FROGS AND SNAKES! YE GADS!
This animal came out for a sunbath on Saturday. I disturbed him enough to have him seek refuge by swimming in the pond at Totman Cove. The water temperature must have chilled him because he came back to shore to have his picture taken. He looked so beautiful and clean with lots of yellow scales. I left him to his peace, while following the shoreline in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Wood Frogs that were too far from shore for a picture. These frogs have a weird love song that sounds sort of like a duck quacking! The males sing to attract the females, and they usually come hopping or swimming......then bang! There is what is known as amplexus, a frog mating term. All of this takes place in about 2 weeks time, then their voices are again quiet. The adults leave the pond, and their eggs hatch and develop into tadpoles. These Wood Frogs are usually the first to vocalize, but the Peepers are sure to follow. Their calls last longer, and are more shrill. I can't wait.

To the right is a picture of some Wood Frogs taken one spring down in Connecticut. The picture shows the black mask of these brownish frogs. There are even two mating, if you look closely. Of course, these animals were freed after a short stay in this bucket. Sometimes, you can induce a "croak" by stroking their throats, if it is a male! These frogs are not large..maybe 4 inches max. Peepers are 1/4 that size, and very hard to find. Wood Frogs are aptly named since the woods are their homes. Spring vernal pools are sought for egg laying so keep your eyes and ears open for these temporary wet sites.

Remember my mentioning the Woodcock in my last report? Just to refresh your memory, here is my take on what that bird looks like. I read a few more interesting facts about this animal. It can eat its weight in earthworms within 24 hours, but it also eats insects and seeds. According to nature writer, Jean George, "Earthworms have shaped the woodcock, a snipe like bird of the forest floor. This creature has a long narrow bill that looks like a pencil and fits neatly into the burrows of the worms. But the bill has its disadvantages: With it buried deep in a worm hole the woodcock is vulnerable to attack from above. To counteract this danger, the woodcock has eyes near the top of his head. This singular device permits him to scan the trees for danger even when his beak is buried. A successful arrangement for longevity---but it certainly creates an odd-looking creature."

One wonders how these creatures have escaped the latest storm. Our winds were of hurricane proportions with rain, heavy at times. High tides and flooded wetlands have been a great concern. I tried to head down to the shoreline, but was turned back by water across Route 209. So that story remains to be told. At least there has been no further accumulation of snow. Keep tuned.
4/17/07 Blown away Ronnie.