to the Herpers: Amphibian Migration Sunday Night

A note from Jim:

Herpers, the current forecast for Sunday night looks good for amphibian migration.

Here in the Lake Champlain Basin, Spotted Salamanders may still be moving away from breeding pools, but in the mountains, north-central Vermont, and the Northeast Kingdom, early spring amphibians are still moving toward their breeding habitat. I will attach the list of towns from which we still need documentation for three of the most common early spring migrators.

I am hoping to photograph a Spotted Salamander in Searsburg on Sunday night. If you are interested in checking any of these towns on Sunday night but don’t know where to look, let me know. I can pick a spot for you.

Don’t forget that some species such as Jefferson Salamander and Four-toed Salamander should be reported anytime they are found at a new site, even if it is from a town where we know it has been found before.

I have recently found a couple new populations of Four-toed Salamanders and I am sure there are many more populations to find. If you see something that looks like an Eastern Red-backed Salamander make sure you pick it up gently and look at its belly. If it is bright white with black spots, it is a Four-toed. I will attach a photo.

Four-toed Salamander (Hemdactylium scutatum, venter, in hand, Bridport, April 7, 2017 copyright (c) Jack Leonard and used by permission)

Remember to stay off busy roads, wear light and reflective clothing, carry good flashlights, and stay away from each other and cars. You can also see these three species in their breeding ponds and stay off the roads entirely.

Lastly, remember that our fund raiser is still continuing. See below for the link.

Jim Andrews

We are in the middle of our fundraiser. Please visit our GoFundMe site to find out how you can help.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/tvfmw-vermont-reptile-and-amphibian-atlas