Late last week I tagged along as my friend Kris, a volunteer for the North American Amphibian Monitoring Project (NAAMP), surveyed frogs and toads in Massachusetts. We heard lots o’ spring peepers and–once Kris taught me how to listen for them–lots o’ wood frogs, too. When was the last time you stood outside in the dark, closed your eyes, and just listened? If you live anywhere near Massachusetts, now is the time to give it a whirl. (And if you’re curious about what you are hearing, check out this website.)
As if all this weren’t fun enough for a gal like me, Kris let me suit up in her spare waders and search the vernal pool near her home for salamanders (see above). We saw a lone spotted salmander and several egg masses. (And I’ve officially added ‘chest waders’ to my wish list.)
I’m gallivanting around the state of Maine this week, visiting schools and libraries. With any luck I’ll be able to share a few pics during the week. In the meantime, get out there and listen to some nighttime sounds; I’d love to know what is calling in your neck of the woods!