As I passed the garden pond yesterday I heard the unmistakeable sound of frisky frogs. The throaty croaking sound was being produced by a large male frog who was holding on tightly to his chosen mate. Hopefully for him it was a female as amorous male frogs will grasp on to any moving object including other male frogs. The fish were curious and kept swimming up for a closer look at what was going on. A wise fish wouldn't risk being at such close quarters to a male frog whose hormones were tingling. In the absence of a suitable female an amorous male frog will latch on to a fish which can cause a problem especially if he covers the fishes gill slits. Once attached he is almost impossible to shake off so can drown the fish.
I'm not sure whether the onlooker is another male or female frog but they obviously don't know that three is a crowd. I'm guessing the gooseberry is a female as a male would as likely or not pile on top in an attempt to dislodge the competition.
If that wasn't enough romance for one day, down on the plot the ladybirds were also feeling frisky
This time at least those not involved had the decency to look away! Whilst I was busy with the stills camera Martyn filmed all the action and has posted on his blog here. I must warn you though his video isn't suitable for anyone with a nervous disposition as it doesn't just show ladybirds.
Isn't it amazing what a little sunshine can set in motion.
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It looks like spring is in the air!
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't think so today though Robin!
DeleteHmmm, just look what a little bit of sunshine starts.
ReplyDeleteMmm we'd better take cover, Jo
DeleteWell, I'll ignore the subject matter and just say those are fabulous photos!
ReplyDeleteI expect our resident Starlings are "At it" too, judging by all the activity in the eaves near our bedroom.
I think frisky is quite a polite way of putting it, Mark
DeleteI found frog spawn in the little river beside my plot today. It could be toad but I don't know the difference, it's definately spawn though.
ReplyDeleteFrog spawn is laid in a clump Liz and toad spawn is in ribbons. Any spawn we get is likely to become fish food I'm afraid but I guess that is why they produce so much - if it all survived we would have a plague of frogs
DeleteI do love frogs. We don't get them here but mum and dad do although I hadn't seen them there for years (as a result of the drought) until this year. There are tiny frogs all through their veggie patch - I've found them peaking out of Chinese cabbages, jumping from capsicum leaves and under any stray piece of wood laying around.
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of frogs and toads on the plot Liz. They can give quite a surprise when we are weeding. I'm forever carrying them to saftely when we are mowing grass or using the cultivator.
DeleteBrilliant frog photo - haven't seen any in our pond yet
ReplyDeleteThese were the first three, Elaine and usually we have lots more but then again the sun has disappeared
DeleteThis did make me laugh! Spring is on the way. YAY!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's changed its mind today Alan
Deletewonderful photography love the frog picture
ReplyDeleteThen you may like the ones I took last year here Stacy
DeleteI have seen quite a few signs of life over the last week and it's great to see the birds preparing to build nests too...Spring is definitely on it's way!!
ReplyDeleteIt is Tanya but I have a couple of shrubs that I wanted to prune before the birds moved in - maybe I'm too late
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