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Native Californian, biologist, wildlife conservation consultant, retired Smithsonian scientist, father of two daughters, grandfather of 4 small primates. INTJ. Believes nature is infinitely more interesting than shopping malls. Born 100 years too late.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Poison Water guzzlers -- amphibians


Western toad (Bufo boreas)


A few amphibians make Poison Water Spring their home, at least during the dry months. 

Water is scarce and localized on the ranch, especially during the hot months, so it seems likely that most frogs and toads are underground estivating in August when these pictures were taken. 

The spring seems to be an oasis for only a few amphibians.


California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii)
 

The photos were all incidental, taken while bats, jackrabbits or birds triggered the camera. 


Froglets, toadlets, or maybe Pacific tree frogs (Hyla regilla)

Pacific tree frogs were the only amphibians we encountered when setting the camera. 

4 comments:

Carol said...

interesting critters.

www.riverwildlife.blogspot.com

randomtruth said...

Red-leggers! I haven't seen one of those in years. And if the chytrid, bullfrogs and trout have their way, we might all be saying that soon.

How did these cold-bloods trigger the cam? Just enough temp diff, or are they side-shows to some other homeostatic beastie that was in the cave too?

Camera Trap Codger said...

The other beasties triggered the cam when these guys were up and about.

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- Laura