What better reason to stay up way past your bedtime than in the service of nature! With rain and warm nights in the forecast, the excitement of the possibility of a “Big Night” bubbles under the surface as we go about our day, wondering: will tonight be the night?
Amphibian migration occurs across several nights between March and early May each year, as warm temperatures awaken creatures from their winter slumber, called brumation. Signs of spring, like frequent warmer temperatures and longer days, let them know it is time to wake up and begin to find their way to a cozy breeding ground, often a vernal pond or other woodland pool.
Unfortunately, sometimes there is a road built right through that migration path. That’s where Amphibian Escorts come in! When the conditions are just right, hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of amphibians may migrate at a particular crossing location on a single night: a Big Night! (Check out North Branch Nature Center’s Amphibian Road Crossing map to find a road crossing close to you). You can tell it’s a Big Night because the road may seem to be moving on its own as creatures hop and crawl from their wooded overwintering habitat toward the safe harbor of the wetlands.
If you live near an amphibian crossing location, you can help! When the night is forecast to be wet (rain) and warm (over 40 degrees Fahrenheit), venture out slowly to see what you can find, and who you can assist!
As you embark on your amphibian service mission, there is so much to be excited about! But don’t rush! This mission is one of gentle patience as you greet each creature with care and usher them safely along their journey! Make careful observations to see which way the animals are going. Place them far off the road on the other side, safe from cars and other walkers.
Things to bring:
- Flashlights and extra batteries for everyone (this is a must for safety!)
- Magnifying glass for observation
- Bucket for anyone who doesn’t want to pick up creatures
- Notepad for collecting data
- Pencil
Safety first! Here are some pointers for keeping yourself and the amphibians as safe as possible!
Human safety means:
- Be visible! Dress in bright or light clothing, preferably with reflective gear!
- Bring light! Everyone in your group should carry a bright flashlight and extra batteries!
- Keep away from cars! Never assume cars can see you. Stay well off the road as cars go by, and never dart in front of a car to save an amphibian!
- Watch for ticks! Amphibians aren’t the only creatures who emerge in warmer temperatures, and sometimes these early spring evenings are our first contact of the year with ticks! Give yourself a good tick check when you get home!
Amphibian safety means:
- Walk slowly. Some creatures are very small! Watch every footstep with your flashlight and keep your eyes open! Some amphibians are as small as worms!
- Handle with care! Try to keep handling periods brief and use wet hands as amphibians’ skin is sensitive.
- Plan your driving route accordingly. Never drive through an amphibian migration path if you can prevent it! Park a safe distance from the edge of the site you will traverse.
This wood frog was the first creature sighted on one early April evening! It is surprising how easy they are to pick up.
- Do you wonder why this frog moves so quickly during the summertime but so slowly during migration?
A red eft is helped gently on its way! This Eastern Newt is still in its juvenile stage.
- Do you wonder how many different species you will find on your adventure?
A hitchhiker! This spring peeper hopped right on for a free ride! Embarking on a long perilous journey following a whole winter of brumation must be exhausting!
Spotted! This spotted salamander was one of many spotted on a Big Night!
- Do you wonder why so many Spotted Salamanders chose that one night to cross?
Some other things you may wonder about:
- What direction are they going? Are they all going the same way and why or why not?
- How many of each species can you count? (Alive and dead!)
- What do you think would happen if you took the animal back to the side of the road it came from?
If you have the chance to go out more than once or to multiple crossing places, you could compare your data and look for patterns!
- Do you see more species migrating on one night than another? Or at a particular location?
- Are there certain environmental conditions that seem to be preferred by certain species – temperature, location, etc?
- Does one species tend to migrate all together?
- Does the timing of migration change from year to year, occurring earlier or later in the spring? If so, why do you think that might be?
Be a generous scientist and share your data! You can report amphibian sightings to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas or the North Branch Nature Center Amphibian Road Crossing Program. Happy ushering!