Garden Wildlife UK

March of the Frogs

Every year when the spawn has developed well around August time the froglets leave the ponds on the hunt for small prey. I have posted photos of them about the size of a one pence piece and light tan in colour. As the autumn wears on I still find them but nearly twice as big as when the leave the pool. The next time I see them(if at all) the following year they are quite a bit bigger but very much resembling their adult colour and form. While looking in one of the ponds today a froglet appeared not much larger than the new ones I see most years. It is much too early to be this years model so where has this Peter Pan of the frog world been for the last 6 months.

Wonder whether it is in fact 'this year's model' ?? After all, so much is so early so far this year. The cuckoos were an entire month early in beginning their journey northwards - blueys house-hunting in March - a General Election 3 years earlier than planned - maybe a few early froglets ??
I'd believe anything nowadays

There is one possibility I hadn't thus far considered. It is known that late developing Tadpoles sometimes overwinter in that form and continue to adult form when Spring arrives the next year. It is possible my little frog was one of these.

The recent milder weather appears to have awoken some of my frogs. I have seen several splashing around during the last few mornings and it is the kind of activity I see at spawning time.

amazing, Jacksparrow. Hope Monday night's frost didn't catch them without their jumpers . (See what I did there?)

Placido wrote: amazing, Jacksparrow. Hope Monday night's frost didn't catch them without their jumpers . (See what I did there?)

It may well of cooled their ardour as it has been quieter since

One of the 18 Frogs in and around my ponds today