A vernal pool is a pool that is wet through the spring, but dries up in the summer. Vernal pools are special habitats. They can be homes to wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and fairy shrimp.
On the last weekend in May, I found an interesting new vernal pool! Can you tell what has happened? The old tree fell over, probably during the winter. In the hole that was left behind, a vernal pool has formed. This pool is nice and shady, perfect for small creatures.
But had any creatures come to this vernal pool? I poked around a bit to find out. There, in the middle of the pool, I saw a baseball-shaped blob of eggs! Salamander or wood frog? They were a little too far away to tell--and I didn't want to reach into the pool to find out.
What was so neat is that this vernal pool had not been here last year. It's brand-new! It just shows how things in the forest are always changing--and when one thing goes away, like the old oak tree, something new can take its place.
I'll be looking for those around our woods. Great photos.
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