Outdoors
The BDN outdoors section brings readers into the woods, waters and wild places of Maine. It features stories on hunting, fishing, wildlife, conservation and recreation, told by people who live these experiences. This section emphasizes hands-on knowledge, field reports, issues, trends and the traditions that define life outside in Maine. Read more Outdoors stories here.
The name can be misleading. Maine’s “Big Night” is not always just one night. It refers to the spring migration when amphibians move from winter habitat, often in upland areas like forests, shorelines and under cover such as logs or docks, to breeding areas like vernal pools. Species such as spotted salamanders, wood frogs and spring peepers make the journey.
The movement is triggered when nighttime temperatures are about 40 degrees or higher, usually during or after rain. It happens over a short seasonal window that includes a few peak migration nights.
Timing varies across the state, with southern Maine often seeing activity earlier than central and northern regions. During these nights, amphibians emerge in large numbers and often cross roads, where volunteers sometimes help them safely reach the other side.
In Bridgton, staff and volunteers with The Nature Conservancy were recently at a Big Night event with Loon Echo Land Trust.
“We are grateful to community-based partners for bringing people out to learn about salamanders, frogs and the threats to their habitat, and to be inspired to take action,” said Hadley Couraud, aquatic restoration manager.
The work also helps gather data on amphibian movement, according to Matt Didisheim, documentary storytelling fellow at The Nature Conservancy.
“I needed this. Who knew that finding a little salamander would cheer me up so good,” one volunteer said during the event.
Recent reports from southern and central Maine indicate that large movements are underway.
Corrie Burges of Brooks captured a record number of spotted salamanders gathering in her backyard pond Monday, staying up past midnight to watch them.
Elsewhere, staff at Freeport Wild Bird Supply reported a chorus of wood frogs and spring peepers over the weekend, though there was little road activity.
Rain in the forecast over the next few nights could bring more movement, making it a good time to head out with a flashlight and look for them. Amphibian enthusiasts can follow along on the Maine Big Night Facebook page or sign up to volunteer for upcoming migration nights. You can also submit your observation online.
