Springing

The pond is waking!

Yes, yes--it's only March. But our ears already strain to hear the first peeper anyway.

Here are the first crocuses:

Races

The frozen pond provides a great short-cut for critters. These parallel tracks make me believe that they have secret races... deer? turkeys?

Frosty pond

The first snow of the season fell Saturday evening, and

ice sealed the pond. Frogs and turtles are all tucked into the mud until Spring!

Last Baskers

Soaking up the last of the sun's warmth, this pair of brave little turtles huddled in the crisp air on the log today, surrounded by a pond filled with Fall leaves. They might be the last ones we see until Spring.

No frog sightings today, though.

Autumn snooze

After a week of chilly weather, including some rain and even snow flurries, today is gorgeous. The pond critters have all hunkered down for the winter, though. No turtles or frogs in site. Only life forms were birds and this little grasshopper.

Frog & Friends

Postcard days---that's what we've been having. Heartbreak blue skies, light breezes, that nearly-fall chill in the air.... and the almost sad feeling that winter will be here before we're ready.

September

I actually had to look for frogs today. Usually, when I get within 10 feet of the pond there's a yerping and leaping and splashing of energetic amphibians, indignant that I have disturbed their sunning. But it was only about 60 degrees this morning, and no ribbity squawks announced my arrival. I made my way to the other side of the pond, and was boldly harassed by this little red squirrel who apparently thought I was after the juicy acorn clenched in her jaws. I didn't know a squirrel could talk with its mouth full. Hmmm.

Finally----a few frogs and a solitary turtle, soaking up the September sun.