And now for the final installment of the late March-early April edition of observations – spring is such a great and busy time to be out observing what is happening in nature! Don’t forget to check out the previous two installment, Plants and Trees, and Birds and Butterflies, posted the last two days.
Amphibians and More
Wood Frog egg masses: Quite an early start to the breeding season for our little wood frogs AND a sporadic one at that—occasional warm and rainy nights; In the main swamp at Moose Hill and within the usual vernal pools/wetlands that comprise the Vernal Pool Loop, I was hearing them call during the second and third week of March, and then seeing the egg masses a few days later; these are tough amphibians, that is for sure, and according to Robert Parker Hodge (author of Amphibians & Reptiles in Alaska, the Yukon, and Northwest Territories), these MOST northerly of herps; their jelly like egg masses only provide so much protection from the elements and are quite vulnerable to sub-freezing wind chills; Luckily, though, in our parts, they are laid a good distance below the water’s surface and are generally protected from late freezes—a modifying effect of the water in these vernal pools; But we shall see how many survived this last cold spell in week’s to come.
Yellow-Spotted Salamander egg masses: almost as tough as our Wood Frog egg masses, these are slightly different in that an extra layer of “jellylike protection” (a matrix) covers them; Certainly, another adaptation to surviving more northerly climates AND varying water conditions within the Vernal Pools/swamps they are laid in.
Garter Snake: the most northerly of reptiles also inhabits our forests and can be seen basking in the sun on a bed of leaves during late March through leaf out in May; Quite early this year and no doubt resting in a den at the moment; A quick shift in temperature regimes (like we’ve had the past few weeks) might stress some, though; we will keep an eye for them in the forest.
Ticks and different stages of development: “Do ticks really have a purpose on Earth?”, said my wife a few weeks ago after I found one imbedded for DAYS; the adult males and females are out during early Spring, as long as the temps are above 40 degrees F; Something tells me this will be a rough year with both temperature and moisture regimes being higher than normal; DON’T be fooled by the recent cold snap, it won’t be enough to knock back their populations too much.
Non-glowing Firefly “beetles”: One of the first insects we start to see in the Spring, especially along and within bark; a harmless little group of insects with a soft elytra (or winged covering) that is unlike most beetles; good food source for birds this time of year and tough, as most beetles tend to be.
Until the next time,
-Acciavatti Instep, Non Stop
Nature Detective Notes by Michael Acciavatti. Michael is our full-time teacher naturalist who often heads out on the trails to stretch his legs and observe what is happening. His enthusiasm and knowledge make for wonderful updates about the nature of Moose Hill. We hope that you will be inspired to head out on our trails as well and enjoy the changes that each season, or better yet, each month bring to Moose Hill. We look forward to seeing you here!
squashed under 4-6 inches of heavy snow earlier this month and no doubt gasping for air, but lovely and perky in this photograph just a few weeks ago; Our flower garden variety Daffodils are not from these parts, yet are well-adapted to survive the rigors of New England seasons—bred in even more northerly climes; one of my favorite Spring ephemerals that lasts but a month or two (leaves and all, shriveling back).
wer in the early Spring, also within wetlands and alongside streams & roads; still occasionally ravaged by Dutch Elm Disease in certain areas (western MA and up through VT), there are many healthy individuals in our neck of the woods IF you just look carefully enough—check out their classic form (below) and swelling flower buds as you drive from Cobb’s Corner up the hill to Sharon Center….there is one on the right (beside the best Daffodils ever), then a larger individual quickly on the left, and finally another large tree on the right just past the white Chabad House; ALL are in flower now and hopefully made it through the storm.
are back from the southern US to stake out a breeding territory along forest edges/wet meadows AND perform their famous “
ew of these little tree climbers singing the other morning (earlier than I usually hear them) up at the Upper Sugarbush – that’s an area of Sugar Maples off of the Billings Loop, just past the Billings and Bat barns. A lovely, “whistling-type” 
really “attempting to peep or squeak” at least once each month (early December-early March) during this second mildest winter on record. Because it is still early in the season, their activity is limited….BUT I did hear them chorusing a little bit in the large wetland beside the Pepperbush Trail. Remember, “as frogs go”, they are habitat generalists and much more adaptable to varying conditions (weather, etc.) than our obligate, Wood Frogs.
ood distance before you actually see it! Their presence along the main boardwalk through the Swamp appears to be on time this year, and with snow/ice-free surfaces, they may continue to flower a bit longer, especially if the water level is kept up (moderating the temperature and all)
majority of February 2016. With a small handful of snowstorms and at least one, Arctic outbreak (albeit short-lived), our temperatures throughout New England seemed to moderate nicely AND keep the second warmest Winter on record from topping ALL the record books. Hence, the El Nino winter we are experiencing.
or not. I kept thinking that they might be active over the past few weeks, as both temperatures and humidity levels seemed just right, but after observing a number of vernal pools, I was incorrect in my assumption. So what is it that “wakes them up” from their slumbers beneath leaves and the soil?? Well, maybe I should rephrase my question: “What are the ‘environmental queues’ that these amphibians respond to?” During my Animal Behavior courses at the University of Vermont, we discussed this at great length, and my professor introduced the word, zeitgeber, a Germanic word referring to ‘environmental queues’. Some of these queues may be proximate, and others ultimate. Without getting into a large discussion ourselves, you can probably figure out what these mean. Here are some examples, though: Spring Peepers (tiny chorus frogs that frequent our forests and wetlands) respond to short bursts of warmth and humidity much better than other amphibians, hence, proximate environmental queues; whereas Wood Frogs and Yellow Spotted Salamanders tune in to the slowly increasing angle/warmth of the sun OVER TIME, hence, ultimate environmental queues. This, should therefore help to answer a part of our question – perhaps a more detailed conversation in a future posting in regards to these species.
from an unprecedented snow storm (over 24 inches in spots), we New Englanders are enjoying a little fresh powder AND…..the amazing sunshine!! While sitting outside in our garage yesterday, basking in the sun, I was inspired to focus on these topics.
saying from years past and usually holds true for at least the first part of February; that’s according to David Ludlam, author of the 1990’s edition, The Vermont Weatherbook. He says, “by the second half of February, the worst of Winter’s sting is over and soon, the ‘Snow Kingdom’ will be in retreat.” And I would add that although February is generally the snowiest month of the year (we broke records in 2015), it’s one of the best times to be outside enjoying the Winter season! Just keep in mind how much melting-freezing is going on around buildings, driveways, and on roads, so as not to slip and fall or spin out. And, while you’re enjoying the fresh powder and scents of the season (the snow and the earth beneath), have a listen for ….