Salamander Forecast

April 23, 2024

Spotted salamander eggs are now appearing in vernal pools throughout the Monadnock Region, and wood frog eggs are nearing hatch — signs that we may be approaching the end of salamander season. That said, the first warm nighttime rain after this long dry spell could spur a concentrated migration away from vernal pools for species whose courtship is over for the year, as well as the first significant movement of American toads, gray tree frogs, and other warm-weather species. At this point, the question is whether that rain event will occur after midnight — as is possible on Saturday and Monday nights — or in the waking hours. Stay tuned…

April 19, 2024

Wood frog eggs are now appearing in vernal pools throughout the Monadnock Region, and spotted salamander eggs won’t be far behind. Now that it’s been almost a week since our last significant nighttime rain event, the next few rainy nights could start to see wood frogs, spring peepers, and maybe even spotted salamanders moving away from their breeding wetlands, their courtship and egg-laying done for the year. American toads and gray tree frogs and other late-spring species are still waiting for warmer temperatures.

Rain is in the forecast for tonight, but it’s not expected to arrive until well after midnight — a boon for the amphibians, who will have fewer cars to contend with as they make their way to and from their breeding pools, but less exciting for us Brigadiers, who will likely be asleep when all the action is happening. At the moment, Wednesday looks to be our next chance of early evening rain, but lots could change between now and then. Stay tuned!

April 18, 2024

Today’s rain is expected to wrap up several hours before sunset, so the ground will likely be dry by nightfall. However, if the showers linger longer than expected and the ground is wet after dark, amphibians could be afoot.

If the ground is wet after dark where you are — an unlikely, but not impossible scenario — don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head on out to see if amphibians are on the move. If you go, don’t forget to submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page!

April 16, 2024

Showers have popped up in Friday night’s forecast. If the rain sticks around long enough to soak the ground, we could see a concentrated migration away from vernal pools for species whose courtship is over for the year, as well as the first significant movement of American toads, gray tree frogs, and other warm-weather species — but it’s too soon to say for sure. Stay tuned…

April 15, 2024

Some amphibians were on the move last night, but not nearly as many as we saw during similar conditions earlier in the week. Our guess is that we’re now in a lull at the midway point of the season — that is, that many of our local amphibians migrated in last week’s back-to-back Big Nights, and aren’t quite ready to leave their wetlands just yet. If we have an extended warm, dry period — which seems possible given the weather forecast — this could set up a concentrated migration away from the vernal pools in another week or two, as well as the first big appearances of American toads and gray tree frogs, who prefer warmer weather. Stay tuned!

April 14, 2024

There’s a 50% chance of showers around sunset, and for the first couple of hours after that. If the ground is wet after dark, amphibians could be on the move — though after back-to-back-to-back migration nights, there could be fewer left to migrate…

If it’s wet after dark where you are, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head on out to see if amphibians are afoot — and don’t forget to submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be at Jordan Road (Keene), North Lincoln Street (Keene), Granite Lake Road (Nelson), Nelson Road (Nelson), and Whiting Hill Road (Wilton), as long as conditions are right for migration. Site Coordinators will not be at Matthews Road (Swanzey) or River Road (Westmoreland). We’ll update this list throughout the day as we hear from Site Coordinators for other locations, so check back again if you don’t see your local site on the list.

Note: The rain is chancy enough that the North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road crossing sites will not be closed to traffic tonight, so trained Crossing Brigadiers in proper safety attire only, please.

April 13, 2024

The migration continued last night under a starry sky (!) on ground still wet from rain earlier in the day. In most places, salamander movement was modest, but peepers and wood frogs were undeterred by the lack of rain. We’ll share more details from last night’s migration on our Field Reports page once we have the numbers tallied and photos compiled (…which could be a bit longer than usual, given this week’s back-to-back-to-back migrations.) This week’s push brings us to the midpoint of the season, and there may be a lull in migration as salamanders and frogs get down to business in their breeding wetlands. That said, American toads and gray tree frogs have yet to migrate, and we could start to see some wood frogs and spotted salamanders leaving the pools in the next round of rain, their courtship and egg-laying done for the year. We’re keeping our eyes on Sunday and Wednesday nights as the most likely possibilities. Stay tuned!

April 12, 2024

Amphibians were on the move again last night, though the rain didn’t pick up until 9:30 or so, so things got off to a later start (…at least for us humans!) We’ll share more details from last night’s migration on our Field Reports page once we have the numbers tallied. Looking forward, today’s heavy rain is expected to end before nightfall. If the ground remains wet after dark, the migration could continue — at least until things dry out more thoroughly — but after two Big Nights in a row, tonight’s movement (if it happens) is likely to be more modest. The one exception could be high-elevation sites that were too cold to see much movement on Wednesday.

If it’s wet after dark where you are and you haven’t gotten your salamander fill for the week, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head on out to see if amphibians are afoot!

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be out at Granite Lake Road (Nelson), Summer Street (Peterborough), and Glebe Road (Westmoreland), at least as long as there is amphibian activity. Our other Site Coordinators will be taking a well-earned rest after this week’s double-header, so if you do go out, take extra care (reflective vests for everyone in your party are a must!) and bring your own data forms — and don’t forget to submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

April 11, 2024

It barely rained last night, but after this week’s warm-up, a short burst of evening rain followed by a light mist was all it took to get salamanders moving! At several sites, it was our first true Big Night of the year. We’ll share more details from last night’s migration on our Field Reports page once we have the numbers tallied, but for now, we’re turning our attention to tonight — when heavier, longer-lasting rain is predicted. This is a classic Big Night forecast, and continued migration is likely.

An important note on timing for tonight: the current forecast calls for a lull in the rain between 2 p.m. and at least 8 p.m. If the roads dry during that time and the nighttime rain doesn’t begin until after 8 or 9 p.m. (or later!), tonight’s migration could get off to a late start. As always, paying attention to your local conditions is key. If the ground is wet, critters will likely be on the move. If it’s dry, wait for the rain to start before heading out.

If it’s wet after dark where you are, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head on out to see if amphibians are afoot! If you do go out, remember to review these important reminders for Big Nights — and don’t forget to submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be out at River Road (Henniker), Jordan Road (Keene), North Lincoln Street (Keene), Granite Lake Road (Nelson), Nelson Road (Nelson), Summer Street (Peterborough), Swanzey Lake Road (Swanzey), Glebe Road (Westmoreland), Whiting Hill Road (Wilton), and Forest Lake Road (Winchester), at least as long as there is amphibian activity. Site Coordinators will not be out at Matthews Road (Swanzey) or River Road (Westmoreland). We’ll update this list throughout the day as we hear from Site Coordinators for other locations, so check back again if you don’t see your local site on the list.

The North Lincoln Street crossing site in Keene will be closed to vehicles tonight, and Jordan Road in Keene will be closed to through-traffic as well. Although visitors are welcome at the North Lincoln Street crossing site, we ask that only trained Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers in proper safety attire come to the Jordan Road crossing. You can find more information on the Keene amphibian detours here.

April 10, 2024

The timing of tonight’s rain has shifted once again, with light rain now forecast for the early part of the evening. If it comes as predicted, amphibians will likely be on the move in places with little to no snow cover, at least until the rain moves out around 10 p.m. That said, the forecast has changed a great deal in the last day or so, and could change again before nightfall. Paying attention to your local conditions will be especially important tonight!

If the ground is bare where you are and it’s raining after dark, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head out after last light to see if amphibians are afoot! If you do go out, remember to review these important reminders for Big Nights — and don’t forget to submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be out at Jordan Road (Keene), North Lincoln Street (Keene), Nelson Road (Nelson), Summer Street (Peterborough), Swanzey Lake Road (Swanzey), Glebe Road (Westmoreland), Whiting Hill Road (Wilton), and Forest Lake Road (Winchester), at least as long as there is amphibian activity. Site Coordinators will not be out at River Road (Henniker), Matthews Road (Swanzey), or River Road (Westmoreland). We’ll update this list throughout the day as we hear from Site Coordinators for other locations, so check back again if you don’t see your local site on the list.

Note: The rain is predicted to be short-lived enough that the North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road crossing sites will not be closed to traffic tonight, so trained Crossing Brigadiers in proper safety attire only, please.

April 8, 2024

Warm rain is in the forecast for Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Friday nights, but the duration and timing of that rain is still a question — as is the degree of thaw in areas that received snow last week. Right now, Thursday looks the most promising for an early evening migration, but it’s too soon to say for sure. Stay tuned…

April 4, 2024

Today’s winter redux has put the amphibian migration on hold for a bit, but warm temperatures are expected to return early next week, so hopefully the snow will be short-lived! We’re keeping an eye on next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as potential migration nights, though it’s far too soon to say for sure. Stay tuned…

March 29, 2024

Amphibians were afoot last night in Keene, Swanzey, and other places with thawed ground, but there’s still plenty of migration to come — just not in the next five days, when conditions will be too cold, too dry, or both. We’ll share more details from last night’s migration on our Field Reports page as soon as we have the numbers tallied. In the meantime, keep your eyes to the sky. Spring weather is notoriously fickle, and the forecast could well change. As always, we’ll keep you posted!

March 28, 2024

March has been quite the weather whirlwind! At higher-elevation and north-facing sites (Hancock, Harrisville, Henniker, Nelson), there’s still enough snow on the ground from last weekend’s storm to keep amphibians nestled in their burrows for at least a little while longer. However, last night’s rain and warmer temperatures may have helped set the stage for migration at low-elevation and south-facing sites (Swanzey, Wilton, Winchester). If tonight’s rain comes as predicted, amphibians could be on the move in places with bare ground, at least until temperatures dip into the 30s around 11 p.m. Long story short: migration is possible, but it’s not a sure thing, and it will vary site by site. Paying attention to your local conditions will be especially important tonight!

If the ground has thawed where you are, it’s raining, and it’s 40° or higher after dark, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head out after last light to see if amphibians are afoot! If it’s still snowy in your neck of the woods, sit tight and wait for another night. If you do go out, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights — and don’t forget to submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be out at Jordan Road (Keene), North Lincoln Street (Keene) and Swanzey Lake Road (Swanzey), at least as long as there is amphibian activity. Site Coordinators will not be out at River Road (Henniker), Nelson Road (Nelson), Granite Lake Road (Nelson), Summer Street (Peterborough), or Glebe Road (Westmoreland), where the ground is still too frozen for amphibians, or at Matthews Road (Swanzey) or River Road (Westmoreland), where we don’t have Site Coordinators this year. We’ll update this list throughout the day as we hear from Site Coordinators for other locations, so check back again if you don’t see your local site on the list.

The North Lincoln Street crossing site in Keene will be closed to vehicles tonight, and Jordan Road in Keene will be closed to through-traffic as well. Although visitors are welcome at the North Lincoln Street crossing site, we ask that only trained Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers in proper safety attire come to the Jordan Road crossing. You can find more information on the Keene amphibian detours here.

March 27, 2024

With much of the Monadnock Region still snow-covered after last weekend’s winter storm, it’s unlikely that below-ground conditions will be right for migration tonight, even if above-ground conditions are ideal. Higher-elevation sites probably still have enough snow to keep amphibians slumbering through tomorrow night’s rain as well, but today’s warm, wet weather could open things up for tomorrow night at lower-elevation sites with a thinner snowpack. Stay tuned!

March 23, 2024

Our next chance for warm evening rain won’t come until the middle of next week, but it’s too soon to say if (1) this weekend’s snow and ice will have melted by then, and (2) if the predicted showers will be sustained enough to spur amphibian movement. Stay tuned!

March 18, 2024

This week’s big chill will bring nighttime temperatures that are decidedly not frog-friendly. Things could well change, but at the moment, our next chance for warm evening rain may not be until next week. You can use this lull to put fresh batteries in your flashlight, find your reflective vest, and scope out your crossing site, so that you’re ready to go when warm temperatures return!

March 14, 2024

The most promising chance of nighttime rain in the five-day forecast is tonight, but the rain is not expected to arrive until after midnight — a boon for the salamanders and frogs, who will have fewer cars to contend with, but less exciting for us Brigadiers, who will probably be asleep. (It’s also possible that temperatures will have dipped into too-cold territory in some locations by then; in those places, amphibians may hunker down due to the chill.)

We’re keeping an eye on the showers predicted for Sunday, though right now they’re expected to end well before nightfall. After that, nighttime temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s and 30s for the foreseeable future, but it’s spring in New England, so things could well change. Stay tuned…

March 13, 2024

The most promising chance of nighttime rain in the five-day forecast right now is Thursday night. At the moment, however, that rain is not expected to arrive until after midnight — a boon for the salamanders and frogs, who will have fewer cars to contend with, but less exciting for us Brigadiers. (It’s also possible that temperatures will have dipped into too-cold territory in some locations by then; in those places, amphibians may hunker down due to the chill.) We’re also keeping an eye on showers predicted for Friday and Sunday, though the timing and likelihood of that rain are less than ideal. Things could well change before the week is out. We’ll keep you posted!

March 12, 2024

We’re keeping an eye on the weekend forecast. Friday seems the most promising, though it’s too soon to say for sure. Stay tuned…

March 7, 2024

Wood frogs, spring peepers, and a handful of other species were on the move last night throughout the Monadnock Region, but there’s still plenty of migration to come — just not in the next five days, when conditions will be too cold, too dry, or both. We’ll share more details from last night’s migration on our Field Reports page as soon as we have the numbers tallied. In the meantime, keep your eyes to the sky. Spring weather is notoriously fickle, and the forecast could well change. As always, we’ll keep you posted!

March 6, 2024

Last night’s rain proved too chilly for all but the cold-heartiest frogs, but tonight’s temperatures are a different story. With steady rain starting around sunset and temperatures in the upper 40s, tonight could be a Big Night at low-elevation and south-facing sites, where the ground is well-thawed.

If the rain has begun and the ground is well-thawed in your neck of the woods, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head to your nearest crossing after dark! If the rain hasn’t yet arrived or the ground is still frozen where you are, sit tight and wait for another night. If you do go out, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights — and don’t forget to submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

An additional safety note: Some of tonight’s rain could be heavy, and there’s a flood watch in effect for Cheshire and Hillsborough Counties from 7 p.m. onward. Use caution while driving, and at any crossing sites near rivers, creeks, streams, or other flood-prone areas.

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be out at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Jordan Road (Keene), River Road (Henniker), Summer Street (Peterborough), Swanzey Lake Road (Swanzey), and Glebe Road (Westmoreland), at least as long as there is amphibian activity. We will not have Site Coordinators at Matthews Road (Swanzey) or River Road (Westmoreland). We’ll update this list throughout the day as we hear from Site Coordinators for other locations, so check back again if you don’t see your local site on the list.

The North Lincoln Street crossing site in Keene will be closed to vehicles tonight, and Jordan Road in Keene will be closed to through-traffic as well. Critter counts will continue at both sites, in part so we can report on how many amphibians benefited from the road closures. Although visitors are welcome at the North Lincoln Street crossing site, we ask that only trained Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers in proper safety attire come to the Jordan Road crossing. You can find more information on the Keene amphibian detours here.

March 5, 2024

Rain is on the horizon for both tonight and tomorrow. After several days of above-average daytime temperatures, this could set the stage for our first Big Night of the year at sites with thawed ground. With much warmer temperatures and higher rainfall totals, Wednesday looks the most promising, but some eager frogs could be out and about tonight too, as long as the mercury holds steady above 40°.

If the ground has thawed where you are, it’s raining, and it’s 40° or higher after dark, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head on out after last light to see if amphibians are afoot tonight! Before you go, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights. Remember: we’d love to hear what you find out there — even if it’s nothing. You can submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be out tonight at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Jordan Road (Keene), and Summer Street (Peterborough), at least as long as there is amphibian activity. Site Coordinators will not be out at River Road (Henniker), Nelson Road (Nelson), Matthews Road (Swanzey), Glebe Road (Westmoreland), or River Road (Westmoreland). We’ll update this list throughout the day as we hear from Site Coordinators for other locations, so check back again if you don’t see your local site on the list. In addition, back-to-back migrations can be challenging for even the most dedicated Site Coordinators, and some folks are saving their energy for tomorrow, when conditions look better for migration — so check back tomorrow too!

Note: The North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road crossing sites will not be closed to traffic tonight, so trained Crossing Brigadiers in proper safety attire only, please.

March 3, 2024

Last night’s rain proved too chilly for amphibians, but warm rain is on the horizon for both Tuesday and Wednesday nights. After several days of above-average daytime temperatures, this could set the stage for our first Big Night of the year. Wednesday’s warmer temperatures and higher rainfall totals look the most promising, but it’s too soon to say for sure. Stay tuned!

March 2, 2024

Rain seems certain tonight, but temperatures will be right on the cusp of frog-friendliness. The ground is still too frozen for migration in Nelson, Hancock, Harrisville, and other high-elevation locations, but if temperatures hover at or above 40°, there is potential for amphibians to be on the move at low-elevation and south-facing sites in Keene, Swanzey, Winchester, and other areas with thawed ground. Because the migration is largely temperature-dependent, there could also be a short burst of amphibian activity after last light that slows as the mercury drops into the 30s. Long story short: migration is possible, but it’s not a sure thing, and it will likely vary site by site. Paying attention to your local conditions will be especially important tonight!

If the ground has thawed where you are, it’s raining, and it’s 40° or higher after dark, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head on out after last light to see if amphibians are afoot! Before you go, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights. If you do head out, we’d love to hear what you find out there — even if it’s nothing. You can submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be out at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Jordan Road (Keene), Glebe Road (Westmoreland), and Whiting Hill Road (Wilton), at least as long as there is amphibian activity. Site Coordinators will not be out at Nelson Road (Nelson) or Granite Lake Road (Nelson), where the ground is still too frozen for amphibians, or at Matthews Road (Swanzey) or River Road (Westmoreland), where we don’t have Site Coordinators yet this year.

Note: The North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road crossing sites will not be closed to traffic tonight, so trained Crossing Brigadiers in proper safety attire only, please.

March 1, 2024

Rain seems likely on Saturday night, but temperatures will be right on the cusp of frog-friendliness, and the ground is still well-frozen at many sites. If the rain materializes and temperatures hover at or above 40°, amphibians could be on the move in places with thawed ground. It’s possible that some parts of the Monadnock Region could experience a migration, while others will be too cold or too frozen — or that there could be a short burst of activity after last light that slows as the mercury drops into the 30s. In other words: migration is possible, but it’s not a sure thing, and it will likely vary site by site. Paying attention to your local conditions will be especially important. Stay tuned!

February 29, 2024

Last night, the Monadnock Region saw its second-earliest migration in 18 years of keeping track last night, with spring peepers, wood frogs, Jefferson salamanders, Eastern newts, red-backed salamanders, four-toed salamanders, and bullfrogs all making their first appearances of the year! We’ll share more details on our Field Reports page as soon as we have the numbers tallied. In the meantime, we’re keeping an eye on Saturday and early next week as our next chances for warm (enough) evening rain. Stay tuned!

February 28, 2024

The ground is still too frozen for migration in Nelson, Hancock, Peterborough, and other high-elevation locations, but there is potential for low-elevation and south-facing sites in Keene, Swanzey, Winchester, and other areas with thawed ground to see their first amphibian movement of the season in tonight’s warm rain. Since this is near-record early for a migration, we’re still getting everything in order for this year’s salamander season. (For instance, our training for new volunteers won’t take place for another two weeks!) If you’re an aspiring volunteer, sit tight and wait for this year’s workshop — or start training yourself via the videos and volunteer handbook on our Volunteer Materials page.

If you’ve attended one of our volunteer trainings in the past, the ground has thawed where you are, it’s raining after dark, and you’re eager to see the first frogs of the year, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head on out after last light to see if amphibians are afoot! Before you go, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights. If you do head out, we’d love to hear what you find out there — even if it’s nothing. You can submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

If you’re looking for company on the road in the Monadnock Region, Site Coordinators will be out at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Swanzey Lake Road (Swanzey), Glebe Road (Westmoreland), and Forest Lake Road (Winchester), at least as long as there is amphibian activity. Site Coordinators will not be out at Jordan Road (Keene), River Road (Henniker), Nelson Road (Nelson), Granite Lake Road (Nelson), or Summer Street (Peterborough), where the ground is still too frozen for amphibians, or at Matthews Road (Swanzey) or River Road (Westmoreland), where we don’t have Site Coordinators yet this year.

The North Lincoln Street crossing site in Keene will be closed to vehicles tonight, but Jordan Road will be open to traffic, as the ground is still frozen at that higher-elevation site. You can find more information on the Keene amphibian detours here.

February 27, 2024

Much of the Monadnock Region is at least partially snow-covered, as it should be in February. However, The Winter That Wasn’t has led to bare ground at some low-elevation and south-facing sites, such as North Lincoln Street in Keene. The big question is whether the ground at those sites has thawed enough to spur amphibians to action in this week’s near-certain warm rain. (Although wood frogs can thaw in as few as four hours, it takes about a day for them to fully rouse.) If the soil at those sites has thawed sufficiently, it’s possible we could see our first amphibian movement of the year late tonight. Tomorrow seems even more promising.

Since this is near-record early for a migration, we’re still getting everything in order for this year’s salamander season. (For instance, our training for new volunteers won’t take place for another two weeks!) However, if you’ve volunteered with the Salamander Crossing Brigades in the past, live near North Lincoln Street or another crossing site where the ground is unfrozen, are still awake when tonight’s rain moves through, and are itching to see the first frogs of 2024, put fresh batteries in your flashlight, don your raingear and reflective vest, and head out to see if amphibians are afoot. If you do, we’d love to hear what you find. (You can submit your counts and photos here.) If tonight’s rain is too late for you, we will likely have another opportunity tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Important Note: North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road will not be closed to traffic tonight, so trained Crossing Brigadiers in proper safety attire only, please.

February 26, 2024

Much of the Monadnock Region is at least partially snow-covered, as it should be in February. However, The Winter That Wasn’t has led to bare ground at some low-elevation and south-facing sites, such as North Lincoln Street in Keene. The big question is whether the ground at those sites has thawed enough to spur amphibians to action in this week’s near-certain warm rain. (Although wood frogs can thaw in as few as four hours, it takes about a day for them to fully rouse.) If the ground at those sites has thawed sufficiently, it’s possible we could see our first amphibian movement of the year on Tuesday or Wednesday night. At the moment, Wednesday seems like the most promising of the two, but it’s still too soon to tell. Dig out your reflective vest, put fresh batteries in your flashlight, and stay tuned!

February 15, 2024

Salamander season is right around the corner! Dig out your reflective vest, put fresh batteries in your headlamp, sign up for this year’s Salamander Crossing Brigade workshop on March 14 if you’d like a refresher or are new to the Brigades — and check back in mid-March for the start of our 2024 salamander forecasts…