How we're spending our days

This is the time of year when frogs and salamanders crawl out from their underground winter burrows and head for the nearest pond, looking for love.  And Silas, Levi and I are hot on their heels. 

Our world is all about the amphibians right now.  For the last week, we've spent the better part of every day tromping through the woods in rubber boots, exploring slow-moving streams and marshy wetlands.  At night, if we are all feeling brave, we head out with our flashlights to listen to frog breeding calls and look for migrating salamanders.  So far, we haven't seen a single frog or salamander, but we've discovered eggs and we've heard lots of frog songs. 

Spotted salamander eggs.

Our lack of success hasn't discouraged the boys at all, they just love the hunt.  Silas repeatedly steps into the black, quicksand-like muck and struggles to pull his boots out without falling over (he really like the challenge and so far has only landed in the mud twice) and Levi encourages me to watch as he jumps from hummock to hummock over the murky water or makes his way across a fallen tree bridge and I can tell he is feeling very proud of himself.  Every time we go out they both say they can't believe how much fun it is and Tiny always asks if we can come back to this same exact spot again tomorrow.

We are hanging out in some places I never could have imagined I'd willing spend time in, but it is actually quite fun.  We have a little window right now where the weather is perfect, as Silas says it's "not hot, not cold, it's just air", and the black flies haven't arrived to send us scurrying into the screen house or back to Portland, and we plan to be out there exploring until that window closes.

The front step.

Have you heard wood frogs or spring peepers in your part of the world yet?

Comments

[Lisa]

The boys are lucky to have a mommy like you - willing to walk in the muck and pick up salamander eggs!! Let me know when you're ready to come back to town...

[Michelle]

Hi Lisa,

I happen to really like frogs, Im not sure Im be walking in the muck for many other reasons! 

See you soon.

Michelle

[Mark]

No wood frogs, peepers, or much in the way of any life forms in my state.

Mark
Nevada

[Michelle]

Remember, we did see a couple of horned lizards there.  I am sure there are vultures too.  I also remember something about pack rats.  And, how can you forget your little office/Airstream pets - the black widows??????????

[5orangepotatoes]

What a score find on the frog eggs! Very cool. Love your blog full of outdoor adventures. Thanks for joining the challenge.

lisa

[Michelle]

Thanks Lisa!  And thanks for the inspiration!  Were looking forward to getting out on those days that we might otherwise spend indoors.  I find we are always happier if we get outside for at least part of the day, but sometimes it just doesnt happen.

[5orangepotatoes]

I linked your eggs today!
Those boys are just too cute!
lisa

[Dawn]

Those eggs are a great find. We love salamanders around here. Now that I can see how they differ from frog eggs we will be on the lookout!
Thanks for sharing your adventures...
Saw your egg shot on 5 Orange Potatoes blog.

[Michelle]

Hello Dawn, thanks for commenting!  From what Ive read, frog eggs are not surrounded with a jelly-like substance like these are.