California newt (Taricha torosa)

Batrachoseps gavilanensis

Rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa)

Marching along with determination, newts of the genus Taricha, take advantage of seasonally available groundwater to take their shot at love. A well timed foray into the forest can allow you to see these spectacular caudates in what seems to be perpetual motion. 

My initial love for amphibians began with newts. I developed a particular fascination for the eastern newt (Notophthalamus viridescens), a familiar sight for residents of the northeast. My father and I used to get out early in the morning to observe the regular and busy activity of these diminutive newts. 

Years later, I found myself in a strikingly similar scenario- wandering through a damp forest to observe the activities of newts. But this time, I was far from the east coast woods of my childhood. Watching these newts move confidently through the forest, I was reminded of those early mornings with my father. This experience was filled with both the excitement of discovery and nostalgia.

Batrachoseps luciae

Red-bellied newt (Taricha rivularis)