The nights have dropped into the mid-30's F., and even though the sun has been out every day, I have not seen the frogs all week. I would have to conclude that they have chosen to go into hibernation, or what they term brumation for frogs. Typically, they start in late October here in New York. I have found them at the bottom of the pond in the spring, but sometimes they don't make it because it's shallow.
This one is my favorite this summer. She has so much character and watches me carefully whenever I have to clean the filter out. She will scoot under these rocks until I'm finished.
She decided to claim the opening in the frog house, while the male sits off to the right. They often stay close to each other, true togetherness!
On this day, the male claimed the toad house, and the female stayed below it.
Have you ever taken the time to watch a frog for any length of time? When I sit on the back porch, I can see them all afternoon. They literally stay in one spot for hours at a time. Then decide to leap into the water and up onto another rock.
Once in a while, I will see them leap up into the air to catch a bug flying by.
I think it is so cute when they hide inside the toad house. I wonder if anything flies in there so she can eat it.
The needles from the Hemlock Pine are falling into the water along with many Maple tree leaves. I keep skimming the water to remove them the best I can, but every day it's the same. She has begun to change color, losing most of the green.
I knew it would not be long before they would disappear until spring. May is often when I will see one or two show up. Then by the end of the month, I have had up to seven inhabit the little pond.
I adore this photo of her. She let me get up close with my phone camera to capture her little eyes above the water. I'm going to miss them! It's hard to say goodbye to all my summer critters, bees, birds, and butterflies. Not to forget all the wonderful flowers.
The last of the fall crocuses are long gone. Leaves are falling all around; a few more lawn mowings, and I will be raking every day. The first hard frost hit last night, making it really feel like fall is in full swing. Goodbye summer, goodbye frogs, until next year.
