Salamanders and Such

The migrants are still steadily arriving here in the Peterborough area. The meltwater ponds were re-filled after all of the thunderstorms last week, keeping some good spots full of birds awhile longer. A pond that formed at Mather's Corners has had good numbers of Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Black Ducks, Mallards and Canada Geese. There have also been some American Wigeon present at times as well as the odd Gadwall and Northern Shoveler, both of which I haven't had the luck or persistance to see. A Snow Goose was reported there and actually stayed around for a few days, not a common sight in the county.

Yes, that really is a Snow Goose

I had a Wilson's Snipe fly over the Peterborough Airport doing a winnowing display the other day and there were at least three American Woodcocks near Trent University a couple of nights ago. Two were doing the "peent-ing" thing while one circled overhead doing the twittering display.

The amphibians are also in full swing. Spring Peepers have been calling for a while now along with the Chorus Frogs and Wood Frogs. Leopard Frogs are all over the roads in places with some Green Frogs mixed in. I haven't heard any Gray Treefrogs yet, but I'm sure the time is coming.

A couple of nights ago just when the seasonably cold weather hit, Abby and I spent the evening in prime salamander territory. The salamanders were on the move. We spent about an hour and a half slowly driving around during which time we found more than 30 Blue-spotted Salamanders and a single pool that had around 30 Spotted Salamanders in it.

Blue-spotted Salamander

Spotted Salamander

And finally, some Wild Turkeys.

Female turkey:  you're going to want to watch your back