Field Reports from the 2022 Amphibian Migration

Final Tallies for 2022: A Record-Breaking Year!

Salamander joy was on full display this spring.
(photo © Karen Seaver)

2022 was one for the record books! More than 350 people volunteered with our Salamander Crossing Brigades this spring, providing safe passage for a record 10,720 individual amphibians of 15 different species — including 6,421 spring peepers, 1,879 wood frogs, and 1,322 spotted salamanders — at 41 different crossing sites in the greater Monadnock Region. This brings our project total to a jaw-dropping 71,795 crossed critters since 2007. Wow!

In addition, our volunteers documented a sobering 1,333 roadkilled amphibians in the Monadnock Region in 2022, and our extended network of Salamander Brigadiers identified 15 new-to-us amphibian road crossing sites — all throughout New Hampshire — that we’ll add to our map of crossings for next spring.

Last but certainly not least, the Harris Center also worked with the City of Keene to close the North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road crossing sites to vehicles on six different migration nights from March to May. This was the fourth season of Big Night detours at North Lincoln Street, but the first year these detours expanded to the second site at Jordan Road. To our knowledge, Keene is still the only community in the Granite State to close roads for the protection of migrating amphibians. We’re proud to partner with them on this ground-breaking wildlife conservation measure, which was featured in the Keene Sentinel, on Vermont Public Radio, and in the Birdhugger podcast this year.

Visit our Flickr feed for more photos from this season’s Crossing Brigades, and read on for site-by-site details from each crossing, listed in alphabetical order by town.

Bow

Toads never underestimate their own importance.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Pheasant Drive, Risinghill Drive, and Woodhill Road. A family of new Crossing Brigadiers investigated three new-to-us sites over the course of three nights, crossing 26 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 20 red-backed salamanders, 7 newts (+1 dead), 45 four-toed salamanders, 16 wood frogs (+3 dead), 58 spring peepers (+52 dead), 1 pickerel frog, 1 green frog, and 2 bullfrogs.
Total: 176 live + 60 dead.

Concord

Fisk Road. In two nights, the Concord contingent — 14 volunteers strong! — crossed 20 spotted salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander (+1 dead), 14 wood frogs (+2 dead), 11 spring peepers (+3 dead), 1 American toad, and 1 green frog.
Total: 48 live + 6 dead.

Dublin

Big Joy on a Big Night.
(photo © Sarah Thomas)

Upper Jaffrey Road. Two enthusiastic new recruits discovered a new-to-us crossing site on Upper Jaffrey Road, where they crossed 9 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 68 wood frogs (+6 dead), and 12 spring peepers (+3 dead) on a single night.
Total: 89 live +10 dead.

Valley Road. A solo toad protector crossed 19 live American toads (+1 dead) in just 15 minutes on a single night at a new-to-us crossing on Valley Road!
Total: 19 live + 1 dead.

Dunbarton

Robert Rogers Road. A solo Brigadier crossed 1 wood frog (+3 dead), 1 spring peeper (+4 dead), 4 green frogs (+2 dead), and 2 bullfrogs, and recorded 3 dead amphibians of unknown species in a single night on Robert Rogers Road.
Total: 8 live + 12 dead.

Francestown

Route 47. A dynamic duo spent one night patrolling a new-to-us site on Route 47 along the Francestown-Bennington line, between the entrance of Crotched Mountain Ski Area and Back Mountain Road. Together, they crossed 48 spotted salamanders (+7 dead), 6 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 1 newt (+1 dead), 5 wood frogs (+1 dead), 98 spring peepers (+24 dead), 3 American toads, 3 pickerel frogs, and 3 green frogs.
Total: 167 live +35 dead.

Hancock

Our Salamander Crossing Brigades provided safe passage for 1,322 spotted salamanders — including this one — in the spring of 2022. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Antrim Road. Two fantastic families spent a total of four nights shepherding amphibians across Antrim Road in 2021. Collectively, they crossed 3 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 1 newt (+1 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 1 wood frog, 67 spring peepers (+3 dead), and 1 green frog. They also graciously moved 11 earthworms off the road.
Total: 74 live amphibians + 5 dead.

Middle Road. Three amphibian protectors spent four nights at Middle Road, where they crossed 28 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 8 red-backed salamanders, 1 two-lined salamander, 80 wood frogs (+11 dead), 87 spring peepers (+9 dead), 5 American toads, 5 green frogs, and 2 bullfrogs.
Total: 216 live + 21 dead.

Route 137. Eight salamander savers spent two nights on Route 137, where they crossed 21 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 3 red-backed salamanders, 2 four-toed salamanders, 4 wood frogs (+5 dead), 91 spring peepers (+53 dead), and 3 pickerel frogs. They also recorded 4 unknown dead.
Total: 124 live + 66 dead.

Harrisville

Some frogs are pretty as a pickerel. (photo © Juniper King)

Breed Road at Child’s Bog. A solo Brigadier moved 7 spotted salamanders and 1 spring salamander (!) to safety in just 15 minutes on a single night along Breed Road. She didn’t stop to tally the carnage, which was significant.
Total: 8 live.

Chesham Road. A terrific twosome patrolled Chesham Road between the junctions with Seaver and Brown Roads on two different nights, crossing 18 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 12 red-backed salamanders, 5 two-lined salamanders (+1 dead), 3 wood frogs, 7 spring peepers (+2 dead), 20 American toads (+6 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, and 6 bullfrogs.
Total: 68 live + 10 dead.

Roxbury Road. A solo salamander saver crossed 1 spotted salamander and 2 spring peepers (+1 dead) in 30 minutes on a single rainy night at Roxbury Road.
Total: 3 live + 1 dead.

Henniker

The Henniker crew is in the running for the Most Adorable Crossing Brigadier Award. (photo © Gabe Roxby)

River Road. The Henniker crew — 8 Brigadiers strong — spent five nights on patrol, collectively crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 46 wood frogs (+10 dead), 20 spring peepers (+10 dead), 8 American toads, and 1 pickerel frog. The kids in the group were “thrilled to see their first-ever (and second!) spotted salamanders.” We know the feeling!
Total: 79 live + 20 dead.

Hillsboro

Concord End & Flint Roads. A dynamic duo patrolled Flint and Concord End Roads on six different crossing nights, where they counted and crossed 33 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 7 red-backed salamanders, 5 newts (+1 dead), 4 two-lined salamanders, 9 wood frogs (+1 dead), 27 spring peepers, 3 American toads, 1 pickerel frog (+1 dead), and 3 green frogs.
Total: 92 live + 4 dead.

Keene

Collecting data is serious business… (photo © Karen Seaver)

Arch Street. A solo salamander superhero patrolled Arch Street between Archway Farm and the junction with Felt Road on four different nights. All together, he crossed 14 spotted salamanders, 110 wood frogs (+19 dead), 3 spring peepers, 46 American toads (+5 dead), 2 gray tree frogs, 1 pickerel frog, 4 green frogs, and 2 bullfrogs.
Total: 182 live + 24 dead.

Eastern Avenue. Over the course of two nights, three intrepid Brigadiers crossed 14 wood frogs (+13 dead)  in just 30 minutes. Considerable carnage went uncounted. This site could use more help in 2023!
Total: 14 live + 13 dead.

East Surry Road. On her way home, a conscientious commuter stopped to cross 3 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 2 American toads, and 2 bullfrogs in just 15 minutes on a single night.
Total: 9 live.

….but not too serious. (photo © Karen Seaver)

Jordan Road. The Jordan Road crew — a whopping 50 Crossing Brigadiers strong! — spent seven nights on patrol from March through May. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the City of Keene, the road was closed to through-traffic to protect migrating amphibians on six of those nights. Collectively, these intrepid Brigadiers crossed 81 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 45 Jefferson complex salamanders (+1 dead), 52 red-backed salamanders (+3 dead), 38 wood frogs, 152 spring peepers (+10 dead), 1 American toads, 1 gray tree frog, 2 green frogs, and 1 bullfrog (+1 dead). They also noted 1 dead newt. Jefferson complex salamanders are a Species of Special Concern in New Hampshire, so this site carries added conservation significance.
Total: 373 live + 17 dead.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: salamanders make people smile. (photo © Karen Seaver)

North Lincoln Street. The North Lincoln Street crew — at least 125 volunteers strong, including an impressive showing of KSC students! — spent nine nights on amphibian patrol from March through May. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the City of Keene, the road was closed to vehicles to protect migrating amphibians and provide a safe place for families to witness the magic of the migration on six of those nights. Collectively, this robust crew counted and crossed 27 spotted salamanders, 11 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 9 newts (+9 dead), 641 wood frogs (+12 dead), 2,934 spring peepers (+84 dead), 29 American toads, 9 gray tree frogs, 1 pickerel frog, 68 green frogs (+8 dead), and 9 bullfrogs. Many wonderful stories emerged from this season at North Lincoln Street, from babes in arms seeing their very first spring peepers to 50-year-residents of a nearby neighborhood experiencing their first Big Night. Salamander (and frog) joy abounded!
Total: 3,738 live + 114 dead.

Old Concord Road. A solo Brigadier moved 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 4 wood frogs (+5 dead), and 1 green frog across a short stretch of Old Concord Road in just ten minutes on a single night.
Total: 6 live + 5 dead.

Marlborough

Richardson Road. A terrific twosome spent one night looking for amphibians on Richardson Road, where they crossed 7 live wood frogs.
Total: 7 live.

Nelson

54 Jefferson complex salamanders — a Species of Special Concern in New Hampshire — were moved to safety by our Crossing Brigade volunteers in 2022. This particular “Jeff” was the first record of this species in 14 years of counting at Nelson Road in Nelson. (photo © Sarah Wilson)

Granite Lake Road. Three separate solo salamander savers (say that five times fast!) spent four nights on Granite Lake Road, crossing 18 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 1 newt (+1 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 210 spring peepers (+4 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 7 green frogs (+1 dead), and 1 bullfrog. This site could use more help in 2023!
Total: 242 live + 6 dead.

Nelson Road. The Nelson Road crew — 11 Brigadiers strong — spent six nights on patrol from March through May. Together, they crossed 84 spotted salamanders (+8 dead), 2 Jefferson complex salamanders, 9 red-backed salamanders, 14 newts (+13 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 27 wood frogs (+8 dead), 260 spring peepers (+22 dead), 1 American toad, 1 pickerel frog, 9 green frogs, and 12 bullfrogs. This site could use more help in 2023!
Total: 420 live + 47 dead.

New Boston

Kennedy Lane. A fantastic father-daughter duo spent one night on Kennedy Lane, where they crossed 29 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 4 red-backed salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander, 2 spring peepers, 2 pickerel frogs, and 1 bullfrog in just an hour.
Total: 39 live + 2 dead.

Meadow Road. A fabulous foursome spent one night on Meadow Road, crossing 10 spotted salamanders, 3 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 2 newts (+1 dead), 3 four-toed salamanders (+1 dead), 2 dusky salamanders (!), 1 wood frog (+1 dead), and 43 spring peepers (+8 dead) in an hour and a half.
Total: 64 live + 12 dead.

New Ipswich

Our Salamander Crossing Brigades provided safe passage for 1,879 wood frogs — including this one — in the spring of 2022.
(photo © Sam Moore)

Thayer Road. Over the course of five nights on Thayer Road, three dedicated Crossing Brigadiers rescued 7 spotted salamanders, 10 red-backed salamanders, 30 wood frogs (+8 dead), 42 spring peepers (+3 dead), and 13 American toads (+1 dead). The morning after each migration, two members of this crew shared their photos and stories with their young son, Sawyer, who “can’t wait until he can participate and see a spotted salamander in real life! He loves to see the pictures of the frogs and salamanders the morning after a migration night, and listening to all the frogs and toads calling in the wetlands behind our house.”
Total: 102 live + 12 dead.

Newport

Oak Street. A terrific twosome spent two nights on patrol, crossing 10 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 57 spring peepers (+31 dead), 4 American toads, and 7 pickerel frogs. They also noted 2 unknown roadkills.
Total: 78 live + 37 dead.

Peterborough

Huge thanks to the Peterborough Conservation Commission and Peterborough DPW for the fantastic “Salamander Crossing” and “Volunteers Ahead” road signs they provide for the Summer Street crossing site. (photo © Ben Conant)

Summer Street. Over the course of five nights, the dedicated crew at Summer Street — 18 Crossing Brigadiers strong! — collectively crossed 57 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 1 red-backed salamander (+1 dead), 3 newts, 2 four-toed salamanders, 246 wood frogs (+34 dead), 710 peepers (+145 dead), 15 American toads (+1 dead), 3 gray tree frogs (+1 dead), 11 green frogs, and 1 bullfrog. Tremendous thanks to the Peterborough Conservation Commission and Peterborough DPW for the fantastic “Salamander Crossing” and “Volunteers Ahead” road signs they provide for this site!
Total: 1,049 live + 186 dead.

Rindge

Old New Ipswich Road. In one night on Old Ipswich Road, the indomitable Rindge Rangers crossed 5 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 2 newts, 21 wood frogs, and 12  spring peepers. Many dead frogs went uncounted.
Total: 40 live +3 dead.

South Woodbound Road. On a single night, a stalwart solo Brigadier crossed 1 spotted salamander, 1 wood frog (+2 dead), 3 spring peepers (+2 dead), and 1 pickerel frog in the span of 45 minutes.
Total: 6 live + 4 dead.

Spofford

“Thanks for the lift!” (photo © Ben Conant)

Cady Lane. A dynamic duo crossed 48 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 17 wood frogs, 37 spring peepers, and 3 bullfrogs in one night of searching on Cady Lane.
Total: 105 live + 1 dead.

Springfield, VT

Route 5. This site is just across the border in Vermont, but the family of longtime Crossing Brigadiers who discovered it live in Charlestown, NH, so we include it with our tallies! In one outing, a fantastic family of four crossed 74 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, 142 wood frogs, and 83 spring peepers. They did not count the dead.
Total: 300 live.

Sullivan.

Valley Road. Over the course of four nights from March through May, a stalwart solo Brigadier crossed 16 spotted salamanders, 1 newt, 109 wood frogs (+11 dead), 118 spring peepers (+7 dead), and 2 American toads. He also noted 1 dead red-backed salamander.
Total: 246 live + 19 dead.

Swanzey

Salamanders bring out the kid in all of us.
(photo © Chandra Balakrishna)

Holbrook Avenue. In just half an hour on a single night, a terrific trio crossed 7 spotted salamanders, 1 wood frog (+1 dead), and 3 spring peepers.
Total: 11 live + 1 dead.

Matthews Road. Over the course of six nights, eight determined Crossing Brigadiers collectively crossed 57 spotted salamanders (+29 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 1 newt (+1 dead), 40 wood frogs (+23 dead), 204 spring peepers (+214 dead), 50 American toads (+42 dead), 1 gray tree frog (+1 dead), 4 pickerel frogs, 3 green frogs, and 1 bullfrog (+1 dead). This site needs more help in 2023!
Total: 341 live + 267 dead.

Swanzey Lake Road. Over the course of three evenings, six dedicated Brigadiers crossed 81 spotted salamanders (+9 dead), 24 red-backed salamanders, 1 newt (+1 dead), 6 four-toed salamanders, 2 two-lined salamanders (+1 dead), 3 wood frogs (+2 dead), 112 spring peepers (25 dead), 6 American toads, 1 gray tree frog, 4 green frogs, and 1 bullfrog. This site could use more help in 2023!
Total: 242 live + 38 dead.

Walpole

March Hill Road. A solo Brigadier spent one night at this new-to-us crossing near Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail, where she crossed 15 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, and 5 spring peepers (+3 dead) in just half an hour.
Total: 21 live + 3 dead.

Westmoreland

Some nights, at some sites, amphibian activity is so concentrated that Crossing Brigade volunteers need to use buckets to carry many amphibians across the road at once, rather than ferrying them one at a time. April 7, 2022 was one of those nights at the Glebe Road. (photo © Stephen Lowe)

Glebe Road. Over the course of six nights from March to May, the dedicated Glebe Road crew — 35 Brigadiers strong! — collectively crossed 396 spotted salamanders (+27 dead), 22 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 38 newts (+22 dead), 8 four-toed salamanders, 1 two-lined salamander, 1 wood frog, 782 spring peepers (+100 dead), 106 American toads (+1 dead), 34 pickerel frogs (+3 dead), 11 green frogs (+1 dead), 6 bullfrogs (+1 dead), and 1 unidentified amphibian. This site continues to delight and amaze, year after year.
Total: 1,035 live + 110 dead.

River Road. In two nights, a trio of Crossing Brigadiers crossed 17 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 6 Jefferson complex salamanders, 4 red-backed salamanders, 1 newt, 159 wood frogs (+1 dead), 9 spring peepers (+1 dead), 1 American toad, 1 gray tree frog, and 1 pickerel frog. Also of note: one of our longtime Crossing Brigadiers at River Road wrote an essay about the Crossing Brigades for a college scholarship application; the foundation not only awarded him the scholarship, but they were so moved by his essay that they also made a generous donation to the Salamander Crossing Brigade program! Way to go, Enrique!
Total: 197 live + 4 dead.

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. Over the course of three nights, the Wilton crew — 7 Brigadiers strong — crossed 17 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 1 wood frog, 97 spring peepers (+14 dead), 4 pickerel frogs, and 2 green frogs. They also recorded 2 unidentified dead amphibians.
Total: 123 live + 20 dead.

Winchester

91 four-toed salamanders — including this one at Forest Lake Road in Winchester — were moved to safety by our Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers in 2022. (photo © Sam Moore)

Forest Lake Road. Over the course of four nights, the Winchester crew — 11 Brigadiers strong — collectively crossed 35 spotted salamanders (+6 dead), 16 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 2 newts (+3 dead), 22 four-toed salamanders (+5 dead), 19 wood frogs (+8 dead), 62 spring peepers (+12 dead), 1 gray tree frog, and 3 pickerel frogs. They also counted 1 dead American toad and 4 dead unidentified amphibians. This site could use more help in 2023!
Total: 160 live + 40 dead.

Thank you to one and all. Your care for our fellow creatures — rainy night after rainy night, year after year — is an inspiration, moving brightly through the night. We can’t wait to do it all over again in 2023.

In Which We Cross Our 10,000th Amphibian of the Season

A four-toed salamander hitches a ride across Forest Lake Road in Winchester on May 2. (photo © Sam Moore)

May 2 saw steady rain and temperatures in the mid- to upper 40s — perfect conditions for a Big Night, had they taken place earlier in the season. Instead, there was but a slow trickle of movement at most sites, a sign that salamander season is coming to a close. Still, 55 volunteers took to the road at 19 different crossing sites in the greater Monadnock Region on Monday, where they provided safe passage for 1,284 amphibians and documented 132 road-kills. This brings our season total to a record — and truly astounding — 10,717 live amphibians!! Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Bow

Risinghill Drive and Woodhill Road. A mother-son team spent just over an hour on patrol at these two sites, crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, 1 newt (+1 dead), 3 four-toed salamanders, 1 wood frog (+2 dead), 8 spring peepers (+1 dead), and 2 bullfrogs — for a total of 18 live amphibians (+4 dead).

Hancock

A two-lined salamander sings, “Me and my shadow…” as it makes its way across Middle Road in Hancock. (photo © Bruce Tucker)

Antrim Road. A fantastic foursome crossed 1 newt, 1 wood frog, 14 spring peepers, and 1 green frog, for a total of 17 live amphibians in just 25 minutes. They also generously moved 11 earthworms to safety.

Middle Road. A solo salamander superhero spent almost two hours on patrol at Middle Road, where he crossed 6 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 1 two-lined salamander, 1 wood frog (+1 dead), 33 spring peepers (+2 dead), and 3 green frogs, for a total of 46 live amphibians (+3 dead).

Route 137. The Antrim Road crew spent another 25 minutes on Route 137, where they crossed 1 spotted salamander, 20 spring peepers, and 1 pickerel frog, 22 live amphibians in all.

Hillsborough

North and Concord End Roads. A terrific twosome spent an hour on patrol, crossing 5 spotted salamanders, 1 newt, 2 two-lined salamanders, 5 spring peepers, and 1 American toad, for a total of 14 live amphibians.

Keene

Pretty as a pickerel! (photo © Sam Moore)

Arch Street. A dedicated solo Brigadier spent an hour on patrol, crossing 5 spotted salamanders, 10 wood frogs, 16 American toads (+2 dead), 2 gray tree frogs, and 1 pickerel frog, for a total of 34 live amphibians (+2 dead).

Jordan Road. Jordan Road was once again closed to through-traffic to protect migrating amphibians, but it was a much quieter night than expected. In just under two and a half hours, 3 dedicated Brigadiers crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 1 wood frog, and 8 spring peepers (+1 dead), for a total of 13 live amphibians (+1 dead).

North Lincoln Street. North Lincoln Street was also closed to vehicles to create a safe place for migrating amphibians, as well as all the humans who come out to experience the magic. Over the course of two hours, the North Lincoln Street crew — 10 Brigadiers strong — counted 2 wood frogs, 223 spring peepers, and 1 dead newt, for a total of 225 live amphibians (+1 dead). They were accompanied for much of the night by a barred owl, who was hunting frogs from the treeline along the edge of the road.

Nelson

A wee spottie, found playing with the “big kids” on Nelson Road on May 2. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Granite Lake Road. A solo salamander superhero spent an hour and a half on patrol at Granite Lake Road, crossing 8 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, and exactly 100 spring peepers (+1 dead) — 109 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all. She also saw a barred owl hunting amphibians in the road on her way home!

Nelson Road. A dedicated longtime Brigadier spent two hours at Nelson Road, where she crossed 35 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 86 spring peepers (+4 dead), and 5 green frogs, and recorded 1 dead newt — for a total of 127 live amphibians (+6 dead).

Newport

Oak Street. A terrific twosome spent just over an hour on patrol, crossing 2 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 22 spring peepers (+15 dead), 1 American toad, and 2 pickerel frogs, 27 live amphibians (+18 dead) in all.

Peterborough

Summer Street. A terrific trio patrolled Summer Street for two and a half hours, crossing 10 spotted salamanders, 2 wood frogs, 49 spring peepers (+17 dead), 2 American toads, and 1 green frog, and documenting 1 dead red-backed salamander and 1 dead gray tree frog — 64 live amphibians (+19 dead) in all.

Spofford

Who can resist that spottie smile? No one, that’s who.
(photo © Ben Conant)

Cady Lane. A dynamic duo spent almost two hours on Cady Lane, crossing 48 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 17 wood frogs, 37 spring peepers, and 3 bullfrogs — for a total of 105 live amphibians (+1 dead).

Sullivan

Valley Road. A stalwart Solo Brigadier patrolled Valley Road for 45 minutes, crossing 1 spotted salamander, 1 newt, 3 wood frogs, and 28 spring peepers (+1 dead), 33 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all.

Swanzey

Matthews Road. A dedicated solo Brigadier spent nearly three hours at Matthew Road, crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 34 spring peepers (+27 dead), 10 American toads (+3 dead), 1 gray tree frog, and 1 bullfrog (+1 dead), for a total of 48 live amphibians (+30 dead).

Swanzey Lake Road. A dynamic duo spent nearly two hours on patrol, crossing 14 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander, and 19 spring peepers (+9 dead), for a total of 36 live amphibians (+9 dead).

Westmoreland

Side-by-side size comparison: spotted salamander (left) and red-backed salamander (right). (photo © Stephen Lowe)

Glebe Road. In two hours, the dedicated Glebe Road crew — seven volunteers strong — crossed 17 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 6 red-backed salamanders, 3 newts (+6 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 245 spring peepers (+13 dead), 12 American toads, 4 pickerel frogs, and 4 bullfrogs (+1 dead), for a total of 292 live amphibians (+23 dead).

River Road. A terrific twosome patrolled for just under two hours, crossing 7 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 4 red-backed salamanders, 1 newt, 6 wood frogs (+1 dead), 5 spring peepers (+1 dead), and 1 American toad, 25 live amphibians (+4 dead) in all.

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. A solo salamander saver spent an hour and a half at Forest Lake Road, crossing 4 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 3 four-toed salamanders, 18 spring peepers (+2 dead), 1 gray tree frog, 1 pickerel frog, and documenting 3 dead newts and 3 dead unidentifiable amphibians — 29 live amphibians (+9 dead) in all.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from May 2? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!

Toads’ Night Out (& Lots of Other Species, Too!)

Our Crossing Brigade volunteers moved more than 250 toads to safety — including this one — on the night of April 26, 2022.  See more photos from the 2022 amphibian season on Flickr.
(photo © Juniper King)

After a long stretch of dry weather, April 26 was a bona fide Big Night, with warmer temperatures and early evening rain spurring a diversity of species to action! Toads and gray tree frogs made their way to their breeding wetlands, red-backed salamanders and green frogs enjoyed a night on the town, and wood frogs took the opportunity to return to the woods, their courtship and egg laying done for the season. Spring peepers and spotted salamanders were also out and about in big numbers.

Collectively, 120 Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers provided safe passage for 2,840 amphibians of 13 different species — and recorded 368 road-kills — at 22 sites throughout the Monadnock Region on April 26, bringing our season total to a jaw-dropping 9,433 crossed critters. Tuesday’s live critter counts include 1,405 spring peepers, 442 spotted salamanders, 321 wood frogs, 271 American toads, 133 red-backed salamanders, 121 green frogs, and smaller numbers of seven other species. Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Dublin

Valley Road. A solo toad protector crossed 19 live American toads (+1 dead) in just 15 minutes at this new-to-us crossing on Valley Road!

Dunbarton

Some spotties were coming. Some spotties were going…
(photo © Juniper King)

Robert Rogers Road. A solo Brigadier crossed 1 wood frog (+3 dead), 1 spring peeper (+4 dead), 4 green frogs (+2 dead), and 2 bullfrogs, and recorded 3 dead amphibians of unknown species — for a total of 8 live amphibians (+12 dead) in just under an hour.

Francestown & Bennington

Route 47. A dynamic duo spent nearly two hours patrolling a new-to-us site on Route 47 along the Francestown-Bennington line, between the entrance of Crotched Mountain Ski Area and Back Mountain Road. Together, they crossed 48 spotted salamanders (+7 dead), 6 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 1 newt (+1 dead), 5 wood frogs (+1 dead), 98 spring peepers (+24 dead), 3 American toads, 3 pickerel frogs, and 3 green frogs — for a total of 167 live amphibians (+35 dead).

Hancock

Middle Road. A solo salamander saver spent an hour and a half on patrol at Middle Road, where he shepherded 5 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 6 red-backed salamanders, 21 wood frogs (+1 dead), 33 spring peepers (+3 dead), 4 American toads, 2 green frogs, and 2 bullfrogs, for a total of 73 live amphibians (+5 dead). The spotties and wood frogs were all headed away from the pools, their courtship done for the year — a sign that we’re nearing the end of migration season.

Harrisville

“Hey, guys!” (photo © Juniper King)

Chesham Road. A terrific twosome patrolled Chesham Road between the junctions with Seaver and Brown Roads for two and a half hours, crossing 15 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 12 red-backed salamanders, 5 two-lined salamanders, 2 wood frogs, 6 spring peepers (+1 dead), 20 American toads (+6 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, and 6 bullfrogs — 63 live amphibians (+8 dead) in all.

Henniker

River Road. The Henniker crew — 8 Brigadiers strong — spent an hour and a half on patrol, crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 12 wood frogs (+4 dead), 11 spring peepers (+4 dead), and 5 American toads, for a total of 32 live amphibians (+8 dead). They also shared that “the kids were thrilled to see their first-ever (and second!) spotted salamanders.” We know the feeling!

Hillsborough

North and Concord End Roads. A dynamic duo divided and conquered for an hour at North and Concord End Roads, collectively crossing 20 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 2 two-lined salamanders, 2 wood frogs, 4 spring peepers, and 3 green frogs, and noting 1 dead pickerel frog — 32 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all.

Keene

The erythrisitc morph of the red-backed salamander is completely orange, and looks at first like a red eft — until you notice its lack of spots, tiny legs, and wiggly, snakelike movement. This photo dates to 2015, but Crossing Brigade volunteers found four erythristic red-backed at the Jordan Road crossing on April 26, 2022.
(photo © Sherman Morrison)

Arch Street. A stalwart solo Brigadier patrolled Arch Street between Archway Farm and the junction with Felt Road for more than two hours. In that time, he crossed 3 spotted salamanders, 50 wood frogs (+3 dead), 3o American toads (+3 dead), 4 green frogs, and 2 bullfrogs, for a total of 89 live amphibians (+6 dead).

East Surry Road. On her way home, a conscientious commuter stopped to cross 3 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 2 American toads, and 2 bullfrogs, for a total of 9 live amphibians in just 15 minutes.

Jordan Road. Jordan Road was once again closed to through-traffic specifically for the protection of migrating amphibians. Between 8 and 10:30 p.m. on the now-much-quieter road, 18 volunteers crossed 46 spotted salamanders, 2 Jefferson complex salamanders, 44 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 11 wood frogs, 45 spring peepers (+1 dead), 1 American toad, 1 gray tree frog, 2 green frogs, and 1 bullfrog, and found one dead eft, for a total of 153 live amphibians (+4 dead), representing 10 different species. The red-backed counts are an underestimate, because they were so wiggly and hard to cross that many went uncounted. In addition, four of the red-backeds were the uncommon erythristic (all-orange) morph. Nearly all of the spotted salamanders and spring peepers were still headed toward the vernal pools, while all of the wood frogs were headed back to the woods, their courtship and egg laying done for the year.

“Did you record me or what?”
(photo © Chandra Balakrishna)

North Lincoln Street. North Lincoln Street was also closed to vehicles to create a safe place for migrating amphibians, as well as the many families who come out to experience the magic. Between 7:50 and 11:30 p.m., the North Lincoln Street crew — an impressive 48 Brigadiers strong! — counted 5 spotted salamanders, 7 red-backed salamanders, 6 newts (+3 dead), 112 wood frogs (+3 dead), 510 spring peepers (+9 dead), 28 American toads, 9 gray tree frogs, 1 pickerel frog, 66 green frogs (+8 dead), and 9 bullfrogs — for a total of 753 live amphibians (+23 dead) representing 10 species. Nearly all of the wood frogs were headed back to the woods, all of the spotties were headed to the wetland, and the peepers were coming and going in both directions. The green frogs and bullfrogs were found on the roads in the cemetery bordering North Lincoln Street. One volunteer also saw a crayfish scooting across the road in the cemetery. Who knew?

Old Concord Road. On her way home from the Jordan Road crossing, a solo Brigadier stopped to move 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 4 wood frogs (+5 dead), and 1 green frog across a short stretch of Old Concord Road, for a total of 6 live amphibians (+5 dead) in just ten minutes.

Nelson

A Nelson Road spottie takes her turn in the lightbox, which was specially designed for photographing salamander spot patterns on migration nights. (photo © Sarah Wilson)

Granite Lake Road. A solo salamander savior spent an hour and a half on patrol at Granite Lake Road, crossing 4 spotted salamanders, 1 two-lined salamander, 94 spring peepers (+2 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 6 green frogs (+1 dead), and 1 bullfrog, and noting 1 dead newt — 109 live amphibians (+3 dead) in all. This site could use more help on future migration nights!

Nelson Road. Three volunteers in two different shifts spent a total of two and a half hours on patrol at Nelson Road, crossing 36 spotted salamanders (+6 dead), 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 7 red-backed salamanders, 10 newts (+6 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 10 wood frogs (+4 dead), 103 spring peepers (+13 dead), 1 American toad, 1 pickerel frog, 4 green frogs, and 12 bullfrogs — for a total of 186 live amphibians (+29 dead) representing 11 different species. This site could use more help on future migration nights!

New Ipswich

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: salamanders make people smile. (photo © Chandra Balakrishna)

Thayer Road. The dedicated duo at Thayer Road crew spent an hour and a half on patrol, crossing 3 spotted salamanders, 7 red-backed salamanders, 5 wood frogs, 3 spring peepers (+1 dead), and 11 American toads, 29 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all.

Newport

Oak Street. A terrific twosome spent just over an hour on patrol, crossing 8 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 35 spring peepers (+16 dead), 3 American toads, and 5 pickerel frogs, 51 live amphibians (+19 dead) in all.

Peterborough

Summer Street. The dedicated Summer Street crew — 12 Brigadiers strong! — were on patrol from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Togther, they crossed 26 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 32 wood frogs (+1 dead), 156 spring peepers (+32 dead), 13 American toads (+1 dead), 3 gray tree frogs, and 8 green frogs, for a total of 239 live amphibians (+35 dead). They said it was “a great night!”

Sullivan

Valley Road. In two hours, a solo salamander saver crossed 4 spotted salamanders, 42 wood frogs (+2 dead), 31 spring peepers (+4 dead), and 1 American toad, and noted 1 dead red-backed salamander — 78 live amphibians (+7 dead) in all. All of the wood frogs and spotted salamanders were heading home to the woods.

Swanzey

Toads also make people smile, but not the other way around.
(photo © Doug Bonin)

Matthews Road. Two solo salamander savers, working separately, spent three hours at Matthews Road, crossing 10 spotted salamanders (+6 dead), 1 newt, 1 red-backed salamander (+1 dead), 10 wood frogs (+2 dead), 56 spring peepers (+59 dead), and 42 American toads (+34 dead), 4 pickerel frogs, and 3 green frogs — 127 live amphibians (+102 dead) in all. This site could use more help on future migration nights!

Swanzey Lake Road. A trio of tireless Crossing Brigadiers spent four hours on patrol at Swanzey Lake Road, crossing 42 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 22 red-backed salamanders, 1 newt (+1 dead), 3 four-toed salamanders, 2 two-lined salamanders (+1 dead), 1 wood frog, 65 spring peepers (+12 dead), 6 American toads, 1 gray tree frog, 4 green frogs, and 2 bullfrogs, for a total of 149 live amphibians (+18 dead) representing 11 different species.

Walpole

March Hill Road. A solo Brigadier spent a half-hour at this new-to-us crossing near Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail, where she crossed 15 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, and 5 spring peepers (+3 dead) — 21 live amphibians (+3 dead) in all.

Westmoreland

Big Night bliss. (photo © Dallas Huggins)

Glebe Road. The Glebe Road crew — seven volunteers strong — spent two and a half hours on patrol, crossing 147 spotted salamanders (+13 dead), 14 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 10 newts (+2 dead), 1 wood frog, 149 spring peepers (+17 dead), 85 American toads, 26 pickerel frogs (+3 dead), 11 green frogs (+1 dead), and 1 bullfrog, for a total of 444 live amphibians (+38 dead). This was a Big Night at this site, and there were many more amphibians than could be counted by just seven people. One of our Site Coordinators said you’d have to multiply their counts from the first hour five- or tenfold to get a sense for what was actually happening out there! Lots of sad carnage also went uncounted, so consider those numbers underestimates too. The vast majority of spotted salamanders were leaving the wetland, their courtship and egg laying done for the year. The American toads, however, were just stepping out. Listen for their lusty trilling on warm nights in the next week or two.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 26? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!

A Chilly Night…

Despite the chilly temperatures, 97 spotted salamanders — including this one — were moved to safey on the night of April 16.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

The weather threw us another curveball on Saturday, when evening temperatures turned out to be far colder than predicted. Some cold-hardy amphibians made their move, but with temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s, it was too chilly for a truly Big Night. Still, nearly 100 Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers took to the streets, moving 243 amphibians to safety — and recording 41 road-kills — at nine sites on April 16, bringing our season total to 6,593 live amphibians to date. Read on for site-by-site details, organized alphabetically by town:

Hancock

Middle Road. A stalwart solo Brigadier spent nearly two hours on Middle Road in 37-degree temperatures, where he shepherded 9 spotted salamanders and 26 wood frogs to safety, for a total of 35 live amphibians. All of the wood frogs were headed back to the woods, their courtship done for the year, but most of the spotted salamanders were still moving toward the vernal pools.

A Chesham Road spottie. (photo © Juniper King)

Harrisville

Chesham Road. A terrific twosome patrolled Chesham Road between the junctions with Seaver and Brown Roads for nearly two hours, crossing 3 spotted salamanders, 1 wood frog, and 1 spring peeper (+1 dead), and recording 1 dead two-lined salamander — for a total of 5 live amphibians (+2 dead). It was 36° when they left for the night!

Henniker

River Road. A trio of amphibian admirers spent an hour at River Road, but they only found 1 spring peeper. All the other critters must be waiting for a warmer night.

Hillsborough

North and Concord End Roads. A solo salamander saver spent an hour on patrol, crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 4 wood frogs, and 1 spring peeper — 7 live amphibians in all. She reported that the peepers were calling, despite the chill in the air.

Keene

North Lincoln Street was closed to traffic once again on April 16, for the protection of migrating amphibians and to provide a safe space for families to witness the magic of the migration. (photo © Chandra Balakrishna)

Jordan Road. The Harris Center worked with the City of Keene to close Jordan Road to through-traffic once again on Thursday night, specifically for the protection of migrating amphibians. Between 7:45 and 10:30 p.m., 16 volunteers crossed 5 spotted salamanders and 2 spring peepers, and found one dead red-backed salamander, for a total of 7 live amphibians (+1 dead). Shortly after sunset, they were accompanied by a barred owl, perched and calling from a branch just above the road — no doubt also out looking for amphibians in the spring rain.

North Lincoln Street. North Lincoln Street was also closed to vehicles to create a safe place for migrating amphibians, as well as the many people who come out to experience the magic. Between 7:30 and 11:30 p.m., the North Lincoln Street crew — 35 Brigadiers strong — counted 2 red efts, 7 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 71 spring peepers (+5 dead) — 80 live amphibians (+5 dead) in all. Early in the evening, some of the volunteers watched in amazement as a barred owl caught a frog that was crossing the road, and flew off with it!

Nelson

Nelson Road. A dedicated Brigadier spent 40 minutes on Nelson Road in 36-degree wintry mix, where she crossed 2 wood frogs (+1 dead) and 2 spring peepers (+1 dead), and noted 2 dead newts — for a total of 4 live amphibians (+4 dead).

Swanzey

A red eft among a roadside “forest” of grass and pine needles. (photo © Chandra Balakrishna)

Matthews Road. A family of four longtime Crossing Brigadiers heeded the call for help at Matthews Road, where they found 3 spring peepers (+4 dead), 2 dead American toads, and 1 dead gray tree frog — for a total of 3 live amphibians (+7 dead) in one hour. They reported loud chorusing from the nearby pools, and said they’ll be back to help on a warmer night!

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. The Glebe Road crew — 22 Crossing Brigadiers strong — spent two and a half hours on patrol, crossing 78 spotted salamanders, 1 newt (+8 dead), 20 spring peepers (+14 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 1 unknown amphibian, for a total of 101 live amphibians (+22 dead). Most of the salamanders were leaving the wetland, their courtship and egg-laying done for the year — and a sign that migration season may be starting to wind down at this site.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 16? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!

The Migration Continues…

So far this season, our Crossing Brigade volunteers have moved 613 spotted salamanders to safety.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

April 14 was a reminder of the challenges inherent in attempting to predict spring weather in New England. Solid evening rain had been forecast for days, but in the end, there was only a passing sprinkle. That said, some amphibians did make their move on wet roads, even without the rain: 50 Crossing Brigade volunteers moved 786 amphibians to safety — and recorded 129 road-kills — at 10 different sites on April 14, bringing our season total to 6,350 live amphibians so far. Thursday’s live critter counts include 609 spring peepers, 58 spotted salamanders, 25 red-backed salamanders, and 25 four-toed salamanders, plus smaller numbers of six other species. Not bad for a night with no rain! Read on for site-by-site details, organized alphabetically by town:

Bow

Risinghill Drive and Woodhill Road. A mother-son team spent an hour and a half at these two sites, crossing 4 spotted salamanders, 14 red-backed salamanders, 4 newts, 18 four-toed salamanders, and 5 spring peepers (+11 dead), and noting 2 dead amphibians of unknown species — for a total of 45 live amphibians (+13 dead). They also found a wandering broadhead planarian in the road, but wisely allowed it to cross itself.

Harrisville

Roxbury Road. A solo salamander saver spent a half-hour on Roxbury Road, where she crossed 1 spotted salamander and 2 spring peepers (+1 dead), 3 live amphibians in all.

Henniker

River Road. A terrific trio spent an hour at River Road, crossing 18 wood frogs (+3 dead), 6 spring peepers (+4 dead), 3 American toads, and 1 pickerel frog, for a total of 28 live amphibians (+7 dead). They reported that most of the wood frogs and peepers were leaving the pool, a sign that we’re past the midway point of migration season at this site.

Hillsborough

North and Concord End Roads. A dynamic duo spent an hour on patrol, crossing 5 spotted salamanders, 4 newts (+1 dead), 1 wood frog (+1 dead), 17 spring peepers, and 1 pickerel frog — 34 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all.

Keene

There were so many salamander-inspired smiles on display on North Lincoln Street on April 14 that it was nearly impossible to pick just one photo! Check out our Flickr album from the 2022 salamander season for more salamander joy.
(photo © Karen Seaver)

Jordan Road. A terrific twosome spent two hours on patrol, crossing 7 spotted salamanders, 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 3 red-backed salamanders, and 5 spring peepers (+5 dead), and recording 1 dead bullfrog, for a total of 16 live amphibians (+6 dead). A special shout-out to the driver who stopped when she saw a spotted salamander right in front of her car, and then waited for our Crossing Brigadiers to move it! She said she grew up crossing amphibians on Jordan Road with her father, but had hand sanitizer on her hands and knew that could be harmful to the spottie if she picked it up herself. We love stories like that.

North Lincoln Street. Keene State College was well-represented at North Lincoln Street, where a robust crew of 19 Crossing Brigadiers patrolled until almost midnight! Collectively, they crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander (+1 dead), 5 wood frogs (+2 dead), 304 spring peepers (+29 dead), and 1 American toad, and recorded 2 dead efts —313 live amphibians (+34 dead) in all. Approximately half of the peepers were headed away from the wetland, their courtship and egg laying over for the year.

Nelson

Nelson Road. In a little less than an hour, a solo salamander superhero crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 4 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 12 spring peepers (+2 dead), and noted 2 dead newts — for a total of 18 live amphibians (+3 dead).

New Ipswich

A wood frog with unusual eye coloration, photographed at the Nelson crossing on April 14. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Thayer Road. The dedicated Thayer Road crew spent a half-hour on patrol, crossing 1 American toad (+1 dead).

Peterborough

Summer Street. Five dedicated Crossing Brigadiers spent three hours on patrol, crossing 6 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 2 newts, 1 four-toed salamander, 6 wood frogs (+4 dead), and 115 spring peepers (+27 dead), for a total of 130 live amphibians (+33 dead).

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. Three salamander-loving families spent just over two hours at Glebe Road, crossing 31 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, 7 newts (+3 dead), 6 four-toed salamanders, 143 spring peepers (+23 dead), 8 American toads (+1 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 1 bullfrog, for a total of 198 live amphibians (+27 dead).

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 14? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!

A Small, But Not Insignificant Night…

Some nights, at some sites, amphibian activity is so concentrated that Crossing Brigade volunteers need to use buckets to carry many amphibians across the road at once, rather than ferrying them one at a time. April 7 was one of those nights at the Glebe Road.
(photo © Stephen Lowe)

With temperatures hovering just above 40, conditions were on the chilly side for amphibian migration — but many salamanders and frogs charged forth anyway! All together, 50 Crossing Brigade volunteers moved 604 amphibians to safety at eight different sites on April 7, bringing our season total to 5,564 live amphibians so far. Thursday’s live critter counts include 388 spring peepers, 112 spotted salamanders, and 94 wood frogs, plus smaller numbers of five other species. Read on for site-by-site details, organized alphabetically by town:

Hancock

Antrim Road. A sweet family of longtime Crossing Brigadiers moved 1 four-toed salamander and 2 spring peepers to safety in chilly temperatures, for a total of 3 live amphibians in 45 minutes. They are still eagerly awaiting their first spotted salamander of the season.

Keene

Jordan Road. The City of Keene worked with the Harris Center to close Jordan Road to through-traffic once again on Thursday night, specifically for the protection of migrating amphibians. Between 8 and 10:45 p.m., 12 volunteers crossed 4 spotted salamanders, 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 2 red-backed salamanders, and 1 chilly spring peeper, for a total of 8 live amphibians. It was a quieter night than expected, but it’s likely that more salamanders migrated in the heavier overnight rains, after our volunteers had left for the night but with added safety provided by the Big Night detour.

Even Small Nights can be magic…
(photo © Chandra Balakrishna)

North Lincoln Street. North Lincoln Street was also closed to vehicles to create a safe place for migrating amphibians, as well as the many families who come out to experience the magic. Between 7:30 p.m. and midnight, 27 enthusiastic volunteers counted 13 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, 89 wood frogs (+1 dead), and an impressive 296 spring peepers (+1 dead) —399 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all. Their soundtrack: peepers and wood frogs singing loudly in the nearby wetland.

Nelson

Nelson Road. On her way home from another crossing site, a solo Crossing Brigadier moved 4 spotted salamanders and 1 wood frog in 36° temperatures (!) at Nelson Road, for a total of 5 live amphibians in 10 minutes.

Swanzey

Matthews Road. A brave solo Brigadier spent three hours on patrol at Matthews Road, where he crossed 15 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 4 wood frogs (+4 dead), 30 spring peepers (+24 dead), and 1 American toad, and noted 1 dead eft — for a total of 50 live amphibians (+33 dead). With a high volume of fast-moving traffic, this is not a family-friendly crossing — and everyone else should exercise extreme caution, too. That said: This site needs more help on future migration nights!

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. A solo salamander superhero patrolled for two hours in 39-40° temperatures at Glebe Road, crossing 72 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 3 newts (+3 dead), and 44 spring peepers (+16 dead), for a total of 119 live amphibians (+22 dead). He was kept company by a beaver slapping its tail in the nearby wetland, and the excitement of a large tree blowing over in the wind. His take: “Just think — in a few decades it will be soil and a happy home for our spotted friends!”

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. A terrific trio spent just over an hour at Whiting Hill, where they crossed 15 peepers (+2 dead).

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. A dynamic duo spent an hour at Forest Lake Road, crossing 4 spotted salamanders and 1 four-toed salamander, 5 salamanders in all.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 7? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!

An Epic Night

Mr. Adorable and all of his friends stepped out in a big way on March 31! You can find more photos on Flickr.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

March 31 was not just a Big Night, it was an Epic Night! Amphibians were raring to go, and so were our Salamander Crossing Brigades, as 220 volunteers provided safe passage for a record 4,577 live amphibians — and recorded 502 roadkills — across 31 different sites in the greater Monadnock Region in a single night! These counts include 2,716 spring peepers, 1,224 wood frogs, 438 spotted salamanders, and 54 four-toed salamanders, along with smaller numbers of eight other species. Read on for site-by-site details, organized alphabetically by town, from this truly astounding evening:

Bow

Pheasant Drive, Risinghill Drive, and Woodhill Road. A family of new Crossing Brigadiers investigated three new-to-us sites, crossing 20 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 5 red-backed salamanders, 2 newts, 24 four-toed salamanders, 15 wood frogs (+1 dead), 45 spring peepers (+40 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 1 green frog, for a total of 113 live amphibians (+43 dead) in just over two hours.

Concord

Spottie in the spotlight! (photo © Jim Hodge)

Fisk Road. The dedicated Fisk Road crew — 11 volunteers strong — spent two and a half hours on patrol, crossing 20 spotted salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander, 13 wood frogs (+2 dead), 10 spring peepers (+3 dead), 1 American toad, and 1 green frog, for a total of 46 live amphibians (+5 dead).

Dublin

Upper Jaffrey Road. Two enthusiastic new recruits discovered a new-to-us crossing site on Upper Jaffrey Road, where they crossed 9 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 68 wood frogs (+6 dead), and 12 spring peepers (+3 dead), for a total of 89 live amphibians (+10 dead) in just an hour and a half.

Hancock

Antrim Road. A longtime family of Crossing Brigadiers spent just over an hour on Antrim Road, where they crossed 3 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead) and 49 spring peepers (+2 dead), and found 1 dead eft — 52 live amphibians (+4 dead) in all. They are still eagerly awaiting their first spottie of the season, but we feel certain it’ll come soon!

Middle Road. Three volunteers working in two groups near the vernal pools along Middle Road crossed 8 spotted salamanders, 32 wood frogs (+9 dead), 21 spring peepers (+4 dead), and 1 American toad, for a total of 62 live amphibians (+13 dead) in an hour and a half.

Route 137. A terrific team of four spent almost two hours in heavy rain on Route 137, where they crossed 20 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 3 red-backed salamanders, 2 four-toed salamanders, 4 wood frogs (+5 dead), 71 spring peepers (+53 dead), and 2 pickerel frogs, and tallied 4 unknown dead amphibians, for a total of 102 live amphibians (+62 dead). They shared, “What a great night! The area by the Hancock Fire Station was hop’n.”

Harrisville

And the “Cutest Crossing Brigadier” Award goes to….
(photo © Gabe Roxby)

Breed Road. On her way home from another crossing site, a solo Crossing Brigadier moved 7 spotted salamanders and 1 spring salamander (!!) to safety along Breed Road, for a total of 8 live salamanders. She didn’t stop to tally the carnage, which was significant.

Henniker

River Road. Six enthusiastic Crossing Brigadiers spent an hour at River Road, crossing 16 wood frogs (+3 dead) and 2 spring peepers (+2 dead), for a total of 18 live amphibians (+5 dead).

Hillsborough

North and Concord End Roads. A dynamic duo spent an hour on patrol, and crossed 2 chilly wood frogs.

Keene

Arch Street. In two hours, a solo salamander saver crossed 6 spotted salamanders, 45 wood frogs (+15 dead), and 2 spring peepers, for a total of 53 live amphibians (+15 dead).

Eastern Ave. A solo Brigadier drove through Eastern Avenue on her way home from another crossing site, crossing 3 live wood frogs (+7 dead). Sadly, there was more carnage than she could count. This site could use more help on future migration nights!

Jordan Road. The City of Keene worked with the Harris Center to close Jordan Road to through-traffic on Thursday night, specifically for the protection of migrating amphibians — an exciting conservation measure years in the making! Between 7:30 p.m. and 12:45 a.m. on the now-much-quieter road, a hearty crew of 25 volunteers crossed 17 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 39 Jefferson complex salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, 23 wood frogs, and 90 spring peepers (+3 dead), for a total of 170 live amphibians (+4 dead).

The Keene State College crew, holding it down at North Lincoln Street. (photo © Karen Seaver)

North Lincoln Street. March 31 was one for the record books at North Lincoln Street, which was also closed to vehicles to create a safe place for migrating amphibians, as well as the people who come out to witness the spectacle. In just over four hours, nearly 70 people counted 7 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 369 wood frogs (+5 dead), 2 green frogs, and a jaw-dropping 1,330 spring peepers (+19 dead) — an astounding 1,710 live amphibians (+24 dead). What’s more: the frogs were coming out of the woods so fast that many went uncounted, so this is an underestimate of the number of frogs that crossed North Lincoln Street that night. It was also the first Big Night for many human visitors to the closed road — a joyful, exuberant experience that was captured beautifully in these photographs by the Keene Sentinel.

Marlborough

Richardson Road. A terrific twosome spent an hour and a half looking for amphibians on Richardson Road, where they crossed 7 live wood frogs.

Nelson

The first Jefferson complex salamander ever recorded at the Nelson Road crossing! (photo © Sarah Wilson)

Granite Lake Road. Two different salamander savers, in two different shifts, spent a total of two hours on Granite Lake Road, where they crossed 4 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 newt, 16 spring peepers (+1 dead), and 1 green frog, 22 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all. They also noted many wolf spiders on the road, whose eyes shine blue in the beam of a flashlight!

Nelson Road. A hearty crew of nine Crossing Brigadiers spent just over two hours on Nelson Road, crossing 7 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 1 red-backed salamander, 4 newts (+2 dead), 10 wood frogs (+2 dead), and 57 spring peepers (+2 dead), for a total of 80 live amphibians (+5 dead). This is the first time a Jefferson complex salamander has been reported at this site in 14 years of counting!

New Boston

Kennedy Lane. A fantastic father-daughter duo spent an hour on Kennedy Lane, where they crossed 29 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 4 red-backed salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander, 2 spring peepers, 2 pickerel frogs, and 1 bullfrog, 39 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all.

Meadow Road. A terrific team of four spent an hour and a half on Meadow Road, crossing 10 spotted salamanders, 3 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 2 newts (+1 dead), 3 four-toed salamanders (+1 dead), 2 dusky salamanders (!), 1 wood frog (+1 dead), and 43 spring peepers (+8 dead), for a total of 64 live amphibians (+11 dead).

New Ipswich

Thayer Road. A dedicated duo spent two hours on Thayer Road, where they crossed 4 spotted salamanders, 3 red-backed salamanders, 14 wood frogs (+4 dead), 36 spring peepers (+2 dead), and 1 American toad, for a total of 58 live amphibians (+6 dead). They were excited to report that the spotties were all crossing into their yard!

Peterborough

Salamander joy at Summer Street. (photo © Sarah Thomas)

Summer Street. The Summer Street crew — 15 volunteers strong — spent an impressive four and a half hours on patrol, crossing 15 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 197 wood frogs (+28 dead), 375 spring peepers (+68 dead), 2 green frogs, and 1 bullfrog, for a total of 591 live amphibians (+97 dead). There were so many peepers that they eventually stopped counting, so consider this an underestimate. In her report, Site Coordinator Sarah Thomas added, “Woooohooo Big Night! What a great night!” Yes, indeed.

Rindge

Old New Ipswich Road. In just one hour, the Rindge Rangers crossed 5 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 2 newts, 21 wood frogs, and 12 spring peepers, for a total of 40 live amphibians (+3 dead salamanders). Sadly, they also reported that “there were so many dead frogs that we couldn’t keep track or figure out what they were.”

South Woodbound Road. In the span of 45 minutes, a stalwart solo Brigadier crossed 1 spotted salamander, 1 wood frog (+2 dead), 3 spring peepers (+2 dead), and 1 pickerel frog, 6 live amphibians (+4 dead) in all.

Springfield, VT

Route 5. This site is just across the border in Vermont, but the family of longtime Crossing Brigadiers who discovered it live in Charlestown, NH, so we include it with our tallies! In two hours, this team of four crossed 74 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, 142 wood frogs, and 83 spring peepers, for a grand total of 300 live amphibians. They did not count the dead.

Sullivan

Valley Road. In two different shifts totaling two and a half hours, a solo salamander saver crossed 11 spotted salamanders, 60 wood frogs (+8 dead), 58 spring peepers (+2 dead), and 1 American toad, 130 live amphibians (+10 dead) in all. He also reported hearing his first peeper and wood frog choruses of the spring!

Swanzey

Holbrook Avenue. In half an hour on two different sections of Holbrook Avenue, a terrific trio crossed 7 spotted salamanders, 1 wood frog (+1 dead), and 3 spring peepers, 11 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all.

Matthews Road. Two brave and dedicated Brigadiers, working separately over the span of three and a half hours, crossed 30 spotted salamanders (+18 dead), 18 wood frogs (+5 dead), 68 spring peepers (+68 dead), for a total of 116 live amphibians (+91 dead). Volunteer Doug Bonin also shared a short video about his time on the road, below. With a high volume of fast-moving traffic, this is not a family-friendly crossing — and everyone else should exercise extreme caution, too. That said: This site needs more help on future migration nights!

Swanzey Lake Road. In the span of an hour and a half, four fearless Crossing Brigadiers crossed 25 spotted salamanders (+5 dead), 2 four-toed salamanders, 2 wood frogs (+2 dead), and 28 spring peepers (+4 dead), 57 live amphibians (+11 dead) in all.

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. The Glebe Road crew — 13 volunteers strong — spent three and a half hours on patrol, crossing 51 spotted salamanders (+8 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 14 newts, 2 four-toed salamanders, 181 spring peepers (+17 dead), 1 American toad, and 2 pickerel frogs, for a total of 252 live amphibians (+25 dead). This is not a particularly Big Night for this site, so the best is yet to come at Glebe Road!

River Road. In an hour and a half, a longtime family of enthusiastic Crossing Brigadiers crossed 10 spotted salamanders, 5 Jefferson complex salamanders, 153 wood frogs, and 4 spring peepers, for a total of 172 live amphibians. As far as salamanders go, this is a Small Night for River Road, so the best is yet to come!

Wilton

That spottie smile… (photo © Sam Moore)

Whiting Hill Road. The dedicated Wilton crew spent two and a half hours at Whiting Hill Road, where they crossed 17 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 1 wood frog, 74 spring peepers (+10 dead), and 4 pickerel frogs, 97 live amphibians (+14 dead) in all.

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. The Forest Lake Road crew — 10 volunteers strong — spent almost two hours on patrol, crossing 24 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 14 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 2 newts, 18 four-toed salamanders (+5 dead), 6 wood frogs (+3 dead), 41 spring peepers (+10 dead), and 2 pickerel frogs, for a total of 107 live amphibians (+21 dead).

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from March 31? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!

The First Trickle of Migration

Wood frogs are always a work of art, but especially so in this photo taken along Forest Lake Road in Winchester on March 19, 2022. (photo © Sam Moore)

March 19 was not the Big Night we’d anticipated. The forecast of solid all-day-into-night rain dissipated, and we were left with dry skies followed by a wicked thunderstorm that sent Crossing Brigadiers scurrying for shelter around 10:15 p.m. Some spring peepers and wood frogs made their move on roads still wet from afternoon rain, but the majority of the migration likely happened after the storm, when there weren’t very many Crossing Brigadiers out and about to see it.

Still, our Salamander Crossing Brigadiers moved 338 amphibians to safety at 13 sites throughout the Monadnock Region on Saturday — a commendable start to the season, particularly in light of the tricky weather. Read on for site-by-site details, organized alphabetically by town:

Concord

Fisk Road. Concord isn’t technically in the greater Monadnock Region, but we’re grandfathering this site in to our reports, because the Fisk Road crew has been active for so many years! In one hour on Saturday, they crossed 1 wood frog and 1 spring peeper, and recorded 1 road-killed four-toed salamander, for a total of 2 live amphibians (+1 dead). It’s still early for this site, so the ground might just have been too frozen for much movement.

Hancock

Antrim Road. A father-son duo spent 45 minutes on Antrim Road, crossing 2 spring peepers and noting 1 road-killed red-backed salamander. Hancock still has some lingering snow in the colder hollows, so this site is just getting started.

Henniker

River Road. A small crew spent a half-hour on patrol in light drizzle, but didn’t find any amphibians! This site showed promise last year, so it’s possible the ground needs some more time to thaw, or that the herpetological residents of River Road were waiting for more robust rain.

Keene

The very first Jefferson complex salamander of the year at Jordan Road! (photo © Kim Snyder)

Arch Street. A solo Brigadier spent two hours on Arch Street, crossing 5 wood frogs (+1 dead) and 1 spring peeper, for a total of 6 live frogs (+ 1 dead).

Eastern Avenue. A team of two did a late-night, post-thunderstorm survey at Eastern Avenue, where they crossed 11 wood frogs (+6 dead) in just 30 minutes.

Jordan Road. For the very first time, the City of Keene worked with the Harris Center to close Jordan Road to through-traffic on Saturday night, specifically for the protection of migrating amphibians — an exciting conservation measure years in the making! Between 7:50 and 9:30 p.m., a dedicated team of ten crossed 2 Jefferson complex salamanders (+ noted 1 dead), 3 wood frogs, and 1 spring peeper, for a total of 6 live amphibians (+1 dead). Many more amphibians likely migrated after the late-night storm moved through, with the benefit of added safety provided by the Big Night detour.

North Lincoln Street. The City of Keene worked with the Harris Center to close the North Lincoln Street crossing site to vehicles on Saturday night for the first Big(gish) Night of 2022. From 7:30 to 10 p.m. — before the rain — ten volunteers counted 5 wood frogs, 65 spring peepers (+3 dead), and 1 road-killed red eft on the closed road. After the thunderstorm, two late-night crews of Keene State College and Antioch University New England students collectively counted 48 wood frogs (+1 dead), 97 spring peepers (+9 dead), and 1 red eft (+2 dead) in just under two hours. Taken together, that’s a total of 53 wood frogs (+1 dead), 162 peepers (+12 dead), and 1 red eft (+3 dead), 216 amphibians (+16 dead) in all.

New Ipswich

Thayer Road. In three hours, three people crossed 10 wood frogs (+4 dead) and 3 spring peepers, for a total of 13 live frogs (+4 dead) before the storm.

Stand (er…hop) and be counted! Maybe next time it’ll land on the right row. (photo © Sarah Thomas)

Peterborough

Summer Street. The dedicated Summer Street crew — seven Crossing Brigadiers in all — crossed 9 wood frogs (+1 dead), 15 spring peepers (+1 dead), and 1 red eft before the storm, for a total of 25 live amphibians (+2 dead).

Sullivan

Valley Road. A solo Brigadier spent 45 minutes on Valley Road under dry skies, crossing 4 wood frogs (+1 dead) and 1 spring peeper, for a total of 5 live frogs (+1 dead). During that time, no cars passed, but he did hear the delightful sounds of a nearby timberdoodle.

Swanzey

Matthews Road. Three volunteers in two different shifts spent a total of two and a half hours on amphibian patrol at Matthews Road. From 7:15 to 9:15 p.m., a stalwart solo Brigadier crossed 8 wood frogs (+2 dead), 11 spring peepers (+19 dead), and 1 red-backed salamander, and noted 1 dead spotted salamander. He also counted a stunning 120 passing cars. From 2:08 to 2:35 a.m., a team of night owls crossed an additional 2 spring peepers (+13 dead) and counted 10 dead wood frogs. Their collective total: 22 live amphibians (+45 road-kills). This site could use more help on future migration nights! That said, with a high volume of fast-moving traffic, this is not a family-friendly crossing — and everyone else should exercise extreme caution, too.

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. In just under two hours, a terrific team of four crossed 8 spring peepers (+2 dead), 2 green frogs, and 1 red-backed salamander, and recorded 2 dead unknown amphibians, for a total of 11 live amphibians (+4 dead).

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. In two rainy hours on Forest Lake Road, three Crossing Brigadiers crossed 3 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 13 wood frogs (+5 dead), 3 spring peepers, and noted 1 dead toad and 1 dead unknown amphibian — 19 live amphibians (+10 dead) in all.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from March 19? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!

A Prelude…

The first wood frog of the 2022 season at North Lincoln Street in Keene! (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Rain ended before dark on March 17, but a few intrepid frogs made their move in a light mist. This was just the faintest trickle of a migration. The flood is yet to come…

Keene

North Lincoln Street. A team of two patrolled for an hour and a half, crossing 4 wood frogs and 25 spring peepers (+ 7 dead peepers), 29 frogs in all.

New Ipswich

Thayer Road. A dynamic duo walked Thayer Road for a half-hour. They only found 1 wood frog, but they heard barred owls calling, which sounds like a great night to us.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from March 17? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!