Berry Springs Preserve Herps of Texas report, 13May2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there was no group outing to Berry Springs Park and Preserve again this month. However, two people wearing face masks checked on the amphibians while staying at least six feet apart from each other at all times.
Four amphibian species were observed: Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Call Index = 2), Gulf Coast Toad (CI = 1), Green Tree Frog (CI = 3), and Blanchard's Cricket Frog (CI = 3). Before monitoring began, we were also treated to two young armadillos in the grass near the park's entrance kiosk.
There was still no flow to the pond from the middle slough springhead, and even with the inch of rain received two days before monitoring, there seemed to be less water there than last month. However, the water level in the main ponds was average.
The birds in the park were quite evident this month - several were seen before sunset (e.g., Eastern Kingbird, Common Nighthawk, and Eastern Bluebird), several were heard before sunset (e.g., Summer Tanager, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Great Crested Flycatcher), and several were heard after sunset (e.g., Chuck-will's-widow and Barred Owl).
The monitoring period was 20:00 - 21:30.
Participants were Kathy and Amy.
Environmental conditions at the middle slough springhead at sunset:

• Air temperature = 76.5 deg F
• Water temperature = 70.5 deg F
• Sky = mostly cloudy
• Water level = below average
• Relative humidity = 58 %

Posted on Μάιος 16, 2020 0418 ΜΜ by k_mccormack