Often mistaken for dandelions the Coltsfoot is one of the first flowers to bloom. It is often found along roadsides and areas of poor soils. It provides early pollinators with a source of pollen before other flowers start to bloom.
This female SPotted Salamander was found about 500 feet from a vernal pool. On a warm, rainy night she will emerge and migrate to the pool to mate. Spotted Salamanders can live up to 20 years so she has probably made this journey several times before.