First Wood Frog Chorus heard, March 24th

The first chorus of wood frogs was heard at Aton Forest, Norfolk, CT, today (3/24) around 3:30 pm. Also, one peeper was heard at a beaver pond today. In past years the first wood frog calls were heard on 3/31/2009, 4/9/2008, and 4/18/2007. Yellow-spotted salamanders began moving during the rains Monday night (3/22). I counted 11 (and 1 dead peeper) along a 2-mile stretch of road through AF during a half-hour period. No other salamanders or frogs were seen. Norfolk, CT is the coldest place in CT and usually the last to hear wood frogs. We still have ice on some ponds and vernal pools and patches of snow in shady spots.

First of the year Phoebe, March 19th

AF President Mike Aurelia spied the first Phoebe for 2010 at AF Hq on Friday, March 19^th. Also this past Saturday, March 20, my grandson Ryan and I watched and listened to four male Woodcocks, all displaying within a 100-yard radius in my backyard at AF. A few times one would chase competitor away from his claimed territory, once a pair zipped past us within a few feet of our heads. John Anderson, Executive Director

First of the year Woodcock heard singing at AF, March 14th