Field Reports from the 2023 Amphibian Migration

Final Tallies for 2023

Salamander joy was on full display this spring! You can see more photos from this year’s Crossing Brigades on Flickr.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

In the spring of 2023, nearly 300 people volunteered with our Salamander Crossing Brigades, providing safe passage for 6,386 individual amphibians of 13 different species — including 4,596 spring peepers, 652 wood frogs, and 531 spotted salamanders — at 33 different crossing sites in the greater Monadnock Region. This brings our project total to a jaw-dropping 78,181 amphibian rescues since 2007. Wow!

Our volunteers also documented a sobering 1,204 roadkilled amphibians this year, and identified 5 new-to-us amphibian road crossing locations that we’ll add to our map of crossing sites for next spring.

Longtime Brigadiers will note that we crossed fewer critters this year than in prior seasons, but this does not mean that local amphibian populations are in decline! The lower number is likely a factor of the timing of the rain: much of this year’s heaviest rainfall arrived after midnight, when few Brigadiers were awake to keep count. Thankfully, traffic is much lighter at that hour.

It takes a village to close a road for amphibians! Big thanks to the Keene Department of Public Works, Harris Center interns Taylor Jackson and Jessica Lawton, and volunteers Andrew Chase (pictured), Alan and Gretchen Bettler, Clarissa Murch, Bill Stroup, and Aleksey Wirth for their help with the Big Night detour signs and barricades this spring. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

In Keene, amphibians were afforded an even greater measure of protection, as the Harris Center worked with the City of Keene to close the North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road crossing sites to vehicles on 6 different migration nights — ensuring safe passage even for late-night migrants. This was the fifth season of Big Night detours at North Lincoln Street, and the second year 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. It’s an honor to partner with them on this groundbreaking wildlife conservation measure.

Last but not least, this year our Salamander Crossing Brigades were featured on the Reasons to Be Cheerful, Northern Woodlands, and William & Mary Alumni Magazine websites, as well as the SciStarter podcast. If you find yourself wishing we were at the beginning of salamander season instead of the end, check out those stories. They just might spark enough salamander joy to tide you over until next spring!

As always, be sure to 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.

Concord

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

Fisk Road. The Concord contingent — 7 Brigadiers strong! — spent an impressive five nights on patrol, crossing 14 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 red eft, 1 red-backed salamander, 8 wood frogs (+5 dead), 19 spring peepers (+7 dead), and 3 green frogs. Even cooler: this crew is keeping their own salamander spot pattern records, and one of this year’s salamanders was a repeat customer from 2020!
Total: 46 live + 13 dead.

Shaker Road. A family of frog fans spent one night investigating this new-to-us crossing, where they provided safe passage for 2 spotted salamanders, 17 red-backed salamanders, 8 spring peepers (+7 dead), and 1 American toad, and noted 1 dead newt and 1 dead wood frog.
Total: 28 live + 9 dead.

Dublin

Upper Jaffrey Road. In one night near the Learned Road wetland, two amphibian admirers crossed 7 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 18 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 28 wood frogs, and 39 spring peepers (+5 dead), and recorded 1 dead newt and 3 unidentifiable roadkills.
Total: 92 live +15 dead.

Francestown

Caution, but make it cute. (photo © Gabe Roxby)

Route 47. Two salamander stewards spent two nights on patrol at Bennington Road (Route 47), where they crossed 21 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 10 wood frogs (+1 dead), 141 spring peepers (+48 dead), 1 pickerel frog (+1 dead), and 1 American toad, and recorded 2 dead efts.
Total: 176 live + 55 dead.

Hancock

Antrim Road. Over the course of two nights, one frog-loving family crossed 4 red efts (+1 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 1 wood frog, and 15 spring peepers (+1 dead) near their home on Antrim Road.
Total: 22 live + 2 dead.

Link Road. A terrific twosome spent one night investigating this lesser-known site on Link Road, where they provided safe passage for 1 red eft (+1 dead), 13 four-toed salamanders, 1 two-lined salamander, 51 red-backed salamanders (+3 dead), 39 spring peepers (+13 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 1 gray tree frog. They also recorded 1 dead spotted salamander and 1 unknown roadkill.
Total: 107 live amphibians + 19 dead.

“I don’t care what the salamanders say. This is no time for smiling!” (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Middle Road. Three amphibian aficionados spent two nights at Middle Road, where they crossed 8 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 5 newts (+2 dead), 1 two-lined salamander (+1 dead), 24 red-backed salamanders, 15 wood frogs (+2 dead), 43 spring peepers (+8 dead), 2 green frogs, 1 bullfrog, and 3 American toads. They also recorded one unidentifiable roadkill.
Total: 102 live + 16 dead.

Route 137. A fantastic family of four spent one night on patrol at Route 137, where they provided safe passage for 7 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 1 red eft (+2 dead), 15 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 18 wood frogs (+2 dead), 90 spring peepers (+83 dead), 5 pickerel frogs (+1 dead), 2 green frogs, and 6 bullfrogs, and noted 5 unidentified dead. This site needs more help in 2024!
Total: 144 live + 97 dead.

Harrisville

Nelson Road. On her way home from another crossing site, a solo Brigadier crossed 3 spotted salamanders (+3 dead) and 1 spring peeper, and recorded 1 dead toad, near Child’s Bog in just 5 minutes on a single night.
Total: 4 live + 4 dead.

Henniker

Salamander wonder at River Road in Henniker.
(photo © Kara Reynolds)

River Road. The Henniker crew — 20 Brigadiers strong! — spent three joyful nights on patrol, collectively crossing 8 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 6 Jefferson complex salamanders, 2 red efts (+1 dead), 9 red-backed salamanders, 9 wood frogs (+1 dead), 18 spring peepers (+2 dead), 1 gray tree frog (+1 dead), and 1 American toad (+1 dead). They also recorded 5 unidentifiable roadkilled amphibians and 1 dead painted turtle hatchling. This was the first record of Jefferson complex salamanders for this site!
Total: 54 live + 12 dead.

Hillsboro

Concord End & Flint Roads. A dedicated duo patrolled Flint and Concord End Roads on four different nights, collectively crossing 8 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 5 red efts (+1 dead), 5 two-lined salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 11 wood frogs (+2 dead), 31 spring peepers, 2 green frogs (+1 dead), and 2 American toads.
Total: 66 live + 5 dead.

Keene

Keene State College students (left to right) Boxcar Fairbank, Taylor Jackson, and Aleksey Wirth carry on the time-honored KSC tradition of crossing critters at North Lincoln Street. (photo © Karen Seaver)

Arch Street. Two frog fans spent one night at Arch Street, where they crossed 1 spotted salamander (+2 dead), 2 spring peepers, 11 gray tree frogs (+3 dead), 4 bullfrogs (+2 dead), and 7 American toads (+3 dead).
Total: 25 live + 10 dead.

Eastern Avenue. Two solo Brigadiers, working separately, crossed 56 wood frogs (+37 dead), 14 spring peepers (+7 dead), 1 gray tree frog (+1 dead), and 4 green frogs, and recorded 1 unidentified roadkill in two nights at Eastern Ave. This site needs more help in 2024!
Total: 75 live + 46 dead.

Jordan Road. The Jordan Road crew — 21 Crossing Brigadiers strong! — spent nine nights on patrol from March through early May. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the City of Keene, the road was closed to through-traffic on six of those nights. Collectively, these intrepid Brigadiers crossed 61 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 10 Jefferson complex salamanders (+2 dead), 4 red-backed salamanders, 15 wood frogs (+3 dead), 168 spring peepers (+18 dead), 2 gray tree frogs, 1 green frog, and 2 American toads. They also noted 3 dead efts and 1 unidentifiable roadkill. Many additional amphibians likely crossed under the protection of the road closures after our Brigadiers had gone home for the night.
Total: 263 live + 28 dead.

A side benefit of closing the road for amphibians is that Crossing Brigadiers can safely engage in toad’s-eye-view photo shoots.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

North Lincoln Street. The North Lincoln Street crew — a whopping 75+ volunteers strong, including an enthusiastic KSC contingent — spent nine nights on amphibian patrol from March through early 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 25 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 47 red efts (+24 dead), 7 red-backed salamanders, 183 wood frogs (+9 dead), 2,185 spring peepers (+173 dead), 9 pickerel frogs, 6 gray tree frogs, 2 green frogs, 1 bullfrog, and 4 American toads. They also recorded 12 unknown dead. Many additional amphibians surely crossed — protected by the road closure barricades — after our Brigadiers had gone home for the night. It’s safe to say that salamander (and frog) joy were on full display at North Lincoln Street this spring!
Total: 2,469 live + 219 dead.

Mason

April showers bring amphibians — and amphibian admirers. (photo © Jenna Rich)

Abbott Hill Road. Over the course of two nights at this new-to-us site, four frog fans crossed 1 wood frog, 8 spring peepers, and 1 pickerel frog (+1 dead).
Total: 10 live + 1 dead.

Nelson

Granite Lake Road. A solo salamander shepherd spent two nights on Granite Lake Road, where she crossed 7 spotted salamanders, 6 red efts (+5 dead), 6 wood frogs (+2 dead), 74 spring peepers (+4 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 4 green frogs, and 1 American toad. She also found one road-killed painted turtle hatchling.
Total: 101 live + 11 dead.

Nelson Road. The Nelson Road crew — 14 Brigadiers strong! — spent a commendable six nights on patrol. Together, they crossed 14 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 11 red efts (+22 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 1 two-lined salamander, 6 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 8 wood frogs (+5 dead), 405 spring peepers (+108 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 1 green frog. They also found 1 dead spring salamander.
Total: 448 live + 139 dead.

New Boston

Kennedy & Ridgeview Lanes. In one night on patrol, a fearless father-son team rescued 4 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 2 red efts, 12 red-backed salamanders, 6 spring peepers, 1 pickerel frog, and 1 green frog.
Total: 26 live + 1 dead.

New Ipswich

The cutest, tiniest, sweetest gray tree frog in the whole entire world (objectively speaking, of course…)
(photo © Taylor Jackson)

Thayer Road. Over the course of four nights, a dedicated duo crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 20 wood frogs (+5 dead), 16 spring peepers (+1 dead), 1 green frog, and 3 American toads on Thayer Road. They also recorded 4 unidentified dead. Ever the optimists, they said, “Even when it’s a very small night, it is still such fun to gallivant in the nighttime rain!” They also shared, “In the fall, we witnessed tiny spotted salamanders that didn’t even have their spots yet emerge from the wetlands behind our house [where the spotted salamanders we crossed last spring were headed]! So exciting to see it all come full circle.”
Total: 42 live + 10 dead.

Newport

Oak Street. Two longtime Brigadiers spent one night on patrol, providing safe passage for 14 spotted salamanders (+4 dead) and 11 spring peepers (+14 dead), and noting 1 dead salamander of unknown species. They shared, “It was a magical night. We were reminiscing about when we started crossing salamanders and how much joy it has brought to us each spring since!”
Total: 25 live + 19 dead.

Peterborough

We usually carry peepers across the road in our hands, but hitching a ride on a reflective vest works too. We’re told that this particular peeper’s name was “Cuddle.”
(photo © Sarah Thomas)

Sand Hill Road. A solo Brigadier crossed 14 wood frogs (+4 dead) and 1 spring peeper (+1 dead) in just 40 minutes on a single night at Sand Hill Road.
Total: 15 live + 5 dead.

Summer Street. Over the course of four nights, the dedicated crew at Summer Street — 20 Crossing Brigadiers strong! — collectively crossed 50 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 2 red efts (+2 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 3 red-backed salamanders, 78 wood frogs (+7 dead), 363 spring peepers (+97 dead), 2 pickerel frogs, 8 green frogs, and 6 American toads. Sadly, they also found two road-killed hatchling turtles. Tremendous thanks to the Peterborough Conservation Commission and Peterborough DPW for the official “Salamander Crossing” and “Volunteers Ahead” road signs they provide for this site!
Total: 513 live + 108 dead.

Rindge

Old New Ipswich Road. In one night on Old Ipswich Road, the indomitable Rindge Rangers crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 3 red efts, 1 red-backed salamander, 17 wood frogs (+12 dead), 26 spring peepers (+20 dead), and 2 live amphibians of unknown species.
Total: 51 live + 32 dead.

Spofford

Salamander smiles on North Lincoln Street.
(photo © Karen Seaver)

Cady Lane. A dynamic duo crossed 38 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 18 red efts (+2 dead), 4 wood frogs (+2 dead), 102 spring peepers (+12 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 4 American toads in one night on patrol at Cady Lane.
Total: 167 live + 16 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, two steadfast salamander stewards provided safe passage for 35 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 21 wood frogs (+11 dead), 6 spring peepers, and 3 American toads.
Total: 65 live + 13 dead.

Sullivan

Valley Road. Over the course of three nights, a solo salamander saver crossed 3 spotted salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander, 2 red-backed salamanders, 34 wood frogs (+8 dead), 20 spring peepers (+6 dead), and 1 American toad. He reported that “it’s always fun picking up the first spottie of the year.” We couldn’t agree more!
Total: 61 live + 14 dead.

Swanzey

Salamanders bring out the kid in all of us.
(photo © Taylor Jackson)

Matthews Road. A stalwart solo Brigadier spent two nights on patrol at Matthews Road, where he crossed 1 spotted salamander (+1 dead) and 26 spring peepers (+47 dead). He also found 1 dead pickerel frog. This site needs more help in 2024!
Total: 27 live + 49 dead.

Swanzey Lake Road. Over the course of five evenings, four dedicated Brigadiers crossed 24 spotted salamanders (+5 dead), 1 red eft (+2 dead), 7 four-toed salamanders, 1 two-lined salamander, 4 red-backed salamanders, 4 wood frogs (+3 dead), 119 spring peepers (+40 dead), 1 gray tree frog, 1 green frog, and 1 American toad. This site needs more help in 2023!
Total: 163 live + 50 dead.

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. The dedicated Glebe Road crew — 18 Brigadiers strong! — spent four nights on patrol, collectively crossing 106 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 28 red efts (+37 dead), 3 red-backed salamanders, 481 spring peepers (+72 dead), 9 pickerel frogs (+3 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 9 American toads (+1 dead).
Total: 637 live + 115 dead.

River Road. In two nights, seven Crossing Brigadiers shepherded 38 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 8 Jefferson complex salamanders, 2 red efts (+1 dead), 82 wood frogs (+11 dead), and 10 spring peepers to safety at River Road.
Total: 140 live + 14 dead.

Wilton

All told, our Crossing Brigades provided safe passage for 531 spotted salamanders — including this one — in the spring of 2023. (photo © Sarah Thomas)

Whiting Hill Road. Over the course of six nights, the dedicated Wilton crossing crew — 15 Brigadiers strong! — provided safe passage for 16 spotted salamanders (+5 dead), 4 red efts, 1 four-toed salamander, 3 two-lined salamanders, 11 red-backed salamanders, 2 wood frogs (+1 dead), 64 spring peepers (+15 dead), 4 pickerel frogs, 1 gray tree frog, 4 green frogs, and 8 American toads (+1 dead). In their four years of crossing critters at this site, this is the first time they’ve seen two-lined and four-toed salamanders!
Total: 118 live + 22 dead.

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. In two nights, four Brigadiers crossed 12 spotted salamanders (+9 dead), 35 four-toed salamanders (+8 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 7 wood frogs (+3 dead), 45 spring peepers (+13 dead), and 3 American toads (+1 dead). They also counted 1 dead newt. This site needs more help in 2024!
Total: 104 live + 35 dead.

A Note of Gratitude

This spring, 300 heroes braved the cold, dark rain to help more than 6,300 amphibians survive the most dangerous journey of their lives. (photo © Taylor Jackson)

Thank you to one and all. What you’ve done this spring is more than science. It’s more than stewardship. It’s an act of love, and of heroism, repeated rainy night after rainy night. Your care for our fellow creatures is an inspiration, moving brightly through the night. We can’t wait to do it all over again in 2024…

Special thanks to Harris Center staff ecologist Karen Seaver (pictured) for going above and beyond, each and every spring; to interns Taylor Jackson and Jessica Lawton for coming in clutch at North Lincoln Street; to the Keene Department of Public Works and Keene City Council for their enthusiastic support of the Big Night detours at North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road; to volunteers Alan and Gretchen Bettler, Andrew Chase, Clarissa Murch, Bill Stroup, and Aleksey Wirth for their help with the Big Night detour barricades and signs; and to Site Coordinators Cathleen Calmer, Donna Crane, Cheri Domina, Kate Ingram, Liza & Stephen Lowe, Kathy Schillemat, Sarah Thomas, Sarah Wilson, and Jenny & Beckley Wooster for being such a welcoming presence on the roads (and sometimes the only presence on the road…) We simply couldn’t do it without you.

Salamander Season on the Wane…

A sign of successful migration: an abundance of spotted salamander eggs, found in a vernal pool in Harrisville. You can see more photos from the 2023 salamander season in this Flickr album.
(photo © Russ Cobb)

April 30 brought 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 trickle of movement at most sites, with the majority of spotted salamanders making their way back to the woods, a sign that salamander season is coming to a close.

Still, 37 volunteers provided safe passage for 430 amphibians — and recorded 71 road-kills — at 11 sites in the Monadnock Region on Saturday, bringing our season total to 6,365 crossed critters. Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Francestown

Route 47. A dedicated duo spent two hours on patrol at Bennington Road (Route 47), where they crossed 21 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 10 wood frogs (+1 dead), 76 spring peepers (+24 dead), 1 pickerel frog (+1 dead), and 1 American toad, and recorded 1 dead eft, for a total of 110 live amphibians (+28 dead).

Hillsborough

Concord End and Flint Roads. In a little more than an hour of searching, one steadfast Brigadier crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 2 wood frogs, 7 spring peepers, 1 green frog (+1 dead), and 2 American toads, 14 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all.

Keene

It takes a village to close a road for amphibians! Big thanks to the Keene Department of Public Works, Harris Center interns Taylor Jackson and Jessica Lawton, and volunteers Andrew Chase (pictured), Alan and Gretchen Bettler, Clarissa Murch, Bill Stroup, and Aleksey Wirth for their help with the Big Night detour signs and barricades this spring. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Jordan Road. Jordan Road was closed to through-traffic again on Sunday night, with two dedicated Brigadiers on hand from 8 to 10:15 p.m. to ensure safe passage for the critters that had to dodge local traffic. Together, they crossed 2 spotted salamanders and 11 spring peepers, and found 1 road-killed red eft, for a total of 13 live amphibians (+1 dead).

North Lincoln Street. Big Night detours were also in place at North Lincoln Street on Sunday, where a hearty crew of dedicated critter crossers — 15 Brigadiers strong! — was on patrol from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Collectively, they counted 3 spotted salamanders, 10 wood frogs, and 93 spring peepers, and recorded 1 dead red eft, for a total of 106 live amphibians (+1 dead). All of the wood frogs, half of the peepers, and two of the spotties were leaving the wetland for the quiet of the woods, their courtship concluded for the year.

Nelson

Nelson Road. A trio of persevering peeper protectors provided safe passage for 1 red eft (+1 dead) and 63 spring peepers, for a total of 64 live amphibians (+1 dead) in an hour and a half.

New Ipswich

All hail the noble toad. (photo © Mary Kate Sheridan)

Thayer Road. In 40 minutes of searching, a terrific twosome found just 1 American toad and 1 unidentifiable roadkill. Ever the optimists, they said, “Even when it’s a very small night, it is still such fun to gallivant in the nighttime rain!”

Peterborough

Summer Street. The ever-dedicated critter crossers of Summer Street — 6 Brigadiers strong — spent an impressive three hours on patrol, and were rewarded for their efforts with 26 spotted salamanders, 2 red efts (+1 dead), 7 wood frogs, 34 spring peepers (+6 dead), 2 green frogs, and 5 American toads, for a total of 76 live amphibians (+7 dead). Nearly all of the spotties were heading home to the woods, their eggs snuggled safely in the vernal pools along the rail trail.

Swanzey

Matthews Road. A longtime friend to frogs spent an hour on patrol at Matthews Road, where he crossed 5 spring peepers (+16 dead).  This site is not family-friendly, but it could use more help on future migration nights.

Swanzey Lake Road. A solo Brigadier spent more than an hour on patrol in near-perfect conditions at Swanzey Lake Road, but only found 5 spring peepers (+4 dead).

Sullivan

Pickerel frogs generally prefer warmer weather, but a few brave souls ventured out in 45-degree temperatures on Sunday night.
(photo © Sam Moore)

Valley Road. A solo peeper protector spent a half-hour on patrol, where he crossed 1 wood frog, 6 spring peepers (+2 dead), and 1 American toad, for a total of 8 live frogs (+2 dead).

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. A terrific trio spent two and a half hours at Carnival Hall, providing safe passage for 4 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 5 red-backed salamanders, 12 spring peepers (+6 dead), 1 pickerel frog, 1 green frog, and 5 American toads (+1 dead), 28 live amphibians (+10 dead) in all.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 30? 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 Peppering of Peepers

Ever intrepid, peepers were undetered by Saturday’s chilly temperatures. (photo © Katie Barnes)

April 29 turned out to be much smaller than anticipated. Peepers were out and about, but most other species made themselves scarce in the hours just after sunset. It’s possible that amphibian activity picked up after heavier rain moved in around 11 p.m., or that temperatures in the low- to mid-40s don’t feel as warm to our ectothermic friends at the end of April as they did earlier in the season. Even so, 38 volunteers provided safe passage for 437 amphibians — and recorded 80 road-kills — at 8 sites in the Monadnock Region on Saturday, bringing our season total to 5,935 crossed critters. Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Henniker

River Road. A frog-loving family spent an hour and a half at River Road, where they crossed 1 red-backed salamander and 4 spring peepers, and recorded 1 dead gray tree frog, for a total of 5 live amphibians (+1 dead). Sadly, they also found a road-killed painted turtle hatchling.

Keene

Penny and Teddy give a thump’s up for the one brave spotted salamander who ventured forth in the early evening hours at North Lincoln Street on April 29! (photo © Karen Seaver)
Note: Because North Lincoln Street was closed to traffic on Saturday, reflective vests were optional. If you are on a road with any possibility of passing cars, reflective vests are required safety equipment.

Eastern Avenue. On his way home from another crossing site, a solo Brigadier provided safe passage for 8 spring peepers (+4 dead) and noted 1 unidentiable road-killed amphibian in 20 minutes.

Jordan Road. Jordan Road was once again closed to through-traffic on Saturday night, specifically for the protection of migrating amphibians. A dedicated duo was also on hand from 8:15 to 10:15 p.m. to ensure safe passage for the critters that had to contend with local traffic. Collectively, they crossed 1 red-backed salamander and 16 spring peepers, for a total of 17 live amphibians. The red-backed was an unusual erythristic (all red) morph.

North Lincoln Street. Big Night detours were also in place at North Lincoln Street on Saturday, where the dedicated North Lincoln crossing crew — 13 Brigadiers strong! — left no peeper uncounted. Collectively, they found 1 spotted salamander, 3 wood frogs, and 171 spring peepers (+1 dead), and recorded 2 dead red efts, for a total of 175 live amphibians (+3 dead) in two hours. All of the wood frogs and most of the peepers were leaving the wetland, their courtship and egg-laying done for another year.

Nelson

Huge thanks to Harris Center interns and KSC students Taylor Jackson (pictured) and Jess Lawton for their many nights on the road this spring! (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Nelson Road. In one hour on patrol, a dedicated peeper protector provided safe passage for 1 spotted salamander and 53 spring peepers (and recorded an unfortunate 37 road-kills), for a total of 54 live amphibians (+37 dead).

New Ipswich

Thayer Road. A dedicated duo patrolled for an hour, but only found 1 spring peeper and 1 unidentifiable roadkill before the rain let up around 9 p.m. They reported that the “peepers were still calling like crazy.”

Peterborough

Summer Street. A robust crew of 14 Brigadiers spent three hours on peeper patrol at Summer Street, where they provided safe passage for 1 spotted salamander, 1 wood frog, 107 spring peepers (+29 dead), and 1 green frog, for a total of 110 live amphibians (+29 dead).

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. A dedicated family of longtime Crossing Brigadiers spent an hour on patrol, where they crossed 67 spring peepers (+6 dead), and recorded 2 dead newts. The peepers were still roaring from the pond, with some toad and gray tree frog trills mixed in for good measure.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 29? 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 Night

It might have been a Small Night, but salamander wonder was still in full force on Sunday. You can see more photos in our Flickr album from this year’s Crossing Brigades. (photo © Kara Reynolds)

April 23 turned out to be a smaller night than we would have expected, given the steady light rain. Our guess is that there was a lull following Saturday’s late-night deluge — that is, that all the amphibians who were ready to migrate went in the wee hours Saturday into Sunday (when no Crossing Brigadiers were awake to count them!), and that any amphibians who didn’t migrate on Saturday weren’t quite ready to go on Sunday, either.

Even so, 70 volunteers provided safe passage for 684 amphibians — and recorded 103 road-kills — at 11 sites in the greater Monadnock Region on April 23. Three people also went out to 2 additional sites for a brief while on April 22. All together, their efforts have now brought our season total to 5,495 crossed critters! Wood frogs and Jefferson complex salamanders were found heading back to the woods, their courtship and egg-laying done for another year. For the most part, spotted salamanders were still heading toward their breeding wetlands. However, spotted salamander eggs have started to appear in vernal pools throughout the region, a sign that salamander season is on the wane…

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Concord

Fisk Road. A fantastic foursome spent an hour and a half on patrol, crossing 6 spring peepers (+4 dead). Alas, they said, there was “no salamander serendipity this evening.”

Francestown

Check out the blue spots on this Jefferson complex salamander found at River Road! (photo © Kara Reynolds)

Route 47. A dynamic duo spent an hour on patrol at Bennington Road (Route 47), where they crossed 1 red eft (+1 dead) and 65 spring peepers (+24 dead), and sadly found 2 dead spotted salamanders, for a total of 66 live amphibians (+27 dead).

Henniker

River Road. The Henniker crossing crew — 13 Brigadiers strong! — spent an hour and a half at River Road, where they crossed 4 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 5 Jefferson complex salamanders, 8 red-backed salamanders, 5 wood frogs, and 8 spring peepers, and recorded 1 dead red eft and 1 unidentifiable roadkill, for a total of 30 live amphibians (+4 dead). They also found 4 big spiders, 1 caterpillar, 1 slug, and many worms.

Hillsborough

Concord End and Flint Roads. In an hour of searching, a stalwart solo Brigadier crossed 1 spotted salamander and found 1 dead red-backed salamander. These counts are from April 22, but we’ll include them here because April 22-23 was essentially a single rain event. That said, two Brigadiers patrolled this same site for an hour on April 23, but didn’t find a single amphibian!

Keene

Lily Luscombe, age 3, held her very first spotted salamander at North Lincoln Street in Keene on Sunday night. She reported that it felt “smooth like a smoothie, like a drinkable smoothie.” (photo © Katy Luscombe)

Jordan Road. Jordan Road was once again closed to through-traffic on Sunday night, specifically for the protection of migrating amphibians. An experienced crew of 9 Brigadiers was also on hand from 7:45 to 10:15 p.m. to ensure safe passage for the amphibians that had to contend with local traffic. Collectively, they crossed 1 spotted salamander, 1 red-backed salamander, and 25 spring peepers (+2 dead) and noted 1 unidentifiable road-kill, for a total of 27 live amphibians (+3 dead). They were periodically serenaded by a Barred Owl calling from the nearby woods.

North Lincoln Street. Big Night detours were also in place at North Lincoln Street on Monday, where the dedicated critter crossers of North Lincoln — an impressive 28 Brigadiers strong! — were on patrol from 7:45 to 11 p.m. Collectively, they counted 3 spotted salamanders, 5 red efts (+3 dead), 3 wood frogs, 316 spring peepers (+4 dead), and 1 pickerel frog, for a total of 328 live amphibians (+7 dead).

Mason

Abbott Hill Road. A terrific twosome spent two hours on patrol at Abbott Hill Road, where they crossed 8 spring peepers. They reported that there was still plenty o’ peeping coming from the wetland.

Nelson

This photo’s a late arrival from the April 17 migration at Summer Street in Peterbough, but it was clearly too adorable not to share. We’re told the peeper’s name was “Cuddle.” (photo © Sarah Thomas)

Granite Lake Road. A solo peeper protector spent an hour and a half at Granite Lake Road, where she provided safe passage for 1 spotted salamander, 2 red efts, 52 spring peepers (+1 dead), and 1 green frog, for a total of 56 live amphibians (+1 dead). Sadly, she also discovered 1 road-killed painted turtle hatchling.

Nelson Road. Five frog fans spent two and a half hours on Nelson Road, where they crossed 1 spotted salamander, 2 red efts (+1 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 1 red-backed salamander, and 85 spring peepers (+16 dead), 90 live amphibians (+17 dead) in all.

Swanzey

Matthews Road. A stalwart solo salamander steward patrolled Matthews Road for more than two hours, where he crossed 1 spotted salamander (+1 dead) and 21 spring peepers (+31 dead) in heavy traffic, and found 1 dead pickerel frog, for a total of 22 live amphibians (+33 dead). Although this site is not family-friendly due to high traffic volume and fast-moving cars, it could certainly use more help on future migration nights!

Swanzey Lake Road. A dedicated duo spent 45 minutes on patrol at Swanzey Lake Road, where they crossed 28 spring peepers (+ 5 dead).

Westmoreland

“Thanks for the lift, y’all!” (photo © Brandon Peddle)

River Road. A dynamic duo crossed 22 spotted salamanders (+1 dead) and 6 wood frogs (+1 dead), for a total of 28 live amphibians (+2 dead) in just 20 minutes on the road. These counts are from April 22, but we’ll include them here because April 22-23 was essentially a single rain event.

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. A trio of peeper protectors spent two and a half hours at Carnival Hall, providing safe passage for 2 spotted salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander, 18 spring peepers (+2 dead), and 2 American toads, 23 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 22 or 23? 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…

This is the smile of someone who has just seen their very first spotted salamander. You can see more photos in our Flickr album from this year’s Crossing Brigades. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

The week leading up to Monday was dry, but warm — so warm, in fact, that we received several reports of wood frogs migrating to breeding wetlands across bone-dry leaf litter! While wood frogs can tolerate dry conditions, salamanders are more reliant on wet weather. So, when rain finally moved through the Monadnock Region in the early evening on April 17, salamanders were raring to go. . . . and so were the Salamander Crossing Brigades!

Collectively, more than 100 Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers provided safe passage for 2,275 amphibians of 13 different species — and recorded 482 road-kills — at 30 sites in the greater Monadnock Region on April 17, bringing our season total to a respectable 4,782 crossed critters. Many of the wood frogs encountered on Monday were leaving their breeding wetlands, their courtship and egg-laying done for the year, a sign that we’re now past the midway point for the season.

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Concord

This wee spottie was found hanging with the big kids on April 17. (photo © Karen Seaver)

Fisk Road. A terrific trio spent two hours on patrol in a light mist, crossing 1 spotted salamander, 1 red eft, 1 red-backed salamander, 1 wood frog (+1 dead), and 2 spring peepers, 6 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all.

Shaker Road. A family of Brigadiers investigated this new-to-us site, crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 17 red-backed salamanders, 8 spring peepers (+7 dead), and 1 American toad, and noting 1 dead newt and 1 dead wood frog, for a total of 28 live amphibians (+9 dead) in an hour and a half of searching.

Dublin

Upper Jaffrey Road. A dynamic duo spent two and a half hours searching for amphibians on Upper Jaffrey Road, with special focus near the Learned Road wetland. Together, they crossed 7 spotted salamanders (+4 dead), 18 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 28 wood frogs, 39 spring peepers (+5 dead), and recorded 1 dead newt and 3 unidentified dead, for a total of  92 live amphibians (+15 dead). Almost all of the wood frogs and peepers were leaving the wetland, their egg-laying done for another year. The salamanders, however, were just getting started.

Hancock

Antrim Road. A fantastic family of four spent 45 minutes on patrol at Antrim Road, where they crossed 4 red efts (+1 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, and 14 spring peepers (+1 dead), 20 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all.

Link Road. A terrific twosome took two different shifts on Link Road — one from 8:45 to 9:30 p.m. and a late-night run from 11:30 p.m. to midnight. Together, they provided safe passage for 1 red eft (+1 dead), 13 four-toed salamanders (!), 1 two-lined salamander, 51 red-backed salamanders (!!) (+3 dead), 39 spring peepers (+13 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 1 gray tree frog, and recorded 1 dead spotted salamander and 1 unknown roadkill, for a total of 107 live amphibians (+19 dead).

“I don’t care what the salamanders say. This is no time for smiling!” (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Middle Road. Three dedicated Brigadiers spent two hours on Middle Road, where they crossed 8 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 8 Eastern newts (+2 dead), 1 two-lined salamander (+1 dead), 24 red-backed salamanders, 9 wood frogs (+2 dead), 43 spring peepers (+8 dead), 2 green frogs, 1 bullfrog, and 3 American toads, 96 live amphibians (+16 dead) in all. Though it sprinkled earlier in the evening, the stars were twinkling at this site by 10:30 p.m.

Route 137. A fantastic family of four spent two hours on patrol at Route 137, where they provided safe passage for 7 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 1 red eft (+2 dead), 15 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 18 wood frogs (+2 dead), 90 spring peepers (+83 dead), 5 pickerel frogs (+1 dead), 2 green frogs, and 6 bullfrogs, and noted 5 unidentified dead, for a total of 144 live amphibians (+97 dead). This site could use more help on future migration nights, to help improve that live:dead ratio!

Harrisville

The River Road crew, ready for action! (photo © Gabe Roxby)

Nelson Road. On her way home from another crossing site, a solo Brigadier stopped to cross 3 spotted salamanders (+ noted 3 road-kills) and 1 spring peeper, and recorded 1 dead toad, for a total of 4 live amphibians in the span of five minutes on Nelson Road, near Child’s Bog. These counts only represent what she saw on the road when she specifically stopped to cross live spotties; there were many more peepers and dead frogs on the road that went uncounted.

Henniker

River Road. The Henniker crossing crew — 9 Brigadiers strong! — spent an hour and a half at River Road, where they crossed 4 spotted salamanders, 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 2 red efts, 4 wood frogs (+1 dead), 6 spring peepers (+2 dead), 1 green frog, and 1 American toad (+1 dead), and recorded 3 unknown roadkills, for a total of 19 live amphibians (+7 dead).

Hillsborough

Shout out to the Tamworth crew! They’re too far afield for us to include in our counts, but we appreciate their efforts. We’re sure the salamanders do, too. (photo © Lisa Schroeder)

Concord End and Flint Roads. A dynamic duo spent an hour and a half on patrol along Concord End and Flint Roads, crossing 5 spotted salamanders, 5 red efts (+1 dead), 5 two-lined salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 9 wood frogs (+2 dead), 24 spring peepers, and 1 green frog, for a total of 51 live amphibians (+3 dead).

Keene

Arch Street. Two frog fans spent two hours at Arch Street, where they crossed 1 spotted salamander (+2 dead), 2 spring peepers, 11 gray tree frogs (+3 dead), 4 bullfrogs (+2 dead), and 7 American toads (+3 dead), 25 live amphibians (+10 dead) in all.

Eastern Avenue. A dedicated solo Brigadier spent two and a half hours on busy Eastern Avenue, where she provided safe passage for 56 wood frogs (and recorded a dismaying 37 dead), 6 spring peepers (+3 dead), 1 gray tree frog (+1 dead), and 4 green frogs, 67 live frogs (+41 dead) in all. Although this site is not family-friendly due to high traffic volume and fast-moving cars, it could certainly use more help on future migration nights!

Jordan Road. Jordan Road was once again closed to through-traffic on Monday night, specifically for the protection of migrating amphibians. A hearty crew of 8 Brigadiers was also on hand from 7:45 to 10:30 p.m. to ensure safe passage for the salamanders that had to contend with local traffic. Collectively, they crossed 44 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, 1 wood frog, 57 spring peepers (+8 dead), 2 gray tree frogs, 1 green frog, and 2 American toads and recorded 1 dead newt, for a total of 108 live amphibians (+8 dead).

A side benefit of closing the road for amphibians is that Crossing Brigadiers can safely engage in toad’s-eye-view photo shoots.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

North Lincoln Street. Big Night detours were also in place at the North Lincoln Street crossing site on Monday. Thanks to a strong showing by the KSC EcoReps, 25 volunteers came out to count the critters who crossed behind the safety of the barricades. Collectively, they recorded 8 spotted salamanders, 13 red efts (+5 dead), 4 red-backed salamanders, 70 wood frogs, 361 spring peepers (+2 dead), 6 gray tree frogs, 1 green frog, 1 bullfrog, and 4 American toads, and noted 2 unidentifiable dead, for a total of 468 live amphibians (+9 dead). All of the wood frogs were heading away from the wetland, their courtship done for the year. All of the spotted salamanders were heading toward the wetland, their courtship still to come. The peepers were moving in both directions.

Mason

Abbott Hill Road. The Mason crossing crew investigated a new-to-us site at Abbott Hill Road, where they crossed 1 wood frog and 1 pickerel frog (+1 dead), for a total of 2 live frogs (+1 dead) in 45 minutes. They heard lots of peepers and wood frogs chorusing nearby, so maybe this site was more active earlier in the season.

Nelson

Salamanders make people smile. (photo © Jenna Rich)

Granite Lake and Murdough Hill Roads. A solo salamander savior spent an hour and a half on patrol at Granite Lake and Murdough Hill Roads, where she provided safe passage for 6 spotted salamanders, 4 red efts (+5 dead), 6 wood frogs (+2 dead), 22 spring peepers (+3 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 3 green frogs, and 1 American toad, for a total of 45 live amphibians (+10 dead).

Nelson Road. An enthusiastic crew of 10 Brigadiers strong spent more than two hours on patrol at Nelson Road, which was especially wonderful because traffic was heavier due to the Monday night contradance in Nelson Village. Collectively, they provided safe passage for 12 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 8 red efts (+20 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 5 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 8 wood frogs, 201 spring peepers (+55 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 1 green frog, and recorded 1 road-killed spring salamander (!) — 237 live amphibians (+78 dead) in all.

New Boston

Kennedy and Ridgeview Lanes. A fantastic father-son team spent two hours on patrol, rescuing 4 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 2 red efts, 12 red-backed salamanders, 6 spring peepers, 1 pickerel frog, and 1 green frog, for a total of 26 live amphibians (+1 dead).

New Ipswich

Some kinds of data are more adorable than others.
(photo © Karen Seaver)

Thayer Road. A terrific twosome spent just under an hour looking for amphibians in the fog on Thayer Road. Together, they crossed 1 wood frog, 4 spring peepers, 1 green frog, and 2 American toads, and noted 2 unidentified dead, 8 live frogs (+2 dead) in all.

Newport

Oak Street. A dedicated duo of longtime Brigadiers spent just over an hour on Oak Street, where they provided safe passage for 14 spotted salamanders (+4 dead) and 11 spring peepers (+14 dead), and noted 1 dead salamander of unknown species, for a total of 25 live amphibians (+18 dead). They were also treated to a Barred Owl duet. They said, “It was a magical night. We were reminiscing about when we started crossing salamanders and how much joy it has brought to us each spring since!”

Peterborough

Sand Hill Road. A solo friend of the frogs crossed 14 wood frogs (+5 dead) and 1 spring peeper (+1 dead), and noted 12 unidentifiable road-killed amphibians, for a total of 15 live amphibians (+6 dead) in 40 minutes of searching at Sand Hill Road.

Summer Street. The dedicated Summer Street crew — 8 Brigadiers strong! — spent an impressive three and a half hours on patrol, crossing 17 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 3 red-backed salamanders, 12 wood frogs (+1 dead), 119 spring peepers (+22 dead), 2 pickerel frogs, 5 green frogs, and 1 American toad, 160 live amphibians (+24 dead) in all. Sadly, they also found two road-killed hatchling turtles.

Spofford

Gray tree frogs make people smile, too.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Cady Lane. A dedicated duo spent almost two hours on patrol at Cady Lane, where they crossed 38 spotted salamanders, 18 red efts (+2 dead), 4 wood frogs (+2 dead), 102 spring peepers (+12 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 4 American toads, for an impressive total of 167 live amphibians (+16 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 just over an hour, a dynamic duo crossed 35 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 21 wood frogs (+11 dead), 6 spring peepers, and 3 American toads, 65 live amphibians (+13 dead) in all.

Sullivan

Valley Road. In half an hour, a solo salamander saver provided safe passage for 3 spotted salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander, 1 red-backed salamander, 9 wood frogs (+2 dead), and 13 spring peepers (+3 dead), 27 live amphibians (+5 dead) in all. The wood frogs were evenly split in their direction of travel.

Swanzey

The cutest, tiniest, sweetest gray tree frog in the whole entire world, as seen at North Lincoln Street in Keene on April 17.
(photo © Taylor Jackson)

Swanzey Lake Road. Three salamander savers separately patrolled two different sections of Swanzey Lake Road on Monday. Collectively, they crossed 9 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 1 red eft (+1 dead), 2 four-toed salamanders, 1 two-lined salamander, 4 red-backed salamanders, 2 wood frogs (+1 dead), 57 spring peepers (+24 dead), 1 gray tree frog, and 1 green frog, for a total of 78 live amphibians (+28 dead).

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. In two hours, two intrepid longtime Crossing Brigadiers provided safe passage for 37 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 11 red efts (+7 dead), 3 red-backed salamanders, 88 spring peepers (+22 dead), 9 pickerel frogs (+3 dead), and 9 American toads, for a total of 157 live amphibians (+34 dead). They reported that the amphibians were “welcomed” by otters upon their arrival in the pond (!)

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. The Wilton crossing crew — 11 Brigadiers strong! — spent nearly two hours at Carnival Hall, providing safe passage for 3 spotted salamanders, 2 two-lined salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 15 spring peepers (+3 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, and 3 green frogs, 28 live amphibians (+3 dead) in all. In their four years of crossing critters at this site, this is the first time they’ve seen two-lined salamanders!

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 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!

A Surprise Migration!

Our Crossing Brigadiers provided safe passage for 148 spotted salamanders — including this one — during the surprise rain on April 6, 2023. You can see more photos in our Flickr album from this year’s Crossing Brigades. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

There was only the slightest chance of rain in the forecast for the night of April 6…until an hour or so before sunset, when the radar showed that showers were suddenly on the way. With temperatures in the 50s, amphibians were sure to be afoot.

Despite having nearly no notice, 70 Crossing Brigadiers took to the streets, providing safe passage for 1,696 individual amphibians — and recording 338 road-kills — at 13 crossing sites throughout southwest New Hampshire, bringing our season total to 2,506 crossed critters. Thursday’s live critter count included 1,193 spring peepers, 256 wood frogs, 148 spotted salamanders, 33 red efts, 29 four-toed salamanders, 11 Jefferson complex salamanders, and the season’s first pickerel frogs, green frogs, bullfrogs and American toads — particularly impressive numbers, given that the rain was relatively short-lived and amphibian activity slowed as roads began to dry after 9 p.m.

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Concord

Three cheers for the KSC crossing crew! (photo © Karen Seaver)

Fisk Road. A fantastic fivesome spent an hour and a half at Fisk Road, where they provided safe passage for 13 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 4 wood frogs (+3 dead), 10 spring peepers (+3 dead), and 2 green frogs, 29 live amphibians (+7 dead) in all. Even more exciting: this crew is keeping their own salamander spot pattern records, and one of Thursday’s salamanders was a repeat customer from 2020!

Keene

Jordan Road. Five hearty Brigadiers spent just under three hours on patrol at Jordan Road, where they crossed 12 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 3 Jefferson complex salamanders, 7 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 23 spring peepers (+5 dead), 47 live amphibians (+7 dead) in all. They were serenaded by wood frogs chorusing distantly in the Robin Hood Park vernal pools, and by Barred Owls calling to one another in the nearby woods.

The family that crosses salamanders together, stays together. (photo © Karen Seaver)

North Lincoln Street. Thursday’s rain arrived with too little warning to put Big Night detours in place, so it’s especially wonderful that 20 dedicated volunteers showed up to escort our beloved amphibians to safety at North Lincoln Street. From 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. (plus one pre-dawn shift from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m.), the North Lincoln Street crew crossed 8 spotted salamanders, 17 red efts (+8 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 45 wood frogs (+8 dead), a stunning 675 spring peepers (+126 dead), 8 pickerel frogs, and 1 green frog, and recorded 9 unidentifiable dead amphibians, for a total of 756 live amphibians (+151 roadkills). Their soundtrack: the “deafening” roar of wood frogs and spring peepers in the nearby wetland — a sign of many successful crossings in the nights leading up to Thursday!

Hancock

Antrim Road. A sweet father-son team spent a half-hour on patrol on Antrim Road, where they crossed 1 wood frog and 1 spring peeper, for a total of 2 frogs. Hancock is still thawing out, so this site will surely see more amphibian action in the weeks to come!

Nelson

Nelson Road. A solo peeper protector crossed 2 spring peepers in a half-hour of searching along Nelson Road — the first stirrings of spring at a site that is just starting to thaw. (A second patrol at Granite Lake Road in Nelson yielded no amphibians, but it certainly won’t be long now…)

New Ipswich

In September, when juvenile spotted salamanders leave their vernal pools, they’re so new they don’t yet have spots. Last fall, the Walsh family found some of these young salamanders emerging from the wetland near their house, in the same place where they help provide safe passage for adult salamanders in the spring.  A full circle moment! (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Thayer Road. A terrific twosome spent nearly two hours tending to the first migration of the season at Thayer Road, crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 19 wood frogs (+5 dead), and 11 spring peepers (+1 dead), 32 live amphibians (+6 dead) in all. Barred Owls were calling the entire time. They also said, “We have been so excited to share that in the fall we witnessed tiny spotted salamanders that didn’t even have their spots yet emerge from the wetlands behind our house [where the spotted salamanders we crossed last spring were headed]! So exciting to see it all come full circle.”

Peterborough

Summer Street. Six dedicated Brigadiers patrolled Summer Street from sunset to 10:30 p.m., crossing 6 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 58 wood frogs (+6 dead), and 103 spring peepers (+40 dead), and recording 1 dead red eft, for a total of 167 live amphibians (+48 dead). They noted that the “peepers were brave souls to cross over snow banks a foot and a half tall!” Indeed.

Rindge

Salamanders make people smile.
(photo © Sarah Thomas)

Old New Ipswich Road. The Rindge Rangers spent an hour on patrol at Old New Ipswich Road, where they crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 3 red efts, 1 red-backed salamander, 17 wood frogs (+12 dead), 26 spring peepers (+2o dead), and 2 unknown amphibians, for a total of 51 live amphibians (+32 dead).

Sullivan

Valley Road. A solo salamander saver spent just under an hour at Valley Road, where he crossed 1 red-backed salamander, 24 wood frogs (+6 dead), and 1 spring peeper (+1 dead), 26 live amphibians (+7 dead) in all.

Swanzey

Swanzey Lake Road. In just under an hour, a dynamic duo crossed 12 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 3 four-toed salamanders, 1 wood frog (+1 dead), 24 spring peepers (+5 dead), and 1 American toad, and recorded 1 dead red eft, 41 live amphibians (+10 dead) in all.

Westmoreland

A peeper hitches a ride to the party.
(photo © Taylor Jackson)

Glebe Road. In just under three hours on patrol, the Glebe Road crew — 15 Brigadiers strong! — provided safe passage for 68 spotted salamanders, 13 red efts (+17 dead), 270 spring peepers (+23 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 1 American toad, for a total of 352 live amphibians (+41 dead).

River Road. A hearty crew of five spent just over two hours at River Road, where they crossed 16 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 8 Jefferson complex salamanders, 2 red efts (+1 dead), 76 wood frogs (+10 dead), and 10 spring peepers, 112 live amphibians (+12 dead) in all.

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. In just over an hour, a terrific trio crossed 9 spotted salamanders (+7 dead), 26 four-toed salamanders (+4 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 4 wood frogs, 37 spring peepers (+5 dead), and 3 American toads (+1 dead), for a total of 81 live amphibians (+17 dead). They reported that the nearby vernal pools were quite noisy, with spring peepers and wood frogs in full chorus.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 6? 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 Amphibians of April

Spotted salamanders made their first appearance of the year on April 1. No foolin’! (photo © Beckley Wooster)

A wild thunderstorm swept through the Monadnock Region shortly after sunset on April 1, delaying Salamander Brigade activity — safety first! — as well as the implementation of the Big Night detours in Keene. Once the threat of lightning had passed, Crossing Brigade volunteers sprang into action to help critters cross roads still wet from the storm, but within an hour or so, the ground began to dry and amphibian activity slowed.

Even so, our Salamander Crossing Brigades moved 689 amphibians to safety at 7 sites in the greater 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:

Hancock

Middle Road. A dynamic duo crossed 6 wood frogs in just ten minutes on Middle Road, mostly in areas where spring sunlight had managed to melt patches of roadside snow. Much of Hancock is still too snowy for amphibians, but it won’t be long before the thaw…

Keene

Salamander smiles on North Lincoln Street. You can see more photos in our Flickr album from this year’s Crossing Brigades. (photo © Taylor Jackson)

Jordan Road. The Harris Center worked with the City of Keene 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. Over the course of two hours, in much lighter local traffic, the Jordan Road crossing crew — 9 Brigadiers strong — counted and crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 4 Jefferson complex salamanders (+2 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 6 wood frogs (+2 dead), and 35 spring peepers (+2 dead), for a total of 48 live amphibians (+7 dead).

North Lincoln Street. The Harris Center also worked with the City to close the North Lincoln Street crossing site to vehicles, where 15 enthusiastic volunteers counted 2 spotted salamanders (+ 1 roadkill), 12 red efts (+5 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 32 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 469 spring peepers (+27 dead), for a total of 516 live amphibians (+34 dead) in just two hours. The annual North Lincoln Street peeper party has officially begun!

Swanzey

Swanzey Lake Road. In just under an hour, one salamander saver provided safe passage for 3 spotted salamanders, 2 four-toed salamanders, 1 wood frog (+1 dead), and 5 spring peepers (+2 dead), 11 live amphibians (+3 dead) in all.

Westmoreland

Three cheers for the peeper protectors, who moved 586 spring peepers to safety — including this one — on the evening of April 1! (photo © Beckley Wooster)

Glebe Road. A dedicated peeper protector spent one hour at Glebe Road, where he crossed 1 spotted salamander, 4 red efts (+11 dead), and 56 spring peepers (+21 dead), for a total of 61 live amphibians (+32 dead). This site can see hundreds of spotties on a true Big Night, so this is just the beginning for the amphibians of Glebe Road.

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. A terrific trio spent two and a half hours on patrol near Carnival Hill, where they crossed 7 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 1 red eft, 1 red-backed salamander, 2 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 13 spring peepers (+4 dead), 24 live amphibians (+7 dead) in all.

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. In just over an hour at Forest Lake Road, a solo salamander superhero provided safe passage for 3 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 9 four-toed salamanders (+4 dead), 3 wood frogs (+3 dead), and 8 spring peepers (+8 dead), and noted 1 dead eft, for a total of 23 live amphibians (+18 dead).

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 1? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!

It Begins…

Much of the Monadnock Region is still blanketed by snow, but light rain and 42° temperatures ushered in the first amphibian migration of the season in Keene on March 27. This was just a trickle. The flood is still to come!

Keene

The first Jefferson salamander of the season at Jordan Road in Keene! (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Jordan Road. In two hours on patrol, a solo Brigadier shepherded 3 Jefferson complex salamanders and 1 chilly wood frog to safety, for a total of 4 amphibians.

North Lincoln Street. A small, but hearty crew — seven Brigadiers strong — spent two and a half hours at North Lincoln Street, where they crossed 19 wood frogs and 91 spring peepers (+ 12 dead), 110 live frogs in all.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from March 27? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive counts and photos, so send ’em on in!