Maxwell House My godson Max (age 5) gives a short presentation on what we hope to find. Click here to see another photo
| Spotlight on Salamanders We saw many Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) crossing the road. They were on their way to the ponds where the frogs were calling. Spotted salamanders can grow to over 7 inches in length.
Seeing Spots
| This amphibian's Latin genus name Ambystoma means "cup mouth." Its species name maculatum translates to "Spotted". Click here to see another photo Click here to see the huge salamander of the day
Amphibian Fans
| There were dozens of people out to see the migration.
Determination
| Garrett Orlandi, of the Independence High School Biology Society, was determined to find the first Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) of the night. The tiny size (about an inch) of these frogs makes them difficult to find, even when they're calling nearby.
Success
| It wasn't long before Garrett's persistence paid off. Click here to see another photo Click here to see a Peeper crossing the road
Me and Max
| We were getting to the point when we were losing count of how many salamanders we'd seen. Click here to see Garrett and Max Click here to see Max and his dad
Favorite Find
| The Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) is less common than its spotted relative. We only saw 4 or 5 of them. Click here to see another photo Click here to see a Jefferson crossing the road
Carly & Company
| Several members of the Independence High School Biology Society participated in this unique celebration of Spring.
Sylvan Songster
| The Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) is often out calling at the same time as Spring Peepers. Its call sounds like a chicken clucking Click here to see another photo Click here to see a pinkish Wood Frog
I'll Have a Double
| Wood Frogs in amplexus crossing the street. Click here to see another photo
End of the Road
| Another amphibian migration comes to a close. |