Thursday 14 July 2011

The Last of the Frogs

 

This year was a great year for frogs. Over the last month the tadpoles have been completing their metamorphosis and hundreds of tiny frogs have already left the pond.

But there are still some tadpoles left.

These are the ones that swim more slowly so I’m guessing they are the ones that were not as fortunate in the genetic handout at the beginning of their lives.

Some are albinos with transparent skin.

Some have tails that are tinged with a white edge. I’m guessing it might be a fungal infection.

Some are healthy but are showing no sign of transformation and some of the others have developed arms but no legs.

I’m guessing that some of these healthy looking tadpoles may be intending to over-winter in the pond. A few of the others are still probably about to leave in the next month, and the rest are none too well.

The pond weed is showing signs of returning, but the oxygenating plants are there in numbers and the lily leaves are spreading well.

It has been fun seeing tiny frogs sitting on the lily leaves.

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