You are listening to the sound of a wood frog. With your help vernal pool enthusiasts in Framingham may be able to track them down to put together some Big Night field trips. If you have never heard wood frogs gathering to breed or seen dozens of yellow-spotted salamanders pouring out of rock crevices on their way to a breeding pond, you are in for a treat.
Last Wednesday and Thursday there was some migration of spotted salamanders and wood frogs in this area. The recent temperature plunge seems to have interrupted them but there may be another Big Night this week. The next night that is between 45-50:F and raining is a prime night. We are looking for volunteers to check conditions at any prospective sites (that can be viewed without upsetting the property owner -- if you don't own it, can we get permisson?). What to listen for: The quacking of wood frogs, singly or in chorus. Listen to it again on the attachment. Don't bother with the familiar sound of Spring Peepers. They aren't limited to vernal pools. Where to look: Shallow bodies of water which are not actively flowing, especially ones known to dry up in summer. What to look for: Wood frogs, spotted salamanders and their egg masses. Look at the pix here and on the two pages after that http://www.vernalpool.com/sly_3.htm Thanks in advance, Nicola Cataldo 508-620-9379
