Berry Springs Preserve Herps of Texas report, 19Aug2016

The USGS gauge on Berry Creek at the Georgetown Airport recorded 4.00" of rain over the past seven days, and the amphibians at Berry Springs Preserve showed their appreciation to the five people that came out for the monthly monitoring (which had been moved up a day due to the threat of more rain). The water level in the main pond was above average, there were grassy pools below the restrooms, and the pond behind the improved campground was full. Six amphibian species were observed: Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Call Index = 2), American Bullfrog (CI = 1), Gulf Coast Toad (CI = 1), Green Tree Frog (CI = 3), Blanchard's Cricket Frog (CI = 3), and Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad (CI = 3).
We saw the Great Kiskadee, a Great Egret, a Snowy Egret, a Green Heron, and four Yellow-crowned Night Herons around the main pond before sunset. A pack of coyotes was heard from the upper parking lot just before we left the park.
The monitoring period was 19:40 - 21:40.
Participants were Kathy, Larry, Charles, Mary & Evan & and their puppy Puddles.
Environmental Conditions at the main pond at sunset:

• Air temperature = 83.8 deg F
• Water temperature = 80.4 deg F
• Sky = No or few clouds
• Water level = above average
• Relative humidity at sunset = 54 %
• Barometric pressure = 29.14" Hg (986.8 mb)
• Wind = 4 mph

Posted on August 21, 2016 10:42 PM by k_mccormack