Where Do They Go ?

Green Frog

I have a small water garden/goldfish pond in my side-yard. This little patch of space always has something going on of interest. It provides the cleanest water around for many species and is a food source for mink in the dead of winter. I always have resident Green Frogs and breeding American Toads.

Semi-resident should be the key word when describing the Green Frogs. This pond has been there since 1987 and every year the frogs are gone by mid-June. They always return in late-September and winter in the pond. They started showing back up around September 24th  or there about. I had been looking for them everyday for the previous couple of weeks. I am just curious as to where they choose to spend their summer vacation. There are no ditches or any other water within what I would think to be frog travelling distance. Does anyone know where they go??

(c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors Photo (c) 2014 High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

Backyard Gems

I built this small water garden and waterfall in 1986. It has given us many quality moments of staring and enjoyment over the years. Not a lot of maintenance has been required. A new pump is needed every three years or so and a heater is plopped into the pond in November. Four goldfish were thrown in on completion and they have been a self sustaining population ever since. Sometimes there are thirty; sometimes ten. They live, breed and die without any help. Minks sometimes thin the population in the winter. Green Frogs have taken up residence and American Toads sometimes successfully breed.

 Numerous species of aquatic vegetation have used this little pond as a home. some were good and others were pulled out and composted. Dragonflies and damsel flies make daily visits. Some were born there. If you have ever thought of making a water garden part of your life; go ahead and do it. It will not be too painful and you'll be glad you did it. We only live once and should cherish all of our staring time.

(c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors All Rights Reserved
Photos (c) High Virginia Images

Slow Down

I hate to drive anywhere on a warm, rainy Spring night.  I usually get that bad feeling in my stomach; that same bad feeling that I get when I see other injustices which I am powerless to fix.  I am speaking of the masses of squished frogs, toads and salamanders on our highways and byways.  Actually the flattened ones are not as bothersome as all of the broken up and mutilated ones trying; with all of the power left in their dying bodies, to reach their breeding grounds.

When possible; I find myself slowing to a crawl and weaving around the visible amphibians.  I have been most anywhere that you can get to; around here.  Believe me when I say that there isn't any destination that you need to be in a rush to get to.  They always say to stop and smell the roses.  I am now saying to slow down and enjoy the toads.  They need your help and consideration.

Many people; when behind the wheel see nothing.  Some are observant and see everything around. Many of these things would bring joy and satisfaction to others; if they would only take the time and give it a chance.  Just slow down, give the wonders of nature a chance for survival; you will be rewarded.

From High Virginia Outdoors 

Peterson Field Guides; Eastern Reptiles and Amphibians
The Calls of Frogs and Toads

The Quack Is Back

The quack of the Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) can now be heard throughout the High Virginia's. These small terrestrial frogs are late winter breeders.  They lay their egg masses in small vernal ponds, as soon as the ice melts.  The adults will soon leave the breeding ponds and spend the rest of the year in moist, wooded upland areas.  They are difficult to locate during the non-breeding season, so you need to get out and listen for the quacks in the wet bottom lands, now.  The frog with the robber's mask is fairly small; about 2-2.75 inches in length. The colors of the Wood frog can range from shades of brown to almost black, so you need to be observant.  They are much larger than the well known Spring Peeper.  The Wood Frog's range extends farther North than any other reptile or amphibian.
A Wood Frog's Life (Nature Upclose)
A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guide Series)