Observing caudates at night?

[roger]

My girlfriend and I are thinking of going on some nocturnal expeditions in search of salamanders. We already daytime hike just about every weekend and especially like to go out just after or during rain. We were wondering if anyone out there goes out observing sal behavior at night? We find plenty of salamanders under rocks and logs during the day, but we would like to check them out when they are most active. Has anyone had any success doing this? Any suggestions on what we should bring (other than mag-lights and raincoats!).We are wondering if the red-backs, etc are as active on wet nights as the eastern newts are on damp days.

 

[clarence]

hipwaders, flashlights, hunter's orange vests, and explicit permission from any landowners whose property you MIGHT be on.

The point here is to make yourself completely conspicuous, so as to not have any unfortunate run-ins. (like having to explain to park rangers that you aren't a poacher, or explaining to poachers that you aren't a park ranger)

 

[russ]

You'll be shocked at the numbers you'll see at night. I flipped for stuff in the Ozarks for years with varying degrees of success. Then I had a prof take me night walking. Wow! Over time I found it didn't have to be rainy, just high humidity to be really successful.

RUSS