Ever since I was a little kid I have always been fascinated with salamaders. This morning I went with a group to a vernal pool and saw where salamanders spawn and start their life.
A salamader egg sack.
Digging through the wet leaves we found our first salamanders.
This was a red-backed salamander.
The highlight was finding a really large spotted salamander.
Awesome stuff... this is the time of year it happens. the first nice sunny warm day of the year + an evening rain = a salamander migration. I like your post because its a reminder to me to be on my toes and watch the weather. I own a 1 acre vernal pool, and every year put out an evening S.O.S. when it happens. Save Our Salamanders! we have a few beers and walk around the nearby (warm) paved roads picking up gargantuan spotted salamanders, putting them in a bucket, and safely putting them in my back-yard. fun stuff!! I encourage all to get out this year and save some from cars.
ReplyDeleteSwamp Yankee, I never realized a lot of the salamanders in our area spawn in the winter. I thought it was way too cold for amphibians to do anything. The naturalist with us said he's heard stories of hellbenders on certain parts of the river. Unfortunately they are easier to find in Jan-Feb. I would have never guessed. That's cool that you own a vernal pool. I'm sure you get to experience some cool things.
ReplyDeleteCool stuff, thanks for sharing. I love finding little animals like frogs and salamanders most people would just step over.
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful little creatures. They have some speed also.
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool! Great pictures. Finding that big spotted one must have been a real treat. You just gotta love nature!
ReplyDeleteDaniel, the wildlife is all part of the fun when I'm fishing.
ReplyDeleteBrk Trt, They are deceivingly fast. Especially if they are in water.
Justin, finding that big spot was neat. Up until that point we only found salamanders that barely spanned the width of your palm.
Kevin
ReplyDeleteThese little creatures are a killer bait for largemouth bass, and I would imagine they would be a nice treat for a big brown. Thanks for sharing
Kevin, that is TOO cool!!! I've gathered tadpoles but never salamanders. That's the neatest thing ever!
ReplyDeleteBill T, I've heard that but never tried it. I honestly don't have the heart to use one of these guys as bait.
ReplyDeleteBill H, They are really cool there's a special quality about them I can't put my finger on.
Many a day of my childhood was spent scurrying around in the leaves finding salamanders. Awesome little animals. And I agree, could never put one on a hook. I cringe when I hear people talk about using them or frogs for bait. Cool pics!
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