Hiya!

Been wondering how other people's frogs have been doing. There was a small flurry (one courting couple) of activity in late january, and then the pond froze for several days. As it was thawing noticed the courting couple had produced just before the freeze (convinced they are a siberian variety). So I took them in and put them into the aquarium reserved for such purposes. About half have hatched despite the freeze, and some have already lost the prominent hairy gills! Actually, I have never seen a group develop so quickly.

Meanwhile, back at the pond, it is really quiet for this time of year, hardly any croaking. I have seen about a dozen in one go (with strong torch), and about 3 or 4 couples, but no spawn yet. Mind you, last night did see a palmate newt as well....West Country though is always much earlier than the rest of the country it seems.

I am probably not helping much though with the courting couples, as due to neck problems couldn't clean out the pond of excess weed and leaves as I normally do in the autumn (this involves wetsuit, ladder across the pond, and a husband prepared to dive in a rescue if I fall in, and under orders not to laugh too hard or use the camera). Anyway, have just managed it today, so the guys at the bottom of the pond are probably not too happy. Still, wanted to get it done, as can't do it at all after taddie hatching.

Concerned about the grass snake though, as I fear it has chased quite a few away in the last year (those not eaten). Hopefully it tucked away asleep for now. I hear they like frog spawn as well. Trying to figure out ways of catching it for re-location...

Have to boast though-- kingfisher came back to eat the stickelbacks the other day! It is quite a sight, being able to sit on the sofa and watch a kingfisher 12 feet away! Never have the camera ready though...

Anyway, hopefully your frog will soon be joined by others and there will be a major party in your garden soon. Any plans for a taddie nursery?

all the best,

Chip

Hi Chip,

Just as I was about to announce that I have my first frogspawn today, I read your so, so interesting reply and you rather beat me to it!!

I love seeing your pond news and I do so envy you (except for Mr Hiss, that is!)

Incidentally, I have my clear plastic kitchen binliner which still contained a couple of last year's taddies when I last checked before the ice set in. I guess they know they're safe in there and they eat the algae from the sides, so I leave them to it. It appears that they'd rather stay as kids and not turn into frogs. If I get quite a bit of frogspawn this year I'll add some more to the binliner, away from the jaws in the pond.

Look after that neck!

Enjoy!
Big Kid

P.S. I hope a few more people come back to the site this year.

Strange that my other follow-up didn't show up as reply 2 today. I presume other people can see it as well as me?
Big Kid

Ignore the last message because it's righted itself now!
Big Kid

Glad to hear about the spawn--spawn phase 2 has started up as some was deposited last night.

I am very intrigued by your Peter Pan tadpoles in never never land.

So who are you in this...Captain Hook or Tinkerbell?!

ooh arrr as they say in this neck of woods!

Chip

Guess I must be Tinkerbell, being as I'm female!

I must check to see if the taddies are still in there before I add new frogspawn, or am I safe to add the spawn in with last year's youngsters?
Big Kid