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!
