AMPHIBIANS : SIGHTINGS on Yahoo! Kids

Amphibians

Finding Amphibians
Looking for amphibians is the best part of studying them. This is true whether you are a fourth grader or a college professor. There is nothing like the thrill of the search. Whether you are riding along an Arizona desert road during a summer monsoon rain, lifting stones beside an Arkansas creek, or searching out an Ontario springtime pool full of chorusing frogs, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the basic strategies for making your amphibian prowls successful.

Searching for amphibians in a beaver pond. © William P. Leonard

A nighttime amphibian survey. © William P. Leonard

Daytime
Bring a pair of binoculars, if you have them. Watch along the edges and in the shallows of ponds and streams and in wet meadows for frogs and tadpoles.

Nighttime
Nighttime is the right time for many salamanders and frogs. Get together with an adult and let people know where you are going. A flashlight is useful for a nighttime amphibian prowl, but a headlamp leaves both of your hands free and always points in the right direction—where your eyes are looking. Check out the edges and shallows of ponds, streams, and wet meadows. Watch and listen for species moving about on land, in vegetation, and in and under the water. Keep your ears attuned for chorusing frogs.

Breeding Seasons
Visit springtime pools and other amphibian concentration areas during the breeding season and especially during the spring rains, when breeding species are on the move to pools. Many species of frogs and mole salamanders may be seen crossing back roads on rainy evenings. From Cape Cod to Colorado, during and just after periods of summer rains, watch for spadefoot toads and other summer breeding species.

Viewing Spotted Frog tadpoles. © William P. Leonard

Looking High and Low
Look in and around streams and under rocks, logs, and boards for salamanders and frogs. Watch along stream banks and in the shallowest, quietest water. Fast-flowing or deep water is harder to work in. At breeding pools of frogs and mole salamanders, look for egg masses. These are usually easy to spot.

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