I found out two very important pieces of information this weekend:
1. How to tell if a bullfrog is male or female. See that little circle just behind its eye? That's their eardrum. If it is the size of the eye, it is a female. If it is larger, it is a male. So, this bullfrog is a female--which I already knew because it didn't croak...or "call".
2. Frogs are territorial--this I knew somewhat. But what I didn't know is that they will kill other frogs over territory. There are out and out battles with leaps and attacks--some leading to holding the opponent under the water and drowning. Ah HAH! So, that is what I am figuring happened to the frog in my pond last weekend. I think the darned thing drowned. Makes complete sense. When frogs die, you don't find them floating like I did. This was definitely a healthy frog--one that died quickly.
Along with the lead on how the frog died last weekend, I've also noticed that my frog numbers are down from four to one....maybe two. I had the same thing happen a few years ago, I had one frog who bullied the others to leave the pond. And now, I think we have ourselves a bully again.
So, what to do? Do we introduce tadpoles just in case this bully leaves and then we have no frogs this summer? Do we just let nature take its course and see what happens? Sheesh, who knew frogs and ponds could be so darn exciting?
Or not.
It's sort of like the rest of the world though, you know? Battles--wee and epic. Love, jealousy, bullies, and friendships all play a part of everyday pond life. There are days in the warm sun and far too many under snow and ice. It's happy, it's sad. It is chock full of life, but it also has its fair share of death.
All that in just over 1000 gallons.
16 comments:
It's survival of the fittest in nature... even in the froggy world.
I never knew there were frog bullies either. Bullies are everywhere...
I am hoping you get some tadpoles. How else will we get any more frog stories if your last one leaves??
xo Catherine
I would vote for the tadpoles. Maybe you can find out who is the bully and relocate him to another pond.
I do think it is amazing how creatures adapt to their environment and YES, survival of the fittest!
Small pond life there at the Duck and Wheel
I vote for tadpoles too just in case:)
Wow, frogs are complicated! War, gluttony, gruesome deaths... Maybe you could start some kind of frog reality show, rake in the millions!
Wow...good info to know! That would be a tough call, and you couldn't predict what kind of personalities any new tadpoles might have either. Hmn...
A mini-cosmos in a pond, mirroring life top-side, and the human condition as well? *laughter* (with a British accent)
I never knew anyone who knew as much about frogs as you do Lin. If it wasn't for you, I'd never know these things.
Wow! Froggy bullies? Who Knew???
You are having just waaaay too much fun over there at your place! ;)
one other important fact Lin that frog legs taste like chicken . lol
Frogs sound way more complicated than I imagined! By the way, it was nice today finally so I opened the windows and heard lots of those spring sounds you talked about. I almost shut the windows just to tune it out!
Omg, I love Rebecca's comment: Frog reality show! LOL...
Good grief, even frogs are ruthless.
Diane--It's ugly, Diane. And not for the faint of heart.
Lisa--Oh, it's nasty. And I'm the one who has to clean it up! Blech!
Catherine--I think I will always get tadpoles. But don't tell Joe. ;)I think he'd like the pond to just be water. Boring old water.
Anne--I think it will be okay after mating season. I think I'll get some. Don't tell Joe. ;)
Tracy--But can't we all just get along??! Ugh. It can get ugly out there.
Patty--It's small, but it is EXCITING!! :P
Mary Ann--Me too. At least while the kids are still at home with me.
Rebecca--Ooooh, YEAH! I like that idea!! I need a night-vision camera!
Nancy--You never know with frogs. There are so many predators too. I think I will end up getting some more.
Vanilla--I like the accent! ;) It's anthropomorphism in reality. (That's my big word for the week!)
Marilynne--Yeah, you never know when you need frog information! hahaha! I just learn as I go along. Oh, I think about our first frog that I made stay in a wee little tub of water that first winter!! Poor thing! He needed land--what did I know???
A.Marie--Well, I only have fun if they are nice to each other. Burial services for frog friends are never fun. :(
Paul--PAUL!! BITE YOUR TONGUE!!
Beaded Tail--Frogs ARE complicated and that is why I get frustrated trying to find more information on them. I'm glad you got to open windows today! :)
Petula--Nature is ruthless--I just don't like to see it in my yard.
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