Homing Frogs

[PanBiker]

The common Frog is a protected species and it is actually against the law to disturb it and it's habitat which includes taking and moving spawn. It is a little known fact that the law exists probably because it is rarely prosecuted.

Now if you create the pond and the frogs choose to take up habitat that is a different matter entirely.

[Tizer]

I agree with Stanley. We're members of the Somerset Wildlife Trust and well aware of the concerns about spreading disease but our pond is new, and in a garden enclosed by fences and the walls of other houses. It was just grass and paving before our changes. So we're effectively introducing frogs to the garden rather than mixing them with a present population. The spawn is from a another person's pond and not from the wild. And we wouldn't put frogs or spawn from our pond into the wild.

[PanBiker]

Not criticising Tiz just relaying the legal position and recommended practice. Similar to a quarantine regime I suppose. The frogs and spawn in your friends pond are still wild, I don't think we have domesticated frogs yet.

[Tizer]

No problem, I didn't take any offence. I just feel that sometimes the wildlife groups need to ease off a bit and keep a balance.

[Stanley]

Tiz, I don't think you and Janet need worry too much about the DOE turning up with a Black Maria!

[Wendyf]

Lots of frog activity in the pond this afternoon!

[Stanley]

Not surprised, almost balmy for two afternoons in a row. I think we may have wintered. I'm seriously considering taking one of my two Damart vests off and cutting my hair!

[Tizer]

Our frog spawn is coming on well. Five balls of spawn and all developing into crescent shaped embryos.

[Stanley]

Nice! I haven't seen any frogs but the Daffs are starting to flower, the croci are making a brave show on the Green and my Lilac buds are getting bigger in the front garden. All good signs! (And it's almost daylight by 06:00.)

[Tizer]

The daffs here were open at the start of January. Lots of shrubs are in flower that should be so until late spring or summer. Rosemary has been in flower throughout winter, daisies have been in flower for a while. We have a field of buttercups in flower. It's all tops-turvy!

[Stanley]

During my days tramping round mainland Britain I soon realised that there were micro climates all over the country. It was a constant surprise to me that Barlick was about the latest Spring in the country. I have seen daffodils and bumble bees in the far north of Scotland when we were months away from such things. The Mull of Galloway in particular was a hot spot due to the Gulf Stream, they hardly ever saw any snow in winter. Prestwick Airport was noted for the fact that it had less bad flying days than any other airport in Britain. BA used it for training their pilots on new types like the Boeing 747 for that reason.

[Tizer]

Our frog spawn is making good progress. Of the five balls of spawn the one in the lead has got to the point were the embryonic tadpoles have obvious gills and they are leaving the egg sacs and congregating in the middle of the spawn. I think they're having a COBRA meeting to decide what to do next!

[Stanley]

I hope they don't get hit by a cold spell Tiz.

[Tizer]

The first tadpoles have now left the egg mass and gone deeper to feed on the algae. They'll be safer from the cold down there. It's lovely to watch new life beginning!

[Stanley]

I agree Tiz, we need these signs of returning life at this time of the year when the graupel is coming at you horizontal on the wind! I look for buds and flowers, even in our late region there are signs.....

[Wendyf]

Our resident frogs are getting active in the pond!

[Stanley]

Wonderful!! The first sign of Spring!!

[Tizer]

The man who gave us frog spawn last year now has frogs back in his pond. They'll be very active here because we've got constant rain and mild temperatures at the moment.

[Stanley]

No word from Julie yet.....

[Wendyf]

Lots of croaking frogs today. Where do they all come from?

[Sue]

Nothing here

[Stanley]

They look happy Wendy. Perhaps you have a hardy strain up there on the mountain.

[Wendyf]

The pond is bubbling with froggy activity again. On Saturday night I caught a tawny owl on the cctv camera, sat on the side of the pond watching the frogs for about half an hour before pouncing on one and flying off.

[Stanley]

Well, it is the first day of March..... Nice to hear... and have you noticed how light it is getting early in the morning?

[Wendyf]

Yes, it's almost light now at 6.30am.