Nick Scobel's photostream  

Ambystoma tigrinum

March, 2012. Washtenaw County, Michigan.

One of more than a dozen males found congregating in a thawing vernal pool in southeast Michigan. Tigers seem to breed earlier than other species in Michigan and after warm temps and heavy rain, they were out.

Desmognathus fuscus

May, 2011. Michigan.

This robust salamander prefers wooded or partially wooded habitats which contain small streams, seepages, or other moist habitats. In Michigan, the Northern Dusky Salamander inhabits one small stream system which lies in an Eastern Hemlock forest. This is the only place in the state in which it is found. There is ongoing research and conservation to help better understand and protect this species' place in Michigan.

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Glyptemys insculpta

January, 2012. Northern Michigan.

One of two Wood Turtles observed in relatively shallow water today. Weather conditions were sunny with temps in the low 50s, both animals were in 2-4 feet of water where the sun was hitting the shallow water. Winter thermoregulation?

Aix sponsa