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 mid 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.

Amphibian crossing brigades

During their annual spring migration, amphibians move from up to half a mile away, to their breeding pools. Along the way, they face many dangers, with the biggest being traffic. Kestrel and Green Beverly are teaming up to organize crossing brigades; groups of volunteers who will help frogs and salamanders safely cross the roads. If you want to help out with a crossing brigade, sign up for the mailing list above and indicate you want to volunteer.

All crossing brigade volunteers must follow our protocols:

Requirements for crossing brigades:

• All participants must be over age 10 and willing and able to follow all safety directions

• Anyone under age 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times

• You must wear a reflective vest (we will provide) and bring a flashlight

• Everyone must work in pairs or teams so that one member can watch for traffic every time we pick up an amphibian to cross it

Please review the full protocols here before arriving onsite

Record your numbers on this spreadsheet at the end of the night