The first warm, wet night of the spring season is usually the BIG NIGHT for amphibian movement. The salamanders and frogs migrate from their overwintering locations – maybe a mole hole or under a rotting log – to a nearby vernal pool.
Vernal pools are critical for successful reproduction. The water lasts long enough into the summer for the eggs to hatch and young to grow into adults. But, not so long that fish can survive. The fish, and some turtles, would eat their eggs.
On March 16th, a group of volunteers went to Pat’s Sanctuary, Hardwick Pond Road in Ware, to watch for frogs and salamanders crossing the road. As the night deepened, out came the first set of amphibians!
