California Newts

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.

Red-Bellied Newt

Just as beautiful as the newts is the surface of the water.  I wish I could breathe under water!

Newts Doing It

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.

Newt out of Water

And finally, here's one getting a breath of fresh air.

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