Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
As I was walking in the yard here at RTPI, I came across this little Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) making its way from our front walkway to the grassy lawn. Recently metamorphosed, this frog was no bigger than my thumb and was likely on the hunt for some protein packed invertebrates to snack on as it prepares for the cooler months ahead.
Read MoreSpring Amphibians
The past couple of weeks while we have been out surveying migrating birds and spring ephemeral flowers, we have also seen lots of amphibian activity as well. Last week while up at College Lodge, we came across a few very productive vernal pools. The water levels were relatively low, causing a bit of concern that the pools may dry up before the amphibians could develop from tadpoles and larvae to land conquering salamanders and frogs. However, all this week’s rains have filled up the pools nicely, giving more time for the amphibians to develop. Here are a few photos of our findings....
Read MoreAmerican Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
Earlier this afternoon RTPI conservation staff joined Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy staff for a walk on a prospective site on Goose Creek. We recorded 64 bird species, dozens of wildflowers and vernal pools with Wood Frog, Spotted Salamander and American Toad (like this one!) egg masses. Very cool finds on a hot spring day.
Read MoreMigrations of another kind
With all the snow and cold temperatures we are still experiencing it may be hard to imagine that warmer weather is just around the corner. However, now that March is underway, it will only be a few short weeks until spring officially arrives and the movement of some very special species will begin. While many bird species will start their long journey back to the northeast from places such as Costa Rica where our affiliates have been banding migrants, a variety of non-feathered species will begin traveling through our forests to find their annual breeding pools. The quiet peace of winter...
Read More
