Berry Springs Preserve Herps of Texas report, 19May2018

The weather was breezy and pleasant at Berry Springs Preserve that evening. We heard a cicada and saw several Common Nighthawks, Chimney Swifts, and swallows (probably Cliff Swallows) flying over the orchard and ponds before sunset. A Redstripe Ribbon Snake and a Blotched Water Snake were seen hunting along the shoreline after sunset.
It was the night of the Green Tree Frogs ! They were calling (max Call Intensity = 2) from the trees that were across the slough as we walked down to the ponds, and they also called quite often from the trees that were between the ponds and the creek throughout the entire monitoring period. Two American Bullfrogs (CI = 1) each called just once, along with a few Rio Grande Leopard Frogs (max CI = 2) and lots of Blanchard's Cricket Frogs (max CI = 3). No photos were obtained, but recordings were collected for all four species.
Beaver update: Mike said that he had seen a beaver kit with its Mom and Dad on his game camera. Yay !
The monitoring period was 20:20 - 21:20.
Participants were Kathy, Heike, Alexis & Peter & Juan (welcome, Juan !), Nancy (welcome !), Amy & Mike, Diane, Reggie, and Mike.
Environmental conditions at the main pond at sunset:

• Air temperature = 81.5 deg F
• Water temperature = 77.5 deg F
• Sky = No/few clouds
• Water level = Average
• Relative humidity at sunset = 46 %

Posted on 20 May, 2018 15:36 by k_mccormack