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| Redback Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) |
Winter is here or at least the amphibian's behavior suggests it has arrived. We encountered only 7 Redback Salamanders during Friday's visit to the grid. Faye Curran and Abby Conroy helped with today's check and we were all thrilled to see the few salamanders that we observed. The temperature was about 35 degrees Fahrenheit with a clear sky and only a slight breeze. All of the salamanders were observed under cover-board stations under deciduous tree cover. I think this is due in large part to the lack of leaves in the trees to shade the ground which exposes the ground to more solar radiation. The cover-boards under the conifer canopy were very shaded and would have been cooler. Thanks to Faye and Abby for a solid day's work, especially since we observed so few salamanders and it was rather chilly. This will likely be our last check for the 2011 calendar year. Check back to see when we return to the grid.
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