Endangered Pine Barrens Treefrog and Trip
Yesterday Chris and I met a friend Kyle to do some herping in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. We ended up having a very successful day, finding and photographing several species, including six species that I had never seen nor photographed before. Our finds for the day included: 10 Carpenter Frogs (lifer and new stock species), 2 Green Frogs, 4 Southern Leopard Frogs (lifer and new stock species), 3 Fowler’s Toads, 2 Painted Turtles (one adult and one hatchling), 6 Fence Lizards (lifer and new stock species), 1 Ringneck Snake (lifer and new stock species), 3 Redback Salamanders, 2 Red colored Salamanders (either Red Salamanders or Mud Salamanders, both which would be lifers and new stock species), and 1 Pine Barrens Treefrog (lifer and new stock species). Not bad at all for a day of herp photography! Once Chris and I process our salamander photos hopefully some more experienced herpers will be able to help us with the species ID. We are certain that one of the two we found is a Red Salamander, but the brown eyes of the other suggest it may possibly be a Mud Salamander.
Regardless of the salamander species ID, a huge highlight of the day for us was finding a Pine Barrens Treefrog. Pine Barrens Treefrogs are endangered and live only in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and in a few isolated and remote southern populations. Photographing an endangered species is always exciting, but these frogs are so tiny and beautiful that they were an extra special treat. Fortunately, my best shot of the day was of this cute little frog, and actually, I think this is my favorite Pine Barrens Treefrog shot that I’ve seen.
Techs: Canon 1D Mark II N, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 DG EX APO Macro, Canon 25mm Extension Tube, 580EX flash at 1/2 power with diffuser, 1/250s, f/16, ISO 200, handheld. To order this print, purchase stock rights, or view other photos I have for sale, please visit my website at www.karipost.com.
In: Recent and Random Photos, Tips and Techniques
on June 13, 2008 at 10:58 am
Permalink
Sweeeet!