On the Chattahoochee

A buddy of mine and I went herping on the Chattahoochee River for the first time today. We went expecting to find nothing. After a while of poking in some rocks and tree stumps, we happen upon this tree.
Tree
The trunk was hollow all the way up the tree.
Hollow Tree
In warmer parts of the year, I'm sure this tree is an entire ecosystem.
That's my boot at the bottom for size comparison.
You can't tell from that pic, but there were three deep holes, hollowed out roots, extending from the inside of the tree. The three foot probe we were using completely disappeared down one of those holes.
You can't see it well, but that hand is holding the end of the probe.
After the first few seconds of probing, we were rewarded (and frightened) by the sound of rattling. We only caught a glimpse of the rattler, only the tail, and I was not fast enough to get a pic.
First time I've gone looking for rattlers, and even though we did not catch one, it was still exciting finding one in February. We are going to go herping near the Chattahoochee once a week from now on. Hopefully, not too long from now, I will have some better pics for all of you.

Well, while the pics may not be any better quality, after several futile outings, I finally found signs of life. Beneath a rotting log, I turned up this little guy (pictured, hopefully). He was mostly black, but had some orange near the back of the jaw.

I also found this under a rock in a small stream. I'm not sure what put them there, but I am thinking they are frog eggs. Any opinions?

My guess would be more likely salamander eggs if herp eggs at al. Hard to tell from the pic.

Best regards,
Glenn

Soon, really soon, it will be time to head upstate to listen to those Spring Peepers.