This is the time of year when our local amphibians go about the business of making more amphibians. Last night I went out because it was a "Big Night". Big nights are when we get a warm rainy night in March after the ground has thawed. The salamanders and frogs make their way to vernal pools and look for a mate. While Wood Frogs might be in pools for a couple of weeks, some species like Spotted Salamanders find love and then go back to their lives of hiding in the woods all in one night.
I have always wanted to do a Big Night but honestly, I had gotten lazy. It takes a little bit of determination to motivate myself to leave the house on a rainy night. So for years, I've wanted to check the vernal pools only to lazy out. One thing I just learned at forty nine years old is that there is more than one Big Night. I was always under the impression that if I missed that first warm, rainy, March night I'd have to wait until next year. It turns out that not all amphibians will be out that one night and I have a good chance of seeing more throughout the spring. They really should be called Big Nights
Knowing that Saturday looked good, I knew I had to put myself in the frame of mind to get wet. Since I actually planned on going out for a few days I was looking forward to it. Unlike previous years, I was motivated and excited. I went to local conservation area in Norton, MA just a mile from my bed. I had walked this area many times and I knew there was a vernal pool within a five minute walk from the road.
After a few minutes down the muddy wet trail I came to my vernal pool. It took a few more minutes but I saw my first amphibian, it was a Spotted Salamander. It was in the pool and came up for air. In disbelief that I actually saw one, I thought it might have been a mirage. When I went to look for it underwater with my flashlight I saw many branches with lichen that easily could pass for a salamander with spots. Luckily a few minutes later I saw another and I knew I wasn't crazy. I watched it go back down to the leaf litter not to far from shore. I tried to catch it with my hand but despite standing on a log it was just out of reach.
Down the trail I saw another one underwater right near the shoreline. I easily put my hand in the water and picked it up. I took a couple photos and put it back. I had only seen two Spotted Salamanders in my life so I had already more than doubled my total. A few minutes later I saw FIVE right next to each other. It was awesome.
I stayed out roughly an hour and fifteen minutes. I enjoyed seeing the Spotted Salamanders very much. However, I got to hold one and had great looks at others and I figured it was time to leave them alone. I didn't see any other frogs, toads, or salamander species.
Now that I know there will be other Big Nights I will be out again. For anyone that would also go looking for amphibians, as of this writing, Tuesday (March 5) might be good and Wednesday (March 6) looks very warm and wet. I'm sure almost every birder reading this has come across a vernal pool near their local birding patch. I know of many in Rhode Island, but I had the one right down the street. Go out to it at dark and see what is out there. I'm sure the vernal pool I went to will have more species next time I go. Like I said, I didn't see any Wood Frogs, but I was really excited to see Spotted Salamanders.
There are also three vernal pools at another conservation area in Norton. They are a long walk from the car but might be worth checking out. Going out after dark and seeing these animals has opened up a new world for me. I'm looking forward to doing it again.
If you go looking for amphibians at vernal pools...
Obviously a good flashlight with strong batteries is a must. This might be one time where a flashlight is better than a head lamp.
I bought an umbrella to help stay dry but it was pretty much useless around all of the trees and brush around the pool.
I forgot my rain pants. If you have them wear them. A good raincoat is a must.
If you take a camera or use your phone for pics keep it dry.
Waterproof boots or hip boots.
Most importantly, if you miss a warm rainy night, try to get out on the next one.
