The Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) is a terrestrial denizen of steep forested slopes. These amphibians are lungless, “breathing” air through their skin, so don’t touch or handle them. In autumn, as freezing temperatures arrive in the lower Susquehanna region, Northern Slimy Salamanders seek a cozy subterranean shelter to pass the winter.
A juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker surveys the morning landscape. In the lower Susquehanna watershed, Red-headed Woodpeckers are an uncommon summer breeder requiring large dead oak trees in semi-open habitat for nesting. They can occasionally be found during winter in mature oak woods, appearing most frequently west of the river at places including Gifford Pinchot State Park. Fall migrants are seen along local ridges in September and October.
A migrating Monarch butterfly takes a break to feed on nectar from the blooms of a Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum), a common autumn wildflower also known as Heath Aster.
