Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings

A Project of the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell University

Spotted salamander during migration. Photo by L. Heady

Unseasonably Warm Weather

Once again, record-breaking warm temperatures have us wondering whether the migration of forest amphibians to vernal pools will start early. When trying to predict the migration, we look for rainy nights in late winter and early spring, after the ground has thawed, with temperatures remaining above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F). 

In many parts of the Hudson River estuary watershed, the ground didn't freeze this winter. Combined with this week's weather and the possibility of rain starting this afternoon, the conditions practically spell M-I-G-R-A-T-I-O-N! Except it's only mid-February, and while we've had observations of migration starting in February in the past, they've been few and far between, and never this early.

The screen shot of the five-day forecast from Tuesday (above) shows an ideal set-up: several warm, dry, sunny days followed by rainfall continuing into the night, with temperatures above 40F after sunset. It remains to be seen what this will mean for the Hudson Valley. There could be an early wave of species like wood frog, four-toed salamander, and Jefferson-blue spotted salamander complex, but probably not a "big" night of migration.

If you're a volunteer for the Amphibian Migrations & Road Crossings (AM&RC) Project, and are prepared to go out safely this evening, we'll be very interested in learning of your observations - even if you don't find amphibians. There will certainly be variability depending on your local conditions, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to survey. And please check the reminders below!

Important News and Reminders for AM&RC Volunteers

Volunteers: here are a few considerations as you get ready for the migration season (and possibly tonight!).

• We're making improvements to our Survey123 form and won't be ready to post the link until later this month. In the meantime, please use the paper data form and be sure to complete all fields, so you can enter your data when the online form is live.
• New this year! You can download and print a vehicle sign to tape inside your car windows, to identify yourself as an AM&RC volunteer.
• There are some updates to the AM&RC Volunteer Handbook. We encourage you to read and review the handbook, so you're prepared to keep yourself safe, know the project protocols, and have a great experience this migration season!

Virtual AM&RC Training

Our online volunteer training on Tuesday, February 28, at 5:00-6:30pm will include:

• overview of how to volunteer
• data collection methods (including a demo on how to submit data on Survey123)
• tips for a safe and rewarding volunteer experience
• review of confusing species and commonly asked questions.

Click here to register for the online training. 

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The Amphibian Migrations & Road Crossings Project is part of a larger effort to partner with local communities to conserve forests, wetlands, and natural areas that sustain the health and resiliency of the entire estuary watershed.