The sperm deposits of the male Spotted Salamander remind us of tiny volcanoes. The deposits, known as spermatophores, are left by the male in hopes that a female will be enticed to use them to fertilize her eggs. These one we temporarily removed from the water to get a better photo. Sometimes the males will lay spermatophores on top of others to try and beat out the competition.
At a site that we monitor for the migration of the Spotted Salamander we came across these egg masses that were present a full three weeks before we usually see them here. We also saw wood frog egg masses, again much earlier than normal. Amphibians, like Spotted Salamanders, are a good species to track to measure the quality and changing nature of the local environment. No doubt this winter has been mild, so whether this is a long-term trend or just an unusual coincidence only time will tell.
In various places along the Ghost Town Trail you will find former railroad mileage markers. These markers were erected by the Pennsylvania Railroad to note the distance to the railroad junction at Cresson, PA.
