Wild Animal Wednesday! Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey Results Are In!

January 8th-9th volunteers from all over Connecticut participated in the 2010 Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey.  The temperature that weekend was absolutely frigid, so a big thanks to all of the volunteers!  85 sites were surveyed across the state documenting the presence of wintering bald eagles in our state.  The results have been talleyed and 108 bald eagles were counted!  67 adults and 41 immatures were observed.  According to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection "The Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey is not a complete census of the entire wintering population in the state, but an index of the species' use of the state, which can be compared year to year."  To learn more about Connecticut's wildlife visit http://www.ct.gov/dep

Wild Animal Wednesday! Difference Between Frogs & Toads

Have you ever wondered what differentiates frogs from toads?  There are many similarities between frogs and toads as well as many differences.  Toads are actually in the same order as frogs, but they are in different families and are not considered true frogs. 

• Frogs have smooth, wet skin that makes them look slimy.  Toads have rough, dry bumpy skin. 
• Frogs get around by hopping or jumping.  Toads typically walk to get where they are going.
• Frogs need to live near water, toads do not (except to lay their eggs). 
• Frogs have lean bodies with long back legs for jumping, toads are short and stout. 
• When resting frogs heads are usually held high, while toads are usually close to the ground. 
• Frogs have webbed hind feet for swimming, toads do not because they live on land. 
• Frogs lay their eggs in clusters in the water, toads lay there eggs in strands or lines on plants that live in the water. 
• Frogs are part of the Ranidae family and toads are part of the Bufonidae family.

Now, can you tell the difference?  Which of these is a frog and which is a toad? 

Resources include  frog-life-cycle.com & wereyouwondering.com

Wild Animal Wednesday! The American Toad

This rainy weather reminds me again of our local amphibians.  A few weeks ago I discussed the Spring Peeper, but another common amphibian that can be seen in Fairfield County is the American Toad.  The American Toad (Bufo americanus) is not as adorable as the Peeper, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?  These toads help regulate the slug population, which I think is pretty cute!  They can be identified by the two kidney shaped bumps behind their head which are their parotid glands.  These glands are actually toxin filled which makes them unpalatable to many predators.  I've picked up many American Toads, so they can't hurt you, but I would advise you not to lick one (never tried it, but it dosen't sound like a good idea)!  These guys actually have one of the prettiest calls out of all of the amphibians around here.  Click on the video below to listen. 

Wild Animal Wednesday! Let's Talk Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are an essential part of Connecticut's ecosystem. They provide habitat critical to the survival of certain wildlife species like toads, frogs, salamanders, and turtles who use them for mating and breeding. 

According to CT.gov - "In 1995 the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation that gives municipal inland wetlands agencies explicit regulatory authority over vernal and other intermittent watercourses as part of Connecticut’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Law. Further efforts to protect vernal pools will depend upon improving public awareness of these unique, fragile ecosystems."  (vernal pool photograph courtesy of ctaudubon.org)

Vernal Pools are small bodies of standing fresh water that can typically only be found in the Springtime.  The pools form due to snow melt, precipitation, and high water tables in the Spring months.  Because the pools are temporary they don't support populations of fish, which is actually crucial for the other species to thrive there.  Vernal pools are also characterized by a lack of a permanent outlet stream, and they dry out by late Summer. 

Vernal pools are a great place to see wildlife (but don't disturb them!).  Amphibians flourish here because there are less predators than there are in permanent water bodies.  Some of the species that can be found in the pools in Connecticut are Spotted Salamanders, Jefferson’s Salamaders, Marbled Salamanders, Wood Frogs, Eastern Spadefoot Toads, and Fairy Shrimp.  To read more about the different species, or to learn how you can protect our Connecticut Vernal Pools visit CT.gov. 

If you hear frog calls all night long during the Springtime, or if you see frogs, toads and salamanders crossing the road near your house in the Spring, chances are you have a Vernal Pool in your neighborhood.  Enjoy the wildlife and be lucky that you live in CT!!