With springtime comes the urge to head to the river. These California newts are obeying urges of their own. Also known as Taricha torosa, this newt is an amphibian and a member of the Salamander family.
Just as beautiful as the newts is the surface of the water. I wish I could breathe under water!
I counted more than a hundred of these along a small creek that flows into the Yuba river. According to Wikipedia, these animals are land-dwelling for the hotter parts of the year, but prefer "slow-moving water" while breeding. Between December and May, they can be found in little orange orgies, multiplying.
And finally, here's one getting a breath of fresh air.
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