Recent days have seen the return of many species of migrant birds that either breed here in the North Country or move through on migration to farther reaches north. The Phoebe and Swamp Sparrow seen here are among the breeders. And what says spring more than a porcupine completely covered with fresh pollen?!

A pickerel frog (Rana palustris, adult) found next to a fast moving stream at Glenmeal. Pickerel frog are easily confused with southern leopard frogs (Rana sphenocephala), but pickerel have more rectangular/squared spots.

A green frog (Rana clamitans, adult) found in a small stream at Glenmeal. Wasn't thrilled to be having its photo taken. This green frog appeared to be a female, as she lacked large nuptial pads.

Very exciting finding this Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), also called the Red Spotted Newt. This newt is in its terrestrial juvenile life stage, called an eft. Found near the Kip Trail hiding under a log.

Another red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus, adult) found at Glenmeal, also under a log! Tried to avoid handing directly with my skin because I wasn't wearing gloves - soaps/lotions from our hands can really hurt their delicate skin - they perform cutaneous respiration.

Found this red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus, adult) in Glenmeal State Forest, under a log.

Found this red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus, adult) under a small log along the Kip Trail near Wachtmeister Field Station.

A group doing trail work picked up a pile of mulch and found several star-nosed mole babies. We had never seen a star-nosed out here, much less babies, so were very excited by the find. The nest was quickly replaced and work moved from the area to leave them to grow.

This is a great short hike that is usually pretty secluded. With a dozen cars at Lampson falls that day, this was perfect.