Vernal Pool Critters

 

Here are some recent photos from two vernal pool locations near us that saw some activity on a few rainy early March nights (3/6/24 & 3/8/24) . Temps were a bit chilly at 41 degrees.

Vernal Pools

Small seasonal pools found throughout Massachusetts that fill up with water for part of the year, but don’t hold it long enough to support populations of fish.

from The Trustees Julie Richburg PH.D. CERP at https://thetrustees.org/nature-ecology/vernal-pools/

I can feel that spring is just around the corner, and I am eagerly awaiting the first sounds of spring. There are many of course – the spring serenades of red-winged blackbirds, robins, and other songbirds, the pitter-patter of April showers, and the splashing of small human feet in puddles. One of my most anticipated sounds of spring, though, is the chorus of wood frogs echoing from vernal pools across the landscape. Wood frogs are one of several species that are dependent upon vernal pools for breeding and survival… read more

Amphibian Identification Sheet from the Harris Center for Conservation Education/Littleton Conservation Commission

 

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Nature Sightings are photos and stories from local residents and visitors. If you have a great outdoor photo to share in or near Westford, send it to us!