TADPOLES

[Placido]

Now that's strange 'cos my immediate reaction was, "a toady"

[Jacksparrow]

Are you sure it is a frog jacksparrow. The reason I ask is because I always thought frogs were smooth. That one is warty, just like toads.

Deffo a Frog. Toadlets are black or very dark grey.

[Jacksparrow]

I spent a little time taking stock of this years tadpoles and I'm sorry to report that numbers are quite low compared to recent years. There was plenty of spawn but the problem would appear to be a lack of suitable males to fertilize it. I have free swimming Tadders but after the newts have had their fill I'm expecting few(if any) survivors. After last year's very successful season it is a little hard to take but I suppose that is how nature is.

[Placido]

Any theories as to why, Jacksparrow ? After all, it's been a very mild winter and a good run-up to spring .....

[Jacksparrow]

Any theories as to why, Jacksparrow ? After all, it's been a very mild winter and a good run-up to spring .....

There were plenty of frogs for spawning and plenty of spawn but I don't seem to have had the right mix of male and female. We did have some cold nights during the spawning season but not cold enough to damage the spawn I wouldn't have thought.

[Placido]

A mystery of nature

[nuthatch]

Aliens - they come down in the night and mess with stuff

[Placido]

Just been watching a "There must be Life out there" type of programme and I wouldn't be a little bit surprised.
Given the boggling figures involved, there simply HAVE to be more life planets - whatever form they take.

[Jacksparrow]

My Tadpole might be down on numbers but those that have survived are progressing well. The back legs are appearing now so the front set will be along very soon.

[Placido]

that your taddies are thriving, Jacksparrow. The world needs more frogs
Maybe the final numbers will be around the same.