Went out to check on the orchard today after the very rare summer rain and came across this little fellow:
While we have many fence lizards that call the orchard their home, a handful of 5-lined skinks and even a couple of alligator lizards… this is the first newt that I have encountered out there. Turns out it is a Rough-skinned newt:
http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/entry/view/rough_skinned_newt/
I had no idea that some newts were poisonous due to tetrodotoxin in their skin (familiar with pufferfish?).
While the bullfrog who has shown up lately and hangs out singing in the cistern may be less welcome, I am quite happy that the reptiles and amphibians are feeling at home in the area.
