Newts 2010

[AshLee]

How are everyone's newts doing this year?

I identified one of my Common Newts at the edge of a pond shot taken yesterday evening:


Spot the newt:



Close up:



Tonight she is in the pond. No sign of any males yet, but I'll keep an eye open.

My pond is in London.

Anyone else spotted any yet?

[fairy frogmother]

I am on the Kent coast and I have spotted one or two in my little pond. I think they are smooth newts but until the plants get going visibility is not brilliant. I had loads last year and quite a few efts too, so I am hoping for good things newt wise this year.

I saw my first ladybird today too - I guess spring is here at last!!!

[SJANSELL]

I also spotted my first newt yesterday - and also a ladybird and an orange butterfly! I don't know how to sex newts - any tips? I was surprised to see it, especially as they usually go in the large shallow pond and this was in a little deep pond, which is always colder.

I'm a bit worried as I had just chopped down my old rotted vegetation around the pond, as it was all a bit sludgy and now wonder what they'll use for wrapping the eggs in. Will they use pond plants below the water?

Sarah

[iminei]

Originally Posted by SJANSELL

I'm a bit worried as I had just chopped down my old rotted vegetation around the pond, as it was all a bit sludgy and now wonder what they'll use for wrapping the eggs in. Will they use pond plants below the water?

Sarah

hi, I'm in Blandford Forum and have been watching the newts in my pond for a few weeks now. I don't know which kind they are but there seem to be quite a few of them.
I'm also wondering what they will breed in as I too cut out all the pond plants...all I have at the mo are emerging iris leaves and the weed which grows around the pots in the pond and the root masses of the iris and typha....i know that pond plants from shops are usually in til may...this year I would say that will be later and am wondering what to do.
Any ideas????

[AshLee]

I think they spend quite some time in the water before they start laying eggs, possibly when the leaves have formed. Hopefully someone can add an expert opinion.

[Naturenutz]

they do lay the eggs on underwater plants ,but its still early for newts,im sure they will find somewhere to lay the eggs,i doubt there is much plant growth in any pond at the moment.My lily hasnt woken up yet .

[Malcolm Banks]

First sighting of my smoothies was about 10 days ago. Had 3 last year but have (had) at least 5 this year, all galavanting around and getting in the mood in the sun - number reduced by one following the intervention of a blackhearted magpie earlier today
M

[AshLee]

Spotted my first male yesterday

[elemental]

Hi, I live in Hampshire and spotted my first newts 'ever'! Pond was new last year, so thrilled to see them yesterday.
I counted about 10! I was actually looking for frogspawn, none of that yet.
It is so exciting seeing the pond come back to life after such a cold winter.
Do the newts lay eggs at this time of year?
Now just waiting for the frogspawn, I know many already have it, but I will not give up hoping. Went out with a torch last night, several frogs in the pond, croaking to each other. Patience!

[aeshna5]

As I got home this evening + had a look in my pond (the frogs orgy is now officially over!) + saw at least 4 Smooth Newts near the edge (but under the water) of the pond. soon to be feasting on tiny tadpoles (probably a good job with the amount of spawn!).