30,000 Observations!!!

I am not a fan of the triple exclamation point, but this deserves it! Breakout the balloons and confetti, because as of last weekend, we reached 30,000 observations on our project. Thank you to everyone who submitted and I would like to give a special thanks to our top 10 observers @mjwcarr @imasongster @seigmond @kbeza31979 @easpears @usmcfiremedic @krosenthal @katharinab and our top observer, with 2,370 at the time of this post, @lucareptile .

There are hundreds of notable observations, including county records, but we will mention some of the best ones since my "20,000 Observations" post back in June.

Cuban Treefrog: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/36349501

Literally every Oak Toad in VA: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27015525
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27326513

First Tiger Salamander: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38434264

First Mole Salamander: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38562346
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38565503

Midland Mud Salamander: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/34782249

Second Southern Dusky: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41737924

Eastern Hellbender: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31018960

Two-toed Amphiuma: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/28579910

Afghan (Russian) Tortoise: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41673325

Piedmont Spotted Turtles: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/40568726
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41329610
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41637551

Mississippi Map Turtles: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27047148
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27994960

Out-of-place Spiny Softshells: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/36775377
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/32538675

New population of Green Anoles in Virginia Beach: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/28818788

Brown Anole: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/30458993

First Eastern Glasslizard: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31057678

Farthest Western Cottonmouth in VA: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31365369

Gray Ratsnake: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/29463941

Scarlet Kingsnake: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/37708957

Maybe the first Northern Scarlet Snake: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33643552

Smooth Greensnake: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/34340009

Garden Tree Boa: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26491949

I really have to thank all of the wonderful Project Admins:
Luca Catanzaro (@lucareptile)
Bobby Fingers (@bobbyfingers)
Evan Spears (@easpears)
The Lerad (@lerad)
Anthony Brais (@syrherp)

You guys are great!

We are growing exponentially, so get out there (at a safe distance) herp those finds... err, umm... find them herps. Maybe we can get to 50,000 by the years end. Thanks to all again, and if you need me, feel free to find me!

P.S.
I am trying to come up with fun challenges. Maybe, for example, a Herp of the Week. I can put out an article, and we can all look, and whoever has the most observations that week, wins the week. Whoever wins the most weeks by the end of the year, wins a prize. We all learn, fill in range maps, and have fun. If you like this idea, or have one of your own, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks!

Publicado el abril 11, 2020 06:10 TARDE por tysmith