Salamander Venture to the Blue Ridge, NC

Folk Art Center, Craggy Gardens, Dillingham Road and ST’s house

Saturday - July 15, 2006 with Carlton Burke

After our fine introduction by Carlton on salamanders in the Blue Ridge, we set off under fine conditions towards our first stop. A seepage along a rocky edge was a good spot for Mountain Dusky Salamanders and we had good comparisons of some of the color variations. A stop at a high elevation stop was successful as Tom had previously found the Two-lined Salamander in this spot. Both the rather large headed and long tailed Jordan's and the very handsome Yonahlossee Salamander were found at a lower elevation under rocks and rotten logs. Carlton was a mine of information about salamanders, their biology and their conservation, so we were very careful about replacing the habitat exactly as we found it. Our last stop was a vernal pool to see several Red-spotted Newts. As well as enjoying a nice selection of salamanders (we had 6 species in total), we also spent some time enjoying the butterflies. Many Pipevine Swallowtails were puddling in the road and unfortunately many were being killed by passing cars. It was good to see several of their caterpillars feeding on Dutchman's Pipe as well. Not many birds today, but great salamanders and some pretty neat butterflies.