Amphibians on the Move (24-Feb-2016)

Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)

Last night I was sure the heavy rains and warmer temperatures would have some of our native amphibians on the move. There were not many, but I did find a couple species. So, where are they going and why are they out? The two frog species you will see in this post are spring breeders. Both emerge from their overwintering spots and make their way to vernal pools or other wetland areas. Vernal pools are depressions that fill with snow in the winter, rain in the spring and only retain water for a limited time. Since the pools do dry up they offer a safer alternative for egg laying and larval survival for amphibians. The reason being the lack of predators such as fish, which could quickly consume both adult and larval stage amphibians. 

Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)

If the warm temperatures return, soon the sounds of both Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers will echo from their wetland breeding areas. With both of these species it is generally the males who make it to the pools first and they will be the ones making the vocalizations you may hear. 

Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)

Keep these little critters in mind at this time of year. Especially when it rains. They can be traveling a good distance to get to their breeding sites and many times there are roads in the way. Amphibians don't fair too well against a car and there are many casualties as they try to cross. Help them out by trying to avoid them, because they do not have a chance at getting out of your way in time.

Of course there was trash when I was slogging through the woods. I picked up a handful of items, the areas I went to were fairly clean.

There are very strict laws regarding amphibians in Pennsylvania. Before you go out on a slogging adventure yourself, you should make sure to know the rules and regulations. If you are over 16 you should have a fishing license on you, even if you are just going out to observe them.

You too can help with taking out the trash! If you get out hiking take a grocery bag with you, give it a second use and fill it with trash while you are out! Every bit helps. You can also help contributing to this project here: Help Fund Taking Out the Trash

Like this blog? Like it on Facebook: Taking Out the Trash in Eastern PA

Lackawanna State Forest (3-Sept-2015)

It was a nice hike through the Lackawanna State Forest this afternoon. The main goal of the hike was not to collect trash, but just to get out and see what kind of herps we could find.

This is Kelly, a new graduate student. She came along today to see herps and insects, but by the end of the hike she was not only pointing out trash, but picking it up too! Only less than half a bag on a four hour hike and only common herp species, but it was still a nice day to be out.

Discovered this sign at the site. I think Manny Gordon would be happy that we helped to clean up the forest lands he once maintained.

Found some old cans and some new ones. I don't think I have picked up either before.

When I find glass bottles, generally they are new ones. This was a thick old Coca-Cola with a Wilkes-Barre Label on the bottom.  

American Toad. Yes, I have posted these before, same with the rest of the amphibians today. They can be found all over eastern PA.

These two photos shows the variation that can be found in amphibians. Both are Spring Peepers and both are just color variants. This species is not sexually dimorphic, so the color differences in no way mean one is a male and one is a female, both can show these same variants. The photo on the left is the most common variant and is what you will see in a field guide.

Wood Frog.

Thought this fungus was pretty cool, even with the stick in the center. 

One of the nicest surprises came at the end of the hike. Three Red Squirrels were scurrying around this tree. I could only get two in one shot, but I assure you there were three. They didn't stick around for any closer shots.

I do not think I will be able to post again until Sunday. I will be out on the Lower Lehigh again tomorrow and may take out some small amounts of trash on Saturday and Sunday. All posts at the latest will be up on Monday.

Some Trash and a Herp Survey (15-Aug-2015)

The main goal today was not to collect trash and I still ended up with almost a full bag. I was helping conduct a herpetological survey with professors from East Stroudsburg University and some other volunteers. If you are wondering, herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. From previous posts you may have realized I have an interest in them. For surveys like this specific sites are defined and the goal is to find as many species as possible, noting how many individuals were found, their specific location within the survey area and the habitat conditions. This information is then shared with the state, specifically the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and researchers. The data can then be compiled and range maps and rough population estimates can be made. The maps and population estimates help in determining the current status of a species in an area or the state as a whole. The rest of this post are photos of some of the individuals we found today. Because there are people who seek out and collect or kill some of these species, I will not be giving out any locations in this post. All of these species are important pieces in our local eco-systems and I do hope that if you happen upon one on a hike that you give them and their habitat the respect they deserve.

Redback Salamander

Juvenile Spotted Salamander

Two-lined Salamander

 American Toad

 Wood Frog

Green Frog

Garter Snake

Northern Water Snake

 Ringneck Snake