Ending February. 2-28-2026

We've been getting pummeled by snow. But it was a nice day on the last day of February so, after getting our taxes done, we went for a walk in the Arnold Arboretum. The temps were scrapin' 50° and it felt damn good. We saw a couple of Red-tails flying overhead at different times but never got a camera on them. I got this former bag o' bees and that's it. No birds.

Andrea was exhausted; she might be comin down with something, but I decided to go try to net a Two-lined Salamander for our first amphibian on the year. I don't like to net them when it's below freezing but it was very nice out.

I slipped in the snow, got snow down my pants and felt it melting on my butt. I slipped into the water, got double soakers and netted a couple of Two-line larvae. Here is one.

I did see one adult but I couldn't net him. These couple-of-inch critters had kicked my ass. I limped back to the car sweating, soaking, hyperventilating and all but defeated.

BUT... got a Two-line larvae. Herp #1 on the year. Suck it, Winter!