[Bristol-Birds] amphibians

The Amphibian Monitoring Project borrow pit at the South Holston Weir Dams was enliivened around 3 pm today by the sound of Wood Frogs. The drift fence was up and in good order, with outer pit traps open and functional. Inside some of the traps Dianne Draper and I found several Wood Frogs awaiting their turn at data collection and/or release. Also in some of the traps were a Red-spotted Newt and several beetles, Meloe species blister beetles I think. A few Wood Frogs were also seen on the ground outside the drift fence, and some were in the pond inside the fence. We could not find any eggs, nor any Spotted Salamanders. We left and came back later after 6 pm in hopes of hearing other frog species, but all was silent then. Kevin Hamed has been researching amphibians at this site for years. I contacted him, and he said a researcher would be releasing the trapped frogs. Their main targets for tagging and monitoring are salamanders. He informed me that there has already been one good period of movement for Spotted Salamanders during the heavy rain event in January. Kevin will be presenting a program on amphibians at 7:30 pm March 19 at Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, which I highly recommend for all to attend, as Kevin is always an enjoyable and knowledgeable speaker. This week might be a good one for observing some amphibian movement, with warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast. I would like to encourage anyone who might be interested in it to investigate your local ponds and wetlands for amphibian activities and report them on the Butternut Naturalists listserve. Also, anyone who would like to join me for a rainy evening of looking for amphibians migrating across the road at the Weir Dams should contact me as soon as possible. I will then coordinate with you if and when I decide to go, probably Tuesday or Wednesday night, depending on weather. I recommend that we try to do this together in a coordinated manner designed to minimize our impact on both the wildlife, and on the research being done there. Rain gear and a good flashlight are a must. Wading boots are optional. One need not leave the pavement to see amphibians at this site, but the opportunity for a closer look is there if you want to wade. There is also a possibility of hearing displaying American Woodcocks at the site. My e-mail address is dnldhlt@xxxxxxx and my phone is (423) 483-0470. I will post another notice about the foray on the Butternuts and bristolbirds listserves in the next day or two. 
Don Holt
Johnson City, TN
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