OUR THEME FOR 2008:  KEEP ON HERPING!!!

NWHKA Contact Information

Moving?  New phone or cell phone number?  Got a new e-mail address? Got something you want to say? ? If so please contact the hotline or website above or Joni at snakeladee@hotmail.com

Our next meeting is Sunday, May 11th, 2008, at 2.p.m. at OMSI
Direction to OMSI are on the NWHKA web site

A REMINDER THAT 2007 MEMBERSHIP DUES HAVE EXPIRED.

Heads up – now’s the time to send in your dues for 2008 so you don’t miss anything!  This will be the last notice so please get your dues in now.

NEWSLETTER & MEETING CONTRIBUTIONS

NWHKA is always delighted with involvement from the members.  If you have animals you would like to write stories about, or have interesting information about any animal, the newsletter is the best place to let everyone know.  Of course, bringing your animals to a meeting is always a treat, especially with a bit of “show and tell.”  And, most important, NWHKA is the “sum of all the parts”.  If you want to see something happen, then being a “part” in the direction the club takes by your involvement in the meetings is the most effective way to make that happen.

NWHKA has a Yahoo Groups Site.  This is a good way to keep in touch with other herpers, find out events, and engage in very lively conversations!!  Look at the top left of the NWHKA Website Home Page to sign up. Melody is the list administrator, and you need to contact her at mhartley@ix.netcom.com or 503-591-9077 to become a member of the Yahoo Groups Site.

NEW MEMBERS

Caroline Newman This lovely lady came in as the meeting was ending!!  I didn't have any of the new applications and she still wanted to join and gave me a check with a promise to send in the other information later or at the next meeting.  She seems like a very neat lady and I look forward to getting to know her.

THE PREZ SEZ

What a wonderful month!!  The birds are singing, the grass is growing, the flower bulbs are popping up and showing their spring colors and Mama Earth feels like she's shedding her winter coat and getting ready for spring.  This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year!
   With that said, thank you to all of you that attended the last meeting.  Its common knowledge that when the weather is good you can't keep a good herper inside and the fact that I know lots of you are good herpers and still came to the meeting makes me proud of your commitment.  It's what keeps our club strong and capable of making a difference in our community.  Again, thank you and keep up the good work!
   I had the opportunity to do some herping this month.  Several of us went to places near The Dalles and found all kinds of critters.  At one site Sam, who is quite a herper and can leave me in the dust in the first minute or two, found probably the most beautiful snake I've ever seen.  Long, big and healthy, in a lovely shade of soft green, with a regal air that kept me at a safe distance - what a glorious experience!!  That makes twice that I've been herping with Sam and have unforgettable memories.  Thank you, Sam!!
   I also had the opportunity to do some herping on Tyler's project throughout this month.  I've gone with Owen and Sam on several occasions and last Saturday the four of us staked out and renumbered the cover boards in the 5 sites we're watching. What an experience to go with those boys!!  We found lots of critters under the boards and even more that were out in the open. I say that lightly because they have eyes like eagles and I didn't see anything but long grass until they had already spotted and gone after the critter!! Owen watched the water like a hawk, Sam kept falling sideways and coming up with critters in his hands (at one point I really thought he was going swimming after a lovely big garter - and he was fully clothed!) and Tyler was doing a little bit of everything.  It was such great fun for this old lady!!  And, for any of you that are interested in getting involved, you won't be sorry.  Just contact Tyler or me and we'll let you know what to do.
   Tyler and Jim Karpinski are also doing presentations at Earth Day this Saturday from 9-2 at the City Hall in Gresham. Come by and they'll let you watch, or possibly put you to work. Either way, it's a good way to support conservation and our club members.
   We have had no feedback on the garage sale and talked about other alternatives at the last meeting. We voted on going to plan B if there was still not enough interest by the end of this month that it will be cancelled. Any of you who were not at the meeting who have any other ideas, or are interested in helping with a garage sale, let Jim Karpinski or me know.
   We are still working on the OMSI Reptile and Amphibian Show and applications for people who would like to display or handle will be available at the next meeting.  Again, if you are interested in getting involved, let Jim Karpinski or me know.
   I think that's it for now. Again, thank you all for your support and help - with everything!!
   'nuff said, with hugs, joni

NOTES FROM JOY

Hi everyone. Sorry I missed the April meeting but I was out watching my youngest child Lisa and her horse chase cows around.  I missed you all but I have to admit it was a great day. Up at the crack of dawn, opening the barn door to the smell and sound of horses (believe it or not some of us enjoy those things) and then sitting around with friends drinking coffee and eating cinnamon rolls and brownies while watching your child compete.  What fun!   J

   I know it sounds early but plans are going forward for the reptile and amphibian show at OMSI on Labor Day weekend so I’m encouraging you all to come be part of the fun.  Display your animals or to sit in the handling area and talk to people about herps.  Better yet do both! 

   See you all at the next meeting. Joy

DIANA’S DITTIES

Nothing this month except.

WHAT IS UP WITH THIS WEATHER!

 

 

SAM’S STUFF 

We don’t have any shows for next couple of months but it is getting that time of year for herp watching.

   I’ve been checking the sites that Tyler has set up for restoration out in Gresham and up until last week hadn’t found anything. But the few days of warm weather we had, brought them out. We found several different animals under his cover boards but we also found many that weren’t. It’s a good opportunity to find and document herps living in our area and do it for a good cause. Any of you that would like to go out with us email or give Joni, Tyler or me, a call. Sam

JIM’S JABBER

Hello Everybody,

   Not too much to report for this month.  The garage sale idea has gone over like a ……. whatever, it has not gone to well. If we don’t get some response soon, we will just fergit it! If you have anything for the sale contact Joni or myself.

   OMSI should have some applications for us next month. It is a good time to show off your herps in a responsible way.

   That‘s all for now, Jim Karpinski

ADOPTION CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

   I have received no phone calls for animals needing homes. Applications to be on the adoption committee will be available at the next pre-meeting and will be posted in the newsletter for members to look at before voting on them soon.

SECRETARY/ MEETING MINUTES

April Meeting Minutes

Welcome to all by Joni

Attendance Taken

Board Members not in attendance: Joy, Sam, Chris, and Gene

Meeting needs to be over by 3:30. OMSI needs our chairs and tables for the Volunteer Luncheon this evening.

Joni - Herp Hunt Updates: Several members were able to go to an area near the Dalles on Friday. Due to weather had last minute reschedule.  Anyone interested in future hunts see Joni but be aware dates are not set in stone due to weather conditions.

By-Laws will be ready hopefully late fall for vote.

Diana - Due to computer issues last month minutes were not in the news letter.  Copy was forgotten will be available at the next meeting.

Sarah- Not too many adoptions. Beardy has been placed. No new calls.

Tyler Update - Have been to all sites and found a total of 22 snakes. Will be at the Earth Day Celebration.  Presentation to be given on Backyard Habitats.

Jim - Will be demonstrating responsible reptile ownership and have snakes on hand.

Herp related Garage Sale in place of July Meeting at Joni.  Poll was taken as to who has items to sell and who is looking for something.  Due to Lack of response a vote was taken as to if the event should be cancelled. Majority in attendance voted to cancel the Garage Sale if there is no further interest by the next meeting.

Other Business - Joel sent a box of Zilla bulbs that will be made available to club members for purchase at greatly discounted prices and a donation check.

·OMSI Reptile and Amphibian Show - Labor Day Weekend Aug. 30 and 31 and Sept. 1.  Jim, Joy, Joni meeting with OMSI.

OMSI Reptile and Amphibian Show was discussed; applications should be available from OMSI at the next meeting.  More information as we get closer and details are finalized.

Meeting Adjourned.

FUTURE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MEETING NOTE:  The monthly NWHKA club meetings will be held at OMSI on the second Sunday of each month at 2pm in Classroom 1 unless otherwise stated.  Any questions, contact Joni Jones at 503-666-7762 or snakeladee@hotmail.com

EVENT / OUTREACH NOTE:  OUR OUTREACH PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

NEW SHOW POLICY: In accordance with state law, anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian present in order to purchase pets.

SHOW TABLE NOTE:  NWHKA strives to be at every show for educational and public awareness purposes.  We do not sell animals or supplies.  Contact Sam Kinnaman at 503-760-3712 or waytoobizee@comcast.net or Joni Jones at 503-666-7762 or snakeladee@hotmail.com if you wish for NWHKA to attend your show or to volunteer your time at a scheduled event.
 

Notes From the Field

By Chris Rombough

Scrambled Eggs

   Not many NWHKA members are interested in amphibians, and even fewer go into the field. But for those, like Mark, that are willing to brave the elements and venture outside early in the year – especially if they are willing to get wet – a surprise awaits, a surprise beyond the hole in your waders. This surprise is clear, wet, squishy, and incredibly fascinating…amphibian eggs! A number of frog, toad, and salamander species in Oregon produce an aquatic egg mass, in which developing embryos are housed in a clear, protective jelly.

The frogs come out at night

   The reason that most amphibian eggs are not readily recognizable to most people is that few ever see their creation. Most frogs and salamanders found in Oregon lay their eggs at night. In addition, few of our frogs call very loudly. In fact, only the Pacific tree frog (Hyla regilla) and the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) can be heard at a distance, in our region. Male Pacific tree frogs gather in large choruses to call and breed; the sound of multiple “kreck-ick!” or “kriiiick!”  calls of these small frogs (1-2 inches) may blend together into a loud din audible for miles. This froggy jam session attracts any egg-bearing females within hearing range. In contrast, male bullfrogs set up territories in a weedy pond, lake, or slough, and float at the water’s surface while making a deep “ruuum-um!” or “jug-o-rum!” call.

   Only males of most frog species call – most females typically slip in quietly, under cover of darkness, lay their eggs, and leave the area. Why? One reason is that while loudly calling males attract females, they also attract predators. Secrecy is of the essence if egg-laying is to be successful. And frogs are alone in their noisemaking - all species of salamanders in the Pacific Northwest are silent.

Stuck on you

   While some frogs simply drop eggs into the water without any preparation, many species of amphibians attach their gelatinous egg masses to a stick or rock. The placement of egg masses varies between species and is often quite distinctive. In fact, placement of an egg mass is a useful identification tool. For example, the egg masses of northern red-legged frogs (Rana aurora) closely resemble those of the Oregon spotted frog (R. pretiosa). Where the two species occur together, their egg masses can be distinguished by the fact that the red-legged frog lays its egg mass around a stick or cattail stem, while the spotted frog lays its egg mass among grass or weeds in shallow water. Some frogs are quite selective when choosing a spot to deposit future generations. For example, the female foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) will carefully select a submerged rock of the appropriate shape and size, and then scrape it clean with her feet before laying eggs on it.

   As a general rule, Cascades frogs (R. cascadae) and spotted frogs (R. pretiosa and R. luteiventris) simply plop their egg masses into shallow water at the edge of a pond, while red-legged frogs, Northwestern salamanders (Ambystoma gracile), long-toed salamanders (A. macrodactylum), and Pacific tree frogs all attach their egg masses to sticks or submerged plant stems. Yellow-legged frogs stick their egg masses to a rock at the edge of a stream, and the egg mass of American bullfrogs is a thin sheet that floats at the water’s surface. Rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) do not make a mass – their eggs are laid individually, attached to sticks and aquatic plants. The egg mass of the western toad (Bufo boreas) isn’t a mass at all, but a long string of eggs roughly the width of a pencil!

Who’s first?

   The earliest amphibians to breed in Oregon are the long-toed salamanders, most of which lay their eggs during January and February at lower elevations. They are followed closely by northern red-legged frogs and spotted frogs, which lay from late January through March. Northwestern salamanders begin their breeding in mid- to late February and spawn through March at lower elevations. Yellow-legged frogs generally do not breed until May or June, and American bullfrogs deposit egg masses from the end of March through July. Western toads and rough-skinned newts lay eggs from March through June in western Oregon. Pacific tree frogs have one of the longest breeding intervals of western Oregon amphibians, and will lay eggs from January until June.

   The breeding intervals listed here are for populations at lower elevation. Most species breed later at higher elevations, as snow melts and the air and water warm up.

Hey, watch this!

   Egg masses don’t move very quickly. If you find one, try marking the spot and going back every few days to watch the embryos develop, from single cells to free-swimming larvae.

That’s it for this month. Go find something.

Chris

The following article was sent to us by dear friend and longtime NWHKA member
Rich Fleck.

Metro monitors predict a good year for frogs

Ecosystem

Amphibians provide clues to habitat health and restoration efforts
By ERIC MORTENSON, THE OREGONIAN

   As you may have concluded from the nightly ribbitting echoing from ponds, marshes and damp spots from your yard: The frogs are back. And that’s a good thing.

   Volunteers with Metro’s amphibian monitoring program have found “good numbers” of frog and salamander egg masses this spring, program coordinator Katy Weil said.

   Volunteers wading into waterways at 11 Metro sites have seen more than 350 egg masses of northern red-legged frogs, which are listed as a sensitive species.

   Red-legged egg masses typically contain 800 to 1,100 eggs.  Volunteers are trained to look for egg masses laid by red-legged frogs, the common Pacific chorus frogs that are so noisy at night, and for north-western and long-toed salamanders.

   “We have already seen a few tadpoles,” Weil said Thursday.  “Tiny, cute little buggers that will grow fast.”

   Findings in the monitoring program, which continues throughout the spring, are significant because amphibians are good indicators of habitat health.  Frogs and salamanders meet, mate and lay eggs in wetlands, spend significant time underwater and also hang out on land, so their presence and health can signal habitat problems across a broad spectrum.

   Metro, the regional government, also uses the annual amphibian count to monitor its own work. Metro has purchased more than 8,100 acres since 1995 to preserve as natural areas or parks.  The presence of frogs and salamanders provides clues to how well its restoration efforts are working.

   “We’re not able to follow them all the way to adulthood, but we’re saving more egg masses than in previous years in areas that had restoration (work),” Weil said.

In The News

THE OREGONIAN (Portland, Oregon) 18 April 08
The big squeeze: Eugene woman survives python attack (Mark Larabee)

Eugene: A 12-foot Burmese Python put the squeeze on its handler Thursday at a Eugene pet store, forcing employees to call 9-1-1 for help.

Luckily for Teresa Rossiter, 46, owner of Best Friends since February, a police sergeant finishing up a day's work answered the call and today he's being credited with saving her life.

Police say the snake latched onto Rossiter's finger, wrapped itself around her wrist, arm and shoulder, and began moving toward her neck, constricting as it moved.

Eugene Police Sgt. Ryan Nelson responded when he heard the call for fire and medical units and found Rossiter lying on the ground wrapped tightly by the snake. Fearing for Rossiter's life, Nelson prepared to use a knife to rescue her, but she pleaded with him to spare the snake.

Nelson used his hands to pry on the snake's tightly clenched jaw and a paramedic used a screwdriver to help force open the reptile's mouth. Rossiter still was wrapped up in the snake's grasp. Nelson grabbed it by the neck and managed to unwrap her. Rossiter and the snake survived.

Nelson then tried to put the snake back in its cage. Still writhing, the snake managed to get free and came after him. He grabbed it behind the head again and tried to again force it into the cage. The snake struck but hit the cage with its open mouth.

Before Thursday, Nelson said his experience with snakes had been limited to catching gardener snakes for his young sons.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds are free to members, but are $5/month for nonmembers. They should be paid to the PO Box on a monthly basis before the ad appears on the web or in the newsletter and will be deleted when the animal/etc is sold or the ad runs out. There are no credits for partial months.

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BAY OF LA Rosy Boa, Male, 3 years old, $125 complete with all accessories. Pictures on the NWHKA web site.  Contact Janet Kochanowski at 503-690-3470.   Exp. 5/08

Boa Constrictor: 1.0 2005 BCI, pos het chain tail pos het Kahl line albino, sibling to blood red sunglows.
Inf Very small. He has successfully bred a 9'+ female, and produced some very nice babies. VERY feisty, but should calm down with regular handling and feeding. His breeder kept him way too small, in my opinion. Eats like he's never seen food before. I'm convinced he'd eat a microphone cover if he ever came across one. PIGGY! No accessories. $250obo
Boa Constrictor: 0.1 2007 Hypo DH ghost, anery.
Inf Wonderful little love!! And a pig. :) Eats anything and everything. p/k, f/t, stunned, live, she doesn't care. :) No accessories. $350obo
Boa Constrictor: 0.1 2007 pos het Kahl line albino
Inf Absolutely stunning in person. Pictures do NOT do this little girl justice. She's a beautiful golden cinnamon color, with saddles that are dark at her head, almost red in the middle, and darker towards her tail. Excellent saddles; I believe she's a BCI/Suri cross. Wonderful personality, but only eats live rat fuzzies right now.
No accessories. $200obo 
Contact:  Xeike Samudio, 971-212-9964 or xeikespeaks@gmail.com  Exp 7/08

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ADOPTIONS

Animal Adoptions will require that the animal and the adoptee meet the Animal –adoption Policy Guidelines.  Please see the web for the application and contract forms and additional information. 

Looking for good home non-confirmed male redtail boa 5 1/2 feet long wonderful light color with strong markings and burgundy tail a bit shy out of the cage but calms quickly.  Eats live at this time.

Yahoo Turtle Group

Find information about LOCAL supplies, vets, clubs, adoptions, laws, for turtle and herp keepers in the Pacific Northwest.    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TurtlesNorthwest/

TORTOISE RESCUE
Susan Tellem RN
American Tortoise Rescue
www.tortoise.com

LOOKING-FOR ADS

Board of Officers:
 

President	Joni Jones
Vice President	Joy Kinnaman
Secretary	Diana Leppin
Treasurer/Membership	Joni Jones
Events/Outreach Chairman	Jim Karpinski
Show Educational Table	Sam Kinnaman
Rescue/Adoption Chairman	Sara Petrakis
Special Agent in the Field	Chris Rombough
Newsletter	Gene Mulleneaux
NWHKA Hotline	Joni Jones
Webmaster	Tom Hendricksen

If you are interested in contacting any of these officers, either check the website under “Contacts” or call the hotline at 503-661-4664.  Thanks!