The garden pond at Whitestaunton is really coming to life now. A torch lit walk around the perimeter over the last few nights has revealed at least 15 Palmate Newts
Lissotriton helveticus and a couple of Smooth Newts
Lissotriton vulgaris too. I never tire of amphibians and the males are particularly handsome at this time of the year as they're out to find a mate.
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The Pond...well established
and huge! |
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| Smooth Newt, male: R. Harris |
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| Smooth Newt, male detail of the tail: R. Harris |
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Smooth Newt, male - showing the bright
underparts and spotted throat: Roger Harris |
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Palmate Newt - pale, unspotted throat and filament
on the end of the tail (not shown in photo)
R. Harris |
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Palmate newt, male - showing filament
and webbed hind feet: R. Harris |
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| Palmate Newt, tail detail: R. Harris |
Night time counts over the last week by torchlight have given max counts of 26 Palmate and 5 Smooth newts but I suspect there are considerably more present.
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