As I write this (Sunday 1730) the sun is still shining out of an unblemished sky and the wind is little more than a Hebridean breeze. This morning there was no wind at all but it was really dull and miserable. Why am telling you this? Yesterday there was a fairly rare occurrence in the garden of a Song Thrush smashing a snail on rocks next to the pond. This morning the pond was full of frogs enjoying considerable rumpy pumpy. One was even chasing a goldfish (which was twice it's size). So presumably the pond will soon be awash with frogspawn some of which will doubtless end up as fish food.
Unfortunately the light was very poor so the pictures of the thrush are a bit blurred because of the motion.
If that isn't spring (the frogs enjoying some), then I don't know!
ReplyDeleteOnly the second picture is a little blurred, but that just serves to enhance the impression of movement. The first one is a very clear portrait of the thrush.
It was gorgeous here yesterday, and I went flying with a friend in an ultra-lightweight two-seater (he has, of course, a pilot licence) - it was perfect!!! Post will follow, naturally.
Oh Meike I envy you. I used to wander around the Islands in small(ish) aircraft and helicopters and I just loved it. I've been up a couple of times in New Zealand but not for some years.
DeleteThe birds are singing away and it is not even light yet - it must be Spring but Winter will surely biter us in the bum one more time at least.
ReplyDeleteCJ I'm sure that we'll see plenty more winter yet. I've spent a lot of the day in the garden doing some essential post-storm repairs and maintenance. It's been glorious if a little chilly. It's difficult to believe sometimes how quickly the weather can change.
DeleteIt doesn't feel like spring but your frogs think it is. I would be the last person to gainsay a frog.
ReplyDeleteI never argue with frogs withe Adrian. They just seem to ignore every word I say.
DeleteThose pics of frogs are clearly leaving something discreetly to the imagination!
ReplyDeleteJenny some of the pictures I didn't manage to take left absolutely nothing to the imagination. I'm still wondering about the frog chasing the goldfish though.
DeleteIt;'s a long time since I saw a thrush, Graham. I'm glad they are still around. I know they're scarce nowadays, whci is so sad.
ReplyDeleteI don't see many thrushes or blackbirds here Frances. It may be because there are very few trees near me.
DeleteYou've got spring with all that happening. We're still 6 weeks away from any interesting frog activity. Now, are your frogs a native species that just found your pond or did you buy them for the pond?
ReplyDeleteI think, Red, that there is frog spring and flower spring and human spring and they are not necessarily all the same.
DeleteI'm glad you're getting some signs of spring, Graham. I know that if there is something you've been 'missing' over the years of double summers, it's early spring! :)
ReplyDeleteYes it is Monica although I'd like my early spring to be a tad warmer than it is at the moment.
DeleteLast night I pulled up the covers, the slightest touch of cooler weather has arrived. Just enough to notice. I wish it could stay like this all year. I certainly would like warm weather to arrive for you guys but not in any hurry to welcome the cold here. Your frog pics are delightful!
ReplyDeletePauline warm weather is all relative. On the Island I think of 17 ºC as warm whereas in Napier I think of 17 ºC as Baltic.
DeleteSpring is on its way....yeah for you!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a bird smashing a snail on a rock for food....very interesting.
I don't care for the frogs in the pond, but it's good that they can enjoy themselves in the water and not be a nuisance to the fish.