Frogspawn has arrived
The first frogspawn arrived yesterday (25th February) and two more lots have appeared today. Two frogs, presumably the parents were on guard when I took the photograph. Thank heavens they’ve laid their eggs in the middle of the pond this year. One of our cats loves to lick the frogspawn, just as if it was a tasty, fishy ice lolly. I spent ages last year coming up with a means of preventing her from reaching them.
We used to have many more frogs in our pond but over the years the numbers have reduced. There are a number of reasons for this including fewer available garden ponds and the “frog disease” caused by a virus. They don’t need a big pond (ours is quite small) and unlike fish they’re not so fussy about conditions. Even replacing garden fencing can stop frogs moving around and accessing ponds, unless there is the occasional opening of some kind. They also need somewhere to hibernate over the winter. Some use the mud at the bottom of the pond. Others hide under stones, vegetation or in the compost heap. A garden can therefore be too tidy for wildlife. Try to resist that instinct to clear away all the garden clutter. I know it’s hard but bear in mind that a small heap of logs, sticks, twigs, plant pots etc in an out of the way corner can provide an essential refuge.
If you want any further information on frogs try Froglife a UK charity dedicated to protecting amphibians and reptiles. They have some interesting information on grass snakes, toads and slow worms as well as frogs.
5 comments
It has been so long since I have seen this in m y own area .. I know if I tried harder I could find them .. but I also know they are disappearing and that is sad. I love their songs in the Spring. I only wish we had room to draw a little one in .. we have a bad problem with West Nile virus .. “still’ water is a no go for us.
Great post !
Thanks for you comment Joy. I must confess complete ignorance - I didn’t realise Canada had a problem with West Nile virus. What a shame you miss out on pond life.
it’s interesting, you have frog in your pond. while many people here in my village do not like to have frog in our garden.
but there are some open area and wet rice field around the neighbour - so we can still hear and enjoy the concert from the frog on the rains.
Thanks for stopping by Fiore. It sounds as if you have lots of frogs nearby. The rice fields must be an ideal home.
I really hope the frogs come and check out the new pond I dug on the plot. No sign yet though.
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