Friday 31 July 2015

Frog pond studies 201

I've been thrilled to bits with my recycled dock. Lots of visitors. The macro photos have been fun.
fairy shrimp
The wood frog eggs have hatched, the tadpoles grown and transformed into frogs.

The bullfrogs were off in the shade, the sun just too hot for them. One was under the dock, in the shade. The cats were happy with it, though.

I took a chair down, and while the morning's peace and beauty is tainted by a kazillion mosquitoes, in the heat of the afternoon sitting under an overhanging branch in the shade, there are no bugs. I couldn't believe it! I haven't grabbed a photo of the chair, but it is there!

salamander larvae
There are a few bullfrog tadpoles in the pond.

What I thought was a pond puppy or water dog, was a salamander larvae. I learned this from Ontario reptiles and amphibians. (I was sort of disappointed!) Both have external gills.
 I'll have to do some more searching. I have neglected my macro lens for awhile.

The pond critters are amazing and varied.
water slaters or water-lice
cyclops, subclass copepoda
There are many blue-striped salamanders in our forest.

10 comments:

Out To Pasture said...

Wow! What a rich, rich pond habitat you have there! Thank you for the tour. So many Interesting characters. Your dock idea was brilliant!
Cheers, Florence

eileeninmd said...

I love the salmander, neat photos and post. Happy Friday, have a great weekend!

Christine said...

nice photos!

Christine said...

nice photos!

Debbie said...

sounds fun....being up close and personal. my thing as well!!!

William Kendall said...

The cats must be wishing summer is over, considering how hot the last few days have been!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
What a perfect place for unwinding and finding!!! YAM xx

Karen said...

Is that Dora sprawled at your feet enjoying the view?

Red said...

More people should take time to sit on the dock. They might learn a few things.

Nancy J said...

Photo #4, from the end, I can see this printed, framed and on your wall, truly stunning, peaceful, and the dock is a well built structure that will withstand many many years of use. Well Done!! Hugs to you both. All Ok here after a night of lots of pain. Sitting in a vehicle is not good yet.