Mood:
don't askTopic: Out in the Field
Well, not how I wanted to kick off the season, but it was still very nice to get out. With my migraine, I cannot drive, so since I was going stir crazy sitting at home, I decided to walk the two miles to a place I used to go as a kid. Back then, it was a mecca of wildlife. Because of chemicals, not so much anymore, but it has gotten better over the last 5 years I have been monitoring it. I have still yet to see any tiger salamanders like as a kid, but keep hoping this might be the time. Yesterday was not.
It was about 60 degrees and raining. In the three hours I was out, it varied from a heavy drizzle to a steady downpour. The high water sign was up on the road I walked for good reason. While my new boots boast water-proof on the box, that only works to the top of the shoe. When the shallowest part of the 'lake' in the middle of the road is almost to the knee, the water-proof shoes then become water holding vessels with the water proofing holding all the water in. When I did get home, I wrung out about a pint of water from my socks!
It was a nice day, so I enjoyed getting out. As for wildlife, I saw one earthworm, two pill bugs (rolly-polies), one tiny water strider and an unidentified bird. The trip was not planned, so I did not bring binoculars like I normally do. I also forgot my 'stump ripper' snake hook that I use for a walking stick. Needless to say, my back hurts as bad as my legs.
You never really know just how out of shape you are until you try to do something beyond what you should be. I should have been on the treadmill and getting ready for this, rather than just doing it, but I still feel good that I did it.
Well, no salamanders. I did find what I thought was a spermataphore field, but it turned out to be several really white little rocks. If there are any salamanders, I hope that the female doesn't make the same mistake I did, OUCH!
I have heard reports and seen pictures already of many salamanders being found as well as pickerel frogs and wood frogs. Hopefully I will find some soon, but with the cold coming back, it may be a little while longer.
