild kids make their way back to the den.
This morning there was some congestion at the door.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den21.jpg

[kibakiba]

Awesome stuff, Steve! :D

[gregmonsta]

Are yousure it's the cold and not the scents of your usual radix banquets that are drawing them nigh? :D

[ConcinusMan]

Until today, my local garters enjoyed a week of warm sunny weather near 70 degrees but it has been getting very cold at night, close to freezing. That's all over with now. High wind warnings and an inch of rain or more expected today. Much of the same the rest of the week. *sigh* I'm sure that will get the snakes to go underground. I've been feeding the heck out of my anery's (and red ordinoides) for several weeks now. Won't be long now and they'll be going in the fridge.:(

Anery concinnus and red ordinoides litters next year? I hope so.

[guidofatherof5]

Are yousure it's the cold and not the scents of your usual radix banquets that are drawing them nigh? :D

I'll never tell:D

All garter snake follow pheromone trails. Here at the Ranch they follow the pinky trails I put down. They all led to one place:rolleyes:

[guidofatherof5]

At the time of this photo it was about 36F/2C.
Looks like somebodies not going out to play today.
30 minutes later somebody was back down in the den.


http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den3.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/poem.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

11/27/10 4:35pm 45 degrees

This radix is apparently restless in the den. Catching the last bit of daylight before the long rest. Forecast for next week is for below freezing temps.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/den4.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

What's the temperature on your side of the screen? which way does the air flow? I was just thinking, that opening, or heat transfer through the foundation might be providing some warmth to the den.

I wonder how many snakes are actually spending the winter in your walls and/or foundation. I'll bet the number is surprisingly high.

[guidofatherof5]

The snake rooms are kept at 70F/21C during the day and 62F/16C at night. That's the Winter time temps.

[ConcinusMan]

I'm surprised you don't have several snakes crammed in the space between the screen and the foundation at any given time. Perhaps the warmer air flows outward into the den so they don't have to do that.

[guidofatherof5]

I'm surprised you don't have several snakes crammed in the space between the screen and the foundation at any given time. Perhaps the warmer air flows outward into the den so they don't have to do that.


Screen? No screen. That's the camera picking up the pixels on the tv.;)

[ConcinusMan]

OMG, all this time the cruddy quality was because of that? And I thought you screened that opening some time back. So what's to keep the snakes from just coming right in and taking over that room?

Anyway, I'm pretty good at the technical stuff. If you want you can PM me with the details of the den cam and maybe we can figure out how to get better images for you to share. #1 no-no is to take video or pics which are progressive, of a monitor such as a TV, which is interlaced.;)

[guidofatherof5]

OMG, all this time the cruddy quality was because of that? And I thought you screened that opening some time back. So what's to keep the snakes from just coming right in and taking over that room?

Anyway, I'm pretty good at the technical stuff. If you want you can PM me with the details of the den cam and maybe we can figure out how to get better images for you to share. #1 no-no is to take video or pics which are progressive, of a monitor such as a TV, which is interlaced.;)

#1 no-no or not it's all I have to work with at this time.

My camera is not adjustable. I need to buy a RCA to S-video cable then I can connect to my camcorder and take stills from that.;)

They can't get in the back side of the block to get in the house.
I do give them other entry points so they can come in.

[ConcinusMan]

I wasn't suggesting that you adjust the camera. I was only wanting to help with getting better stills for sharing. It's still possible we could manage that, if you care to try at some point. Just offering to help. If you don't want to mess with it, that's OK too. Let me dig into my stash. I think I have that cable you mentioned, and I don't use it. Never have.;)

[zooplan]

I´ve stoped myself to compare the last den photos to those of the yeti:D
But the thought came back to my mind:o

I would like to look like the cat of "Shrek" to get better pictures, or maybe a fary could send me to sit in front of those TV;)

[ConcinusMan]

Oh c'mon! It's not a fairy tale to consider that he could get way better den shots with one simple change. Anyway, if I remember correctly, I have an RCA to S Video adapter that came with a video camera a while back, and I never use it. Gimmie some time and I'll see if I can dig it up and send it to you Steve. I got tons of cables, many of them for video, of just about every conceivable configuration.

[guidofatherof5]

The cable would be great if you have one and it's not tooo much trouble. Thanks.

[ConcinusMan]

I'll let you know for sure very soon. It's no trouble.

[guidofatherof5]

We may just be in the deep freeze for the rest of this cold season. Highs in the 20's, lows in the teens or single digits.
I will try to contact the University Herpetologist to see when he wants to come and take a look down in the den.
Should be interesting.

[ConcinusMan]

oh yeah, forgot about that. Should be interesting indeed.

[guidofatherof5]

We had a 50 degree/10C day here and the snakes were out getting some fresh air. Sounds like we're heading into the deep freeze this weekend.
It's nice to see activity this late in the year.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/den5.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

It's blurry, but at least there's no lines now. Oh, I meant to get back to you about that cable. I was mistaken about having one. Anyway, I saw them online for like, 3 bucks. Any word on when they're going to run a camera into the interior of the den?

[guidofatherof5]

Quality photography it's not but still interesting to see the activity in Winter.

[ConcinusMan]

Yuppers

[guidofatherof5]

20 below(-28C) wind chills due here over the weekend.
I'm guessing my wild snakes will be hold up deep in the cinder block.

[ConcinusMan]

No, you think?:p

Heck, it wouldn't much matter here if it was 40 or 40 below. Snakes are all holed up deep in the ground anyway. Have been since late Oct and they won't see the light of day until at least Feb.

I miss year 'round herping in San Diego. I hate winter!

[guidofatherof5]

The radixes in my area are a very hearty lot.
We get some warm days as a rule during Winter.
They don't miss many opportunities for a look see.

[guidofatherof5]

This is a view from the east snake room window.
Headed for -2 degrees tonight. Wind chill around -40.
Hang in there Jeff. Sounds like you've got blizzard warnings on that side of the State.

Rest radixes, rest.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/cold.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Holy crud. When you get summer, you get blazing hot. When you get winter... jeez! I didn't realize you were getting snow right now too. That helps insulate them. Shouldn't get any colder than around 30 degrees under the snow.

Around here, there isn't much difference between the seasons most years. We got two seasons..... cool and soaking wet (about 9 months) with an occasional brief freeze or snow event then we have...

Warmer, drier, and not-so soaking wet (July, Aug, Sept)

That's about it.

Already had 2 inches of rain in the past few days. 3 more inches expected today and tomorrow. It's even raining at 7,000 feet and melting the snow. Flooding already a problem and expected to get worse.

[guidofatherof5]

Now our county is in a blizzard warning until Midnite.
I'm glad my scrubs are safe and sound.
Just got back home after a trek out to get guppies and salmon.
The weather outside is frightful.:D

[ConcinusMan]

Video. Lets see some video when the storm is at it's peak!

Most snow we ever got around here was 17 inches in 24 hours. Just a few days before Christmas 2008. That broke the all-time record. But still, the coldest it got was 13 F. The following summer we broke the all time record high... 107.6 F.

[guidofatherof5]

Today I got in my new camera for the den. Moving up to a color camera this year.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den_camera.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den_camera1.jpg

[Stefan-A]

Nice. :)

[gregmonsta]

Super-tech ... I look forward to seeing sparkly new footage from that rig ;)

[guidofatherof5]

I just ordered a RCA to USB converter($8) to help get good images to the web.
Everthing frozen here so working out under the deck is out of the question. I also have to order 100feet of RCA cable to get this run to the snake room.

Today must be an $8 day. Just ordered the cable.;)

[ConcinusMan]

Cool! can't wait to see the results once everything is set up.

[guidofatherof5]

Just checked the den camera. One lone radix was peeking out.

I also just installed the software and interface for the new camera.
Just waiting on the cable to run it.
Checked out the new camera. I can capture video and stills now.

[kibakiba]

That's awesome, Steve! It'll be cool to see what's going on in there. :D

[Mommy2many]

So, what's on WSNK tonight?:D

[guidofatherof5]

So, what's on WSNK tonight?:D

WSNK :confused: Help me out here, Le Ann.:D

[Mommy2many]

The call letters for Snake TV.:D

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks. I was in the dark with the lights on.;)

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a photo from the old camera(sorry no snakes in the shot). This is at night with the infrared lights.The newer color camera should be much better in the daylight hours. I also have a set of lights under the deck I can turn on if I want.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/old.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

While checking the den camera this afternoon I found this radix out getting some fresh air. Outside Temp was 55 F / 12.7 C.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/den2011.jpg

[indigoman]

Cool shot Steve!, Are you doing any data,research for your university friend?

[guidofatherof5]

No. Not at this time.
Just keeping some records for myself.;)

[andycul]

Great thread Steve, cant wait to see what you manage to capture with your new camera setup :)

[guidofatherof5]

Cold weather moving back into the area.
Not a bad thing as it will give me a chance to setup the new camera without disturbing any snakes.
I think I'll leave the old camera under there and just direct it to a different spot along the wall.
I've always though these snakes were using more than one part of this wall for a hibernaculum due to the numbers that emerge in the Spring.

[guidofatherof5]

Lights, camera, action!
Well, two out three isn't so bad.
I've installed the new color camera and lights.
Now, if Spring would only get here.
Hopefully, there will be a warm day in the next few weeks and I can capture some video with snake/s in it.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/color_cctv.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

What exactly are we looking at here?

EDIT: Nevermind. I went back to the beginning of the thread. For some reason, I was under the impression this whole time that this camera was fixed on a hole inside the house. I now see it's an outside entrance behind the siding. Sure would be nice to get some special equipment in all the nooks and crannies of the house to see snakes overwintering inside. A virtual tour of their world from their perspective would be awesome. Apparently the equipment needed isn't outrageously expensive either. This new upgrade you've done is certainly a big improvement though.;)

snake camera - Google (http://tinyurl.com/6glc2oj)

[guidofatherof5]

What exactly are we looking at here?

EDIT: Nevermind. I went back to the beginning of the thread. For some reason, I was under the impression this whole time that this camera was fixed on a hole inside the house. I now see it's an outside entrance behind the siding. Sure would be nice to get some special equipment in all the nooks and crannies of the house to see snakes overwintering inside.

They don't have access to the inside of the house from this location. They only go down the block wall.
I have another location above my basement family room where I think snake live during the Summer. I've just focused on this site for now.

[ConcinusMan]

They don't have access to the inside of the house from this location.

Sure, sure.:rolleyes::p

[guidofatherof5]

Sure, sure.:rolleyes::p

Ok, as far as I know they don't have access to the house from this location.

[guidofatherof5]

45 degrees and sunny today.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/warm_day.jpg

[kibakiba]

Cute little snake. I want him... Can I have him? Please? :p

[guidofatherof5]

OgwuvYAqBxQ

[Mommy2many]

Nice.

[guidofatherof5]

It will be so much better in the Spring.
It can't warm up too soon for me.

[gregmonsta]

Nice ;) the coming footage looks like it will be excellent.

[guidofatherof5]

I only saw this lone snake out today. He came out late in the afternoon.
Colder weather moving in for the next 4 or 5 days. At the end of next week we are getting 3 days worth of 60+ temps.
Au1YLxBA1EY

[ConcinusMan]

I think that some of them are as impatient and eager to get out there in the sunshine as we are to see them doing so!

There's Steve... "Any snakes out yet?"... and there's that snake... "Is it spring yet?":p

I wonder if the snakes all got together and drew straws to see who would poke their head out to check.:p

Loving the quality/clarity of the footage Steve. Your expense and effort to get it that way is appreciated.;)

I wonder if it would hurt anything or even be feasable to keep some fresh water available near the entrance for them?

I love the way he "sniffs" around, rocking his head from side-to-side and then sneaks back into the hole in reverse. made me laugh!

[guidofatherof5]

I offer water at both ends of my deck and throughout my backyard.
I'm not at all pleased with the lighting I have under the deck.
I'll be working on improving that this week. Probably going to a natural bulb rather than the LED I have under there now.

[ConcinusMan]

Well I don't know. It seems to work well enough to light the immediate area around the entrance. I have been wondering how the light might affect them as it is. If you go with incandescent it would need to be a bulb made for outdoor use, which would also produce heat.

What's wrong with the lighting you're using now?

[drache]

that is so cool, Steve
and it's quite sufficient
a warmer light source would draw them out, and they might hurt themselves on it if you can't remove it from their potential reach

[guidofatherof5]

What's wrong with the lighting you're using now?

To me it seems to wash out the image. Too bright.


that is so cool, Steve
and it's quite sufficient
a warmer light source would draw them out, and they might hurt themselves on it if you can't remove it from their potential reach

Never gave heat from the light a thought. Good point.
I think I'll just work with what I have rather than change.

[ConcinusMan]

Maybe try moving the light so it's not as close. Also, adjusting the white balance through the camera settings. Just an idea.

[guidofatherof5]

I was so busy visiting the Red Sided garter snake den I neglected mine.
Checking the camera proved no activity. I honestly thought I'd missed this years emergence.
I was wrong. Just took this photo with the new security camera I installed under mey deck.
Looks like my outside scrubs survived the Winter.
I'm a happy man.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/camera2.jpg

[brain]

now thats cool. and the quality. great

[guidofatherof5]

Recording some video from under the deck.
I'll try to get it posted later today.

[guidofatherof5]

I think I put this video in another thread when it belonged here.

L_vhqJmO5U8

[RdubSnider]

Really cool video Steve

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like I have to do a little yard work under the deck.:D

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/weed.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

The snakes are just trying to dress up the place. It's spring you know.

[drache]

you've got traffic under that deck;
very cool

[guidofatherof5]

Sunny today after 2 days of cold rain.
This is one of the first females I've seen at the den.
She's a beautiful green head T. radix. She allowed me to reach out and touch her.
After a few minutes she returned under the deck.
The little male that was coming out retreated as soon as he saw me.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den4.jpg

[NikkiSixx]

They are very beautiful!

[RdubSnider]

Are these snakes wild or did you build and stock an outside den?

[guidofatherof5]

It's my wild stock.:D

[RdubSnider]

That's really cool Steve

[guidofatherof5]

The snakes are starting to gather at my den. My daughter spotted a bright orange stripped male heading under the deck. I also found the shed of a large female just outside the deck entrance to the den.
I'm not sure I will have camera up and working this Fall. Since my desktop computer is down in the snake room I will have to see if my laptop will support the den camera software.
After this terrible Spring and Summer it's nice to see the snakes returning.

[Mommy2many]

Glad to hear they are still coming to the ranch to winter!

[katach]

Do you have a live feed webpage for the den? That would be really cool!

[RedSidedSPR]

Awesome!! Yeah, do ya? Do ya? Do ya?

[guidofatherof5]

This is one of those good new, bad news posts.

Good News:
I have the den camera hooked up to my laptop so I can capture video and still images of my den.

Bad News:
I had to hook up my old B/W camera as the newer color one I installed is dead.

[Kantar]

Sounds neat. Looks like you are going to be giving Manitoba a run for their attention.

haha, and one morning steve will look on the floor of his basement and see this
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh766hxhBW1qeeqk5o1_400.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Aw maaaan.:D

Wow I thought that was gonna be a lot worse.:D

Um, i mean, that's worse than I thought!! No color!!!

[katach]

Well b/w is better than nothing at all. :)

[RedSidedSPR]

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh766hxhBW1qeeqk5o1_400.jpg

hmmm, that looks familiar.:rolleyes:

[kibakiba]

No colour is better than nothing at all!

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah, I know, it'll still be awesome!

[guidofatherof5]

I spotted a visitor to the den this morning.
Sorry about the poor quality of the image. I'm back to using my old camera.
Newer one on the way.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/den_fall_2011.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Awesome!

Love the camera idea.This will be cool...

[katach]

Very cool! Can't wait for more!

[guidofatherof5]

My new color camera is due in on Thursday. I'll get it installed on Friday.
I'm also going to do some lighting work.

[katach]

That's awesome!

[guidofatherof5]

I went to install the new camera today and rather then fighting with the deck boards I built an access panel to the cameras. Should have done it years ago.
I was all set to see the new camera in action but soon found out the 50' video cable didn't last a year. I'll have to order another.
This put me back to working with the old camera.
A quick clean of the lens and some lighting adjustments and I must say the old camera view is looking good.
Adjusting the light location really help get rid of the shadows that have bothered me.
My guests should be arriving in better number soon. Looking forward to some Fall den watching.
Here radix, radix, radix. :D

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/old_camera.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

That one is pretty good!! Sweet! Bring on the radixes!

[katach]

24 hour live feed please! :D

[guidofatherof5]

♪One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do♪

Raining here today so it looks like my one den guest will be staying in.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/a.jpg

[katach]

Two can be just as bad, it's the loneliest number since the number one.
I love sing-alongs!

[tress29]

I'm glad you've added to this thread! It was fun to go abck and see all the pictures and videos.

[guidofatherof5]

I'm hoping Fall will be a busy time around here.
Seeing some familiar faces will be nice after this flood season.

[guidofatherof5]

I like the new camera.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/new_camera_view.jpg

[kibakiba]

Wow, nice and clear!

[katach]

Awesome!

[Mommy2many]

Love the new camera!

[guidofatherof5]

Not bad for $15.00 ;)

[jitami]

Love it, Steve! Nice deal, too :)

[guidofatherof5]

Just a moment ago I spotted this male heading to his room.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/guests.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Looking at the above male give me pause for concern.
He's looking very lean.
First frost of the year is due tomorrow night.

[RedSidedSPR]

New camera's great!

[chris-uk]

It's a far better image on the new camera, having not been around to see your radix den over the last couple of years I'm looking forward to seeing what shows up this Autumn. You're "radix-cam" makes my vague plan for a "snakey-fishy-cam" in my hallway pale into insignificance.

[Char361979]

You were planning a snakey-fishy-cam?

[PINJOHN]

You were planning a snakey-fishy-cam?
oops :(

[Char361979]

Oh it's fine, as long as it stays trained firmly on just them and does not take in anything around it. Don't want people seeing what I look like first thing in the AM. Small children would cry. People would throw stones.... think villagers in old black and white Frankenstein movies.

[PINJOHN]

Oh it's fine, as long as it stays trained firmly on just them and does not take in anything around it. Don't want people seeing what I look like first thing in the AM. Small children would cry. People would throw stones.... think villagers in old black and white Frankenstein movies. your stone throwing comment took me instantly to the life of Brian "get to the back of the queue" :D priceless

[guidofatherof5]

Made me think of Shrek. "Grab your torch and pitchforks":D

[Char361979]

I'd say that's an accurate assessment Steve.

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/cap.jpg

[chris-uk]

Still just the one in there?

[guidofatherof5]

While at least there's only one looking out.

[guidofatherof5]

Hoping to have the radix cam up and running in the next few days.
Should be about time for my wild bunch to head to the den.

[snake man]

Awww thats cute.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

And while you're at it can you fix some up in some of you'r snake groups with some cameras? :D

[guidofatherof5]

And while you're at it can you fix some up in some of you'r snake groups with some cameras? :D

I'll put it on the list.:D

[guidofatherof5]

Having some video interface troubles. Hope to have them ironed out soon.

[ProXimuS]

Awesome idea Steve! Can't wait till it's up:)

[JakeBP]

just read through this, awesome!

[guidofatherof5]

Just turned on the "Vacancy" sign at the T.radix Ranch Den.
Camera is up and running for screen shots and video.
Expecting temps. below freezing for the next couple of nights.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//819/medium/denfall100512.jpg

[Selkielass]

Yay!

[Lisa4john]

Your video quality has come a long way, looks great. That must be so cool to have so many right at your door.


Just turned on the "Vacancy" sign at the T.radix Ranch Den.
Camera is up and running for screen shots and video.
Expecting temps. below freezing for the next couple of nights.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//819/medium/denfall100512.jpg

[Invisible Snake]

You should get a motion sensor for that camera(?)

[guidofatherof5]

I've not seen any activity yet but we are a few weeks away from real Fall weather. We are back into the 50 and 60's during the day so I don't think they will be moving into the den until later in the month.

[ConcinusMan]

Pretty warm here today too. 66 degrees with black gloomy threatening clouds. Cold front moving in now. Time to batton down the hatches. High winds beginning now. Gusts up to 40mph, 2 inches of rain and a 20 degree drop in temperature in the next 24 hours.

[RedSidedSPR]

Hopped up to 78 degrees today... Yesterday it was 50

[ConcinusMan]

wow. well, it's 1am and still 60. pouring horizontal rain though.

[Lisa4john]

Yup, feels hot and muggy. Washington Sound's winter has begun. Here comes the rain again... ;) At least my plants are happy. :D

[RedSidedSPR]

this is irrelevant to the thread

[Lisa4john]

Sorry, sidetracked. I think I have OLSTS... (Oh look! Shiny thing syndrome) :o I apologize.

[RedSidedSPR]

No problem, I started it, just move it to the its so quite thread

[guidofatherof5]

No snakes yet but I did watch a wolf spider exploring the area.

[RedSidedSPR]

Neat :D

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/Fall_2012_den.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

No snakes yet but I did watch a wolf spider exploring the area.

The ones I keep finding running around my place in CA are huge and scary as hell but the exterminator assures me that they are not dangerous. He says the males have no venom at all and the females have very little and it won't cause problems even if you were to get bit. I still don't like half-dollar sized spiders running across my floor at supersonic speed. Freaks me out.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-iNKVmEIig/TahpTzRaJMI/AAAAAAAAAAU/oJmDYZhUTTw/s1600/Garage Wolf rez[1].jpg

[Greg'sGarters]

That would be so cool. You want to trade houses?

[CrazyHedgehog]

The ones I keep finding running around my place in CA are huge and scary as hell but the exterminator assures me that they are not dangerous. He says the males have no venom at all and the females have very little and it won't cause problems even if you were to get bit. I still don't like half-dollar sized spiders running across my floor at supersonic speed. Freaks me out.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-iNKVmEIig/TahpTzRaJMI/AAAAAAAAAAU/oJmDYZhUTTw/s1600/Garage Wolf rez[1].jpg

I think I would just have a heart attack!

[guidofatherof5]

Wolf spiders are on the house protected list here at the Ranch. Well, all spiders are.:D

[Greg'sGarters]

I'm not one of those people to freak out whenever they are near a spider (I used to run the tarantula, scorpion, and insect department at a pet store. We had Brazilian Bird Eating Tarantulas) but I would never willingly hold one.

[ConcinusMan]

That would be so cool. You want to trade houses?

Glad you think it's cool. All you have to do to get those in your house along with gianormous camel spiders (not really a spider, and also not dangerous, they have no venom or sting, but they freak me the hell out) is to move to the desert southwest.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Ly-UZfXVc/T3jVG1q-44I/AAAAAAAACgM/uwGPOQIwDQA/s1600/2007_June_Camel_Spider3_small.jpg

I know it's not logical but I don't mind finding scorpions in my house. They don't freak me out, and yet if stung, it hurts like a mother...

But dangit, we derailed the thread again. Sorry Steve.

[guidofatherof5]

Apology accepted. Not a big deal for now.
Just like to keep the den thread den talk.

[ConcinusMan]

Still no snakes? seems rather odd. Are you having unusually warm temps? All the snakes around here have been in their dens for quite some time now. They're probably near the surface and not in full brumation, but they're certainly not out and about. It's been a pretty mild fall though. We still haven't had our first freeze. Soaking wet and gloomy but not really that cold. We've getting into the low 60's some days.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Do you have returning snakes or do they just stumble upon the den randomly?

[guidofatherof5]

Do you have returning snakes or do they just stumble upon the den randomly?

I'm pretty sure these are returning snakes mostly. New snakes to area probably come across the scent trail and repopulate from time to time.

[ConcinusMan]

Wolf spiders are on the house protected list here at the Ranch. Well, all spiders are.:D

I don't mind spiders that stay in their webs and out my way, even if they're in the house. Even if they're black widows. As long as I know where they are, and don't bother them, they don't bother me. I also don't kill them when they are running around if I can avoid it. Unfortunately, those suckers are so fast, it's kill them on sight, or they get away. Also, obviously, on the rare occasion that a widow is seen just roaming around, I don't stand for it. I scoop them up and take them away from the house and drop them outside. I do undertand their importance and would rather not kill them even if they're capable of killing me. I've handled black widows all through my childhood. They're really docile and very reluctant to bite unless a female is guarding an egg sack. If that's the case, just stay the hell out of their space. They do the same for me since they like dark, cool, damp places.