Vernal Pool Update

Near record high temperatures prompted me to visit a few vernal pools in the watershed to check for Ambystoma salamander activity.  Based on today's observations it seems a little too early for any activity.  All three pools visited were 95%+ covered with ice.  Though Jefferson salamander and the wood frog have been noted for their early season activity in the presence of some ice, the edges of these pools were mostly frozen.  Wintery weather is scheduled to return over the weekend and the first half of next week so the rest of February looks like it is going to be inactive for any amphibious vernal pool inhabitants.