Oregon in April

[Jennewt]

I spent last week in Oregon, and had a great time. If I had returned without seeing any Taricha, I would have been sorely disappointed.

Oddly, my first find was one that I had no hope of ever seeing in the wild. I noticed this lovely little dripping stream:



I didn't expect to find anything, but figured I'd move a couple of small rocks, just in case. Much to my surprise, I spotted this guy:







Hours later, and in despair that I wouldn't find any Taricha, I finally spotted this beauty strolling along right on the trail:





She was very unphased about being handled, so I put her on some moss and pretended that I was a real photographer.



This is the trail where I found her:



And as I was leaving, it was raining, and I spotted a couple of more newts crawling across the road as I left the area. Fortunately, I don't think I ran over any.





This sea otter was at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. I am only throwing it in here so that Dawn will say something entertaining.

 

[John]

Well done Jen. And you broke our Rhyacotriton drought! Thank you .

 

[Jacquie]

I'm so glad the taricha put in an appearance for you, Jen.

Beautiful photos. I think I can see some calendar entries .

 

[Otterwoman]

It's a seepage! (the first picture) Remember when I asked what one was?
I want to go to Oregon to Opal Creek on a future vacation (I'm thinking 2-3 years away). That sure was a pretty trail.

You found that otter in the seepage too, don't lie...

 

[ferret_corner]

ROTFL @Dawn!!!

And fantastic pics Jenn! That IS a lovely little stream!!

 

[bewilderbeast]

Yeah, you were perhaps looking for Taricha but that Rhyacotriton is a much more exciting find in my opinion... nice shots too... there is so little documentation on Rhyacotriton

 

[Mark]

Wonderful, Jen! That last shot of Taricha on tarmac certainly needs to be in the calendar competition.

 

[Ralf]

AW: Oregon in April

I am green with envy. Wonderful photos, thank you for sharing.

 

[John]

Re: AW: Oregon in April

If you email me the original file of that Taricha on the tarmac I will do some enhancement of it for you before you enter it in the calendar comp!

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Re: AW: Oregon in April

I am green with envy.

Don't worry Ralf, your not alone.

Thanks for the awesome pictures Jen.

 

[mduros]

Great pictures Jen! I envy you. Looks like you had a beautiful and rewarding trip!
Take care,
Mary.