Morning Staff Meeting. Live Animal Report. “Everybody’s fine.”
“But hey, speaking of live animals, do you think tonight might be the night?”
“Could be. Rain. Temps near sixty.”
“It’s supposed to get cold again, though. And snow.”
Later in the day, we check the hour by hour forecast. Temperatures aren’t supposed to drop until 11pm or midnight. I send an email to the Spontaneous Naturalist list, post a notice on Facebook, and call Wanda. “Tonight’s the night. Dig out your rain gear and your strongest flashlight. I’ll pick you up at 7:30.”

Wanda - dressed for the weather, flashlight ready!
We arrive just as the light is fading. Peepers are singing. Rain is steady, but not unpleasant. We walk out the maintenance road, along the big field, into the woods and find two friends on a bench, clad in rain gear, also waiting for the migration.
We chat a bit, then head for the pond.
We pick our way around the edge, shining flashlights into the water.
All our old friends are here, all anticipating spring, as are we.

Wood Frog

Leopard Frog

Spotted Salamanders

Snapping Turtle
There is also evidence that the reason for coming the pond has already started, if you know what I mean…

Wood Frog and Jefferson/Blue Spotted Salamander Eggs

Jefferson/Blue-spotted Eggs

Spotted Salamander w/ Spermatophores
The amphibians were not as plentiful as I have sometimes seen them, bit it was relatively early when we headed home. We did not hear Wood Frogs singing on the way to the pond, but on the way back to the car, we did. So perhaps it got “busier” at the pool after we left.
I love to visit the vernal pools in spring. It has become a tradition.