amphibian nights

On the first warm(ish) rainy nights of spring, frogs and salamanders come out from their underground winter hiding places and migrate across roads and trails to get to their breeding ponds. Some animals that are rarely seen during the rest of the year are suddenly everywhere, and their breeding calls to each other create loud choruses that can be heard up to a mile away. Salamanders perform their twisting mating dance in shallow pools.

Join Kestrel and Green Beverly on a rainy night to observe the amphibians as they migrate, sing, and dance. Note that dates are unpredictable and will depend on weather conditions.

Logistical Notes:

Amphibian migration and breeding in our area can begin anytime between about March 15th and April. Most activity happens after dark, increasing later into the evening, with spotted salamanders mostly congressing after 10pm. The ideal weather is a rainy night between about 45 and 50 degrees. The ground must be wet for most amphibians to migrate. Even if it is no longer raining, a wet ground is good enough.

Bring

• Bright flashlight (handheld is preferable to headlamp)

• Rain jacket

• Boots

• Phone or camera in waterproof case

• Children must stay with their adults at all times

Don’t Bring

• Pets

Special Note

When driving past wetlands/approaching observation site, drive very slowly. Reaaaaalllllly slowly. Like 5 mph. Even if everyone else is mad. It is so so so hard to see amphibians on the road. The rule is, if you can hear frogs singing, they’re probably crossing the road you’re driving on.

Click here to join the mailing list, and you will get regular email updates during the early spring alerting you to possible observation nights.