Look at that!

Before climbing the wooden mountain to Bedstead, Ralphie needs to take a little walk outside. He's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it's a biological necessity thing; nevermind, it isn't important.

Around ten last night, as the screen door closes behind us, something catches my eye. Years and years of searching for herps has burned some patterns into my mind. Sure enough, when I go back outside to check, there's a Red backed salamander climbing up the door.

Red Backed Salamander

Now, that's not a very natural place to find one of these little critters, but it had been a wet day so I guess he was out foraging. I've usually found them under rocks along stream beds.

Red Backed Salamander

Plethodon cinereus comes in two forms: some have a distinct red (or yellowish-red) stripe down their back, some don't. Even when they don't have a red stripe, they're sweet little things. And I do mean little!

Red Backed Salamander

But who couldn't love this face?

Red Backed Salamander

Not me. You'll find a few more pictures in my Flickr photo stream.