[Tweeters] Long-toed Salamander at Nisqually NWR (George Gerdts)

[Geopandion at aol.com]

Tweeters,
 
While visiting Nisqually NWR in an attempt to re-locate the C. Ringed  
Plover and the Ruffon on Sat. morning 10/8,  Mary Anne Rossing and I  happened 
upon Bill Tweit holding forth on the ID challenges that NW salamanders  pose. 
 I took a few close-up shots of one he had in his hand, did a bit of  
research, and determined that it was a Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma  
macrodactylum).  It was not a Plethodon vehiculum (W. Red-backed Salmander)  which 
can also have a yellow or yellowish-green dorsal stripe.  The  exceptionally 
long 4th digit on the hind foot of the Long-toed is the easiest  field mark 
to separate the two species.  
 
Here is a link to some photos:
 
_http://campephilus.smugmug.com/OtherCritters-2/Long-toed-Salamander/1945877
9_7Jvt6k#1522516845_QzjFLrS_ 
(http://campephilus.smugmug.com/OtherCritters-2/Long-toed-Salamander/19458779_7Jvt6k#1522516845_QzjFLrS) 
 
George Gerdts
Bainbridge Island 
206-842-8138
_geopandion at gmail.com_ (mailto:geopandion at gmail.com) 
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