Eleven people (including two new participants - welcome, Ruthann and Daniel !) came out on a beautiful evening to observe frogs and toads at Berry Springs Preserve on May 21, 2016. Early arrivals were treated to seeing and hearing (kiss-ka-DEE !) the Great Kiskadee that's been hanging around the main ponds and pecan orchard in the park. Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Chimney Swifts, and Common Nighthawks were also seen before it got dark, and Summer Tanagers and Yellow-billed Cuckoos were heard.
Reggie led some folks to the small pond north of the improved campground, while the rest of us headed down to the main pond. Water levels were much above average due to our wonderfully wet spring and 2.07" of rain (according to the USGS gauge at Berry Creek and Airport Road) two days earlier. Those that went down to the main pond also stopped at the flooded ditch in the pecan orchard and the flooded grassy area next to the sidewalk downhill from the restrooms before joining the crew at the campground pond.
The monitoring period was 19:50 - 22:00.
Participants were Kathy, Nikki, Debbie, Charles, Ruthann, Daniel, Linda & Reggie, Larry & Levi (thanks for catching fireflies and showing us the Gulf Coast Toad, Levi !), and Sue.
Environmental Conditions at the main pond at sunset:
The water temperature in the flooded grassy area next to the sidewalk downhill from the restrooms was 80 deg F. The water temperature in the small pond north of the improved campground was 84 deg F.
Seven amphibian species were observed: Rio Grande Leopard Frog (CI = 1, I think - Sue will be posting the recording), Gulf Coast Toad (CI = 2), Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad (CI = 2), Green Treefrog (CI = 2), Gray Treefrog (CI = 1), Blanchard's Cricket Frog (CI = 3), and American Bullfrog (CI = 1; no photos or recording).
We were especially pleased to hear the Gray Treefrog again at the campground pond (it was a "lifer" for some folks) - just like the Great Kiskadee, this little guy needs a buddy.... And, thanks to Nikki's quick hands, the last to leave were able to finally SEE a Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad - very cool !!
Thanks, everyone, it was another great night with the frogs and toads at Berry Springs Preserve.
On sidewalk downhill from restrooms next to flooded grassy area. Sue Anderson obtained a recording of this species at the flooded ditch in the pecan orchard ~100 yards south of this location.
Photos/recordings from small pond and flooded grassy area north of improved campground. Other individuals seen and heard earlier in the evening at main pond and flooded grassy area next to sidewalk downhill from restrooms.
Recordings from 1) small pond and
flooded grassy area north of improved campground, 2) flooded grassy area next to sidewalk downhill from restrooms, and 3) flooded ditch in pecan orchard to the southwest.
Recording from small pond and flooded grassy area north of improved campground.
Recordings from 1) small pond and flooded grassy area north of improved campground and 2) main pond to the southwest earlier in the evening.
Photos/recordings from 1) small pond and flooded grassy area north of improved campground, and 2) flooded grassy area next to sidewalk downhill from restrooms.
Comentarios
Recording Observation.
Rio Grande Leopard Frogs, 2 to 3 individuals calling occasionally in the new 'pond' in the middle of the pecan bottom.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3285285
Photo Observation.
Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad, in hand. Seen in grassy temporary flooded area below the "Last Parking Lot".
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3285258
Recording Observation.
Green Tree Frogs - surrounded by groups in many trees near the main ponds.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3285563
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