Welcome to 2011 and the first herp of the year (you know what it is), a red back salamander (Plethodon cinereus)!
I found it under a heavy, flat rock off the multi-use trail along Cobbs Creek. I was trying out some new bike shoes, on the paved trail above, and I could not resist the amphibian attraction.
It's such a simple gratification: I lift one rock... nothing. I lift another rock... nothing. Oh! Look at that big flat rock... salamander! I'm a winner!
The woods were absolutely miserable. As if everything wasn't soggy enough with snow melt, a mix of sleet and rain made sure everything above the ground was as wet as the mud.
Here's a shot of scenic Cobbs Creek, the grape vine in the foreground pulled taut by a mix of sticks and trash pushed downstream by the flow.
Here's to the next post (aside from review posts) having something besides a red back (not that there's anything wrong with them).Have a happy and herp-ful 2011!
2 comments:
Happy New Year to you as well, glad you are still able to find the salamanders to get you through the winter so far. ;-)
He's looking a little cranky at getting rousted from his bed.
Your post is part of the House of Herps festival for January. You can drop by the carnival at The Little House in the Not-So-Big Woods.
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