There is an incredible phenomenon that happens every spring in Massachusetts. On the first rainy nights when the temperature is around 45°F or higher, certain amphibians such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders emerge en masse from their wintering sites, heading to temporary water bodies called vernal pools to breed. It’s an event often dubbed Big Night. These five images from our Photo Contest provide an up close look.

The animals are often secretive, so catching a glimpse of them can be exciting. Join one of our Big Night programs to search for spotted salamanders, wood frogs, and other denizens of vernal pools.

Spotted salamanders, 2011 Photo Contest Entry © Gail S. Platz

Wood frog, 2014 Photo Contest Entry © Debbie Dineen

Spotted salamander, 2010 Photo Contest Entry © Suzanne Niles

Wood frog camouflage, 2014 Photo Contest Entry © Jane Parker

A mass of wood frog eggs, 2014 Photo Contest Entry © Rachel Roberts

Have a great shot of your own? The 2015 Picture This Photo Contest launches April 1!

Right about now, eastern chipmunks begin to emerge from their burrows. Chipmunks spend the winter a torpid state, in which their body temperature and heartbeat decrease, but they wake every few days to feed on stockpiled food. These industrious creatures provide endless opportunities for photographers, as these five images from past Photo Contests prove.

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Justin Miel

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Sarah Keates

A rare melanistic chipmunk, 2011 Photo Contest Entry © Katharine Wall

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Cynthia West

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Kim Nagy

Learn more about chipmunks on our website.