SALISBURY — In early spring amphibians abandon the protection of their upland wintering sites to move to lower, wetter sites where they congregate and lay eggs. Some amphibians put themselves in jeopardy by crossing roads to get to their reproductive sites. Depending on local vehicle traffic, entire amphibian populations can be wiped out in the process.
Otter Creek Audubon and the Salisbury Conservation Commission have assisted amphibians at an important road crossing in Salisbury for over a decade. The site is ideal from the human perspective. Not only is it used by many salamanders and frogs of seven species, it has little vehicle traffic on warm, wet nights when amphibians are likely to move. It offers a predictable opportunity for people who are interested in observing a dramatic natural spectacle and who are able to take part in monitoring an amphibian migration in relative safety.
To witness this remarkable migration and help perpetuate it, volunteers may sign up to receive an email alert on the morning of a projected big movement during the movement window of Monday, March 21, to Sunday, April 10, and then a confirming email at about 6 p.m. Movement starts around 8:15 p.m. and may run for several hours, weather permitting. Volunteers may arrive and leave when they wish.
Volunteers are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others in their group. At this site traffic is infrequent and slow. Upon arrival Otter Creek Audubon provides tips on species identification and appropriate human behavior. Data collectors will record the numbers of each species volunteers move for the first two hours. To sign up for the 2016 amphibian email alert list, email [email protected].