Many insects begin life in an interesting aquatic stage before transforming into a dragonfly, stonefly, or other winged adult. You may be able to locate some of these animals by driving slowly along less-traveled roads at night, particularly on warm nights with some precipitation when animals may be crossing the road. Reptiles you may see during the day include lizards, skinks, and water snakes or aquatic turtles basking on logs along rivers or in swamps. Many amphibians appear above-ground only a few weeks out of the year to breed, adding to our perception of them as rare. Often they are not as rare as appearances suggest, but they tend to be out on rainy nights when few people are outdoors.
Most amphibians require moist environments and many spend part of their cycle in the water.
By paying attention to local weather reports, you won't be unpleasantly surprised by sudden changes in temperature or precipitation. Bring a change of clothes in case of rain or if there's a good chance you might get muddy and wet. Waterproof footwear and a rain poncho can keep you out in the woods while others are running for their vehicles, preserving your camera and other equipment at the same time. Certain tools will enable you to get a closer and better look at the wildlife you encounter. Binoculars are a must, particularly for viewing and identifying birds and other animals that like to keep a healthy distance.