Spring hasn't quite reached us yet, despite a 70f day last week. The salamanders just haven't shown themselves yet, and they are undoubtedly the first signs of a herper's spring. The spring peepers were calling, but not with the usual crescendo of a huge population, so I think that most of them are still dormant too. I did find one lonely blue spotted salamander, ambystoma laterale despite having aspirations of finding the three different species that are present when conditions are right. I'm not totally happy with all of these, a tripod really would have helped because I couldn't get enough DoF handheld - hence the OOF parts that shouldn't be oof, for instance the tail in the 5th shot. It was nice to get out and roll some logs, with any luck we'll see some better weather and more critters soon.

http://www.sushigaijin.com/images/photos/bluespot%201%20small.jpg

http://www.sushigaijin.com/images/photos/bluespot%202%20small.jpg

http://www.sushigaijin.com/images/photos/bluespot%203%20small.jpg

http://www.sushigaijin.com/images/photos/bluespot%204%20small.jpg

http://www.sushigaijin.com/images/photos/bluespot%205%20small.jpg

http://www.sushigaijin.com/images/photos/bluespot%207%20small.jpg

Erik, these are some awesome shot's! I kind of like the DOF, it gives the images a feel of dimension. The second image is my favorite of the series, very well done!

Really nice captures Erik all keepers :) , Only ones i ever C around here are brown in color.

Out of focus tail or not, I think the 5th is my fave here. :) That's a great pose!

Emily

Are they endangered in your area, because they are hear. Nice images and thanks for posting them.