Ponds Sing Spring Songs In Maine’s Lakes Regions

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Ponds Sing Spring Songs In Maine’s Lakes Regions

Ponds Sing Spring Songs In Maine’s Lakes Regions

Summer Serenity Spot on Highland Lake, Bridgton, Maine

by Leigh Macmillen Hayes

Maine lakefront property owners know that one of the signs of spring is the sound of wood frogs and spring peepers at nearby vernal pools. Certainly, you’ve listened to the “wruck” of a wood frog. Or the high pitched peep of a peeper.

When the conditions are just right, amphibians such as these leave their land habitats and migrate back to their natal pools where they mate, lay eggs and fertilize them. The pools are often temporary wetlands that form from snowmelt and spring rain.

 

 

 

 

 


Most, but not all, dry up in the summer. For this reason, they do not support a fish population, therefore making them attractive to amphibians. Everything in the vernal pool must either hop, walk or fly out, or burrow down once the water dries up.
In Maine, there are four obligate or indicator species for a vernal pool: Yellow spotted mole salamanders; Wood frogs; Fairy shrimp and Blue spotted salamanders.
In some towns, like Bridgton, folks gather to help the amphibians cross the road. Big Night, the night(s) of the migration, occurs when the conditions are just right—the ice and snow have melted, it’s been raining all day and evening and the temperature is about 42 degrees.
The Lakes Environmental Association has brought people together to help with the migration for more than ten years. In March, LEA hosts a workshop entitled “Getting Ready for Big Night.” Through slides and sound effects, the educators provide information about vernal pools, the animals associated with them and how to participate in the Big Night celebration.
Then, all eyes are on the weather. Once the conditions are right, an e-mail alert is sent out to those wishing to participate. At about 7:30pm, community members gather at LEA and carpool to a nearby road that features several pools.
It’s important that each person dresses appropriately—rain gear, flashlight or head lamp and a reflective vest. After all, it is raining and cold. But especially, it is dark. Safety is of prime importance. Fortunately, in this town, the police department is highly supportive and either shuts a road down, or cautions drivers to watch out for people and amphibians.
Spotted mole salamanders, red-backed salamanders and other amphibians are sensitive to moisture, so those helping to carry them across a road are encouraged to keep their hands moist.
Of course, many amphibians do get crushed by vehicles, but they become delectable snacks for raccoons, coyotes, snakes, hawks and other predators—it’s all part of the web of life.
Even if you’ve missed helping the salamanders and others cross the road, you might find a local vernal pool and watch the changes that take place—from egg masses to tadpoles. Please leave them untouched so they can develop in their natural habitat.

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As you approach, you’ll hear the songs of the pool, but all will become silent when you are close. Stand quietly nearby and wait patiently. Within ten or fifteen minutes, you may see frogs swimming or other action.
To view a video of Bridgton’s Big Night Celebration, click on this link.
There are several books worth reading if you are interested: Maine Amphibians and Reptiles, edited by Malcom L. Hunter, Jr., et al, University of Maine Press, 1999; Swampwalker’s Journal: A Wetlands Year by David M. Carroll, Houghton Mifflin, 1999; The Beginning Naturalist by Lawrence Gale, The New England Press, 1979; The Kids’ Nature Almanac by Alison Smith, Crown Publishers, 1995.
Go ahead. Channel your inner kid and locate a vernal pool. Get to know it. Treasure it. Protect it.
To learn more about lakefront properties for sale on Highland Lake in Bridgton, click on the green box above.
To learn more about Bridgton, check out the blog links below.
Enjoy Lakefront Living on Highland Lake in Bridgton, Maine
Steps from Highland Lake, Bridgton, Maine: It’s Bridgton Books

 

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