Friday night, April 17, 2015, found 7 kids and 24 enthusiastic adults hanging around the pond and ditches on Stonecrest Road near MacLaren Side Rd. in the early evening. Several Blue-spotted Salamanders were found right away along with Wood Frogs, Spring Peepers and a Northern Watersnake.  Chorus Frogs were singing in the background. The kids were expert at collecting specimens but the Watersnake avoided capture.

Later we moved along to the beautiful property of Elaine Duffield on the Dunrobin Rd., which proved to be a great spot to hunt for Spotted Salamanders in the dark.  Again, the kids were able to provide specimens for the adults to observe!

A Barred Owl called but was hardly heard over the deafening noise of the Spring Peepers. The night sky was amazing and the kids were shown great views of Venus and Jupiter before heading home, tired but successful.

A great night, 20-15 degrees, starry and perfect!  Many thanks to Elaine and Steve Duffield, Jakob Mueller and all who participated.

Photos by Stephen Duff