Tonight (April 10th): Forecast good for Big Herp Move

3 Comments

Tonight's forecast (April 10th) calls for rain until around 9PM with temps in the 50's. If the rains come, I'll be checking out Sherman Hollow and Shelburne Pond Roads looking for the emerging amphibians on the move. I'll be out at dusk until the rain stops, the amphibians stop or my camera battery and I run out of juice. Grab your rain gear, a good flashlight, some coffee and come on out!

Spring Peeper attempting to 'not be seen' ("If I don't move, they won't see me"): often look like pebbles on the road (small enough to set on a nickle).

Spotted Salamander making a road crossing.

Male Wood Frog: males have huge thumbs for grasping females during 'significant' rites of spring. (Note: hands were dipped in pond before picking up frog to avoid harming him with any chemicals on hands.)

About ECHO

ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, lake aquarium and science center committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. Founded in 2003, ECHO houses more than 70 species of live animal ambassadors in Vermont’s first LEED certified building. This innovative science center and aquarium displays life in the Champlain Basin and inspires visitors to positively impact the world around them. ECHO is the public face of the Patrick and Marcelle Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a 2.7 acre environmental campus on the Burlington Waterfront.

3 comments:

Steve Smith, Director Animal CareApril 11, 2011 at 12:22 AM
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Steve Smith, Director Animal CareApril 11, 2011 at 8:12 AM
Out from dusk until midnight. Many, many, many spotted salamanders on Sherman Hollow; from east end to beaver ponds area. Then on to Pond Rd. Many more peepers on Pond Rd. Lots of frog species. Highlight: on Pond Rd.: a watersnake and two young predacious diving beetles.
Chris Jacson (aka Artifact)August 1, 2011 at 9:41 AM
Do you run into many venomous snakes on your outings. I have began wearing snake gaiters or snake boots on my outings and feel much more confident. Hope you are seeing some fascinating wildlife that most people do not know even exist. Thanks for the post: Chris

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