Well. Having captured a close up of the male, I think, and seeing a big clump of spawn, I have been expecting some more action soon, especially as the temperature has jumped to a reasonable warmth today, after several days of thick frost. And I’m not disappointed.
I’d put an SD card in the wildlife camera last night but I haven’t had a chance to look yet. When I got home from work today, I went down to Tiny Pond and immediately spotted what was happening. The frogs didn’t scuttle under the leaves as usual when I approached. They stayed very still in the same position for as long as I was there, the male holding the female close, her front legs and fingers spread wide. This is the mating embrace, called amplexus, which may last for several hours until the female lays her eggs and the male fertilises them.
I got a clear shot with my phone camera from above the water. Then I ran in to fetch the endoscope. Easing it gently into place underwater, linked by WiFi to my mobile, I got a shot which is less well defined but full of colour, like an artists impression.
It’s frustrating that I don’t have a better quality camera at the moment but I’m just pleased to have captured the moment. And I’m hopeful that there will be more spawn in the pond tomorrow. I will report back…
FROG BLOG 