I've got my first 2 clumps this morning, so I'll be out tonight with the torch.
I set up a bird table cam yesterday. It is black and white with infrared. I might try to position it tonight to point at the "spot". Hope it doesn't get too X rated!
By the way, the spawn is in my bottom pond with the sticklebacks. I thought they might prefer the fish free upper pond. If they don't spawn there I think I'll transfer a few clumps.
ooooh! spto press....just saw a ripple so I got the binocs out. There are 4 frogs tthere now so I'll have to hop out and move the camera!

Its interesting to note where they lay and where the frogs congregate, it's on top of vegitation that will support the spawn in the upper layer of the water rather than in open water, so if anyone wishes to encourage them next year provide this sort of base for them. Probably too late this year unless you are further north than me or DF.

.....Now I've got my pond cam set up. It's sellotaped to a garden fork, and points at the "hot spot". There's a bit of problem with reflections, but I can see all the action! There are 5 frogs, but I'm not sure what ratio. I presume there are 2 females becuse of the 2 lots of spawn.
It only goes into my video, so I can't post anything here. Sorry.
.....there's a bit of an or*y at the moment- at least 6!

I have frogs at last, no couples yet tho!

Sean, if you walk softly and slowly you should be able to sneak up on them. Even if they run away, wrap up warm and sit comfortably and they should come back. I've just been out and I've got one new clump and about 18 frogs. there are 3 couples properly "at it", and these females look quite flushed.

Mine dive at movement, sound doesnt seem to bother them. I counted 16 a while ago but I think they are all males, some embarrased faces, well almost. Or do females croak?

The males croak to attract the females.
I imagine the ones with the the loudest or perhaps most tuneful croak attract the most girls.
The males in my ponds puff out blue 'balloons' from under their throats when croaking.
Watching an o*gy through the patio door at the moment and they are thrashing about and trashing the ponds. How much more frogspawn can they produce?
Haven't counted them but have many more frogs than last year. Just hope the fish manage to keep out of the way.
Sue

It seems a good year for frog spawn, garden ponds to the rescue. From one of the BBC wildlife programmes, male frogs 'fight' via croaks, I think they said the deepest generally wins. The biggest croaker in the pond at the momemt actually vibrates the water with his throat.

Exciting stuff eh??