Wandering in the Water

Continuing from the previous post, later in April, we worked on setting up additional in-stream cages. As a reminder (and for any new readers), these are mesh terrariums we set up in streams so to keep track of larval salamanders to collect growth data. Larval salamanders are notoriously tricky to recapture as there are an abundance of tiny hiding places in streams.

We scheduled two days to set up an additional site and possibly go check on the first ones (we wanted to make sure they were not broken or washed out and get some intermediate measurements). The first day went well, it was a long but successful day. There was a small chance of thunderstorms, so we tried to listen for thunder so we could get out of the stream. The rushing water sometimes sounded like distant thunder which was slightly confusing, but we didn't see any lightning so we figured we were ok (and we were =] ).

Found a couple of these in the water:

We didn't know what they were at first but I also found one that looked slightly larger and was not in the case, so we assume it was an egg of some sort.

We also came across this friendly garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). They typically will musk (release a foul odor) when disturbed, but this one didn't seem to mind being handled.

We found an adult, female Blue-ridge two-lined salamander (Eurycea wilderae), probably looking for a nesting site.

We came across several Spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) larvae. They can be almost pale purple! Quite different from their bright orange adult coloration.

Several flowers are starting to bloom including:
Painted trilliums (Trillium undulatum) were just starting to pop up.

We saw several Trout lilies (Erythronium umbilicatum). This is one of my favorite pictures.

The wake robins (Trillium erectum),  are really starting to bloom in earnest, they were all over the place.

We also found this intriguing bright yellow fungus or slime mold!

The next day thunderstorms were supposed to start around 10 in the morning and the entire area was under a flash flood watch (or warning, I don.t remember which). We decided standing in a stream under such conditions would be a poor decision and did not go out to the streams. Later that week I managed to find someone to help me and went out to check on the traps. Luckily they were all still in place, though now all of them are full of sediment.

The following week we were finally able to set the last stream site. The Rhododendron midstory has been cut at this site, and the edge of the cut was clearly visible. We also set some sites downstream in the uncut area.

This downed vegetation was very difficult to move through and we did not see much more than our target species.
We did come across some more Wake Robins:

Some of the new leaves budding out were very pretty.

We also found this adult salamander with a lot of personality! 

Clearly contemplating the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything...

Here's to hoping the cages withstand future spring/summer storms until the end of the project!