Running Back in Time

When I walked Spot this morning, I found that the daytime, spring frogs were out in full force.  The first time I heard these guys, I was sure there were hundreds of ducks out back.  They really sound like they're quacking.  So, I've named them quackers.  Down near their little pool, I saw maybe thirty of them in an area that two adults could encircle with their arms if they held hands.  So cool!  They all ducked (quackers!) under really quickly.  I decided then and there to bring my camera when I ran.  I wanted to: 1. get their picture cause it was really neat seeing so many frogs in such a small area, and 2. try to identify them (I'm sure they have a real name).

I didn't get back out till nearly 4 pm.  I'd run a pretty fast 3/4 mile (for muddy fields) by the time I came to the frog territory.  I could hear some quacking, but also some peeping.  Was it like the shift change?  The first little pool, I saw my quackers, but they submerged before I could get them in the viewfinder.  I should have taken a shot of all the little ripples left in their wake.  I could hear both peeping and quacking coming from the next little pool over the next knoll.  I ran there with the camera ready.

Before I even got to the pool, the frogs had quieted.  Had the other group alerted them some how?!  While I stood in the water coughing, I realized I hadn't exactly snuck up on them.  I took a shot of the eggs that were right where all the frogs had been in the morning.  There I stood, mid-calf deep, waiting for the frogs to resurface.  It seemed like an eternity.  I would not make a good wildlife photographer.  Onward....

Frog Habitat

Frog Eggs

Waiting in Mucky Water

I ran out till the field got too crappy (see previous post), then turned back.  The frog pools were still silent.  I will get them!  On to the hill across the street.  I decided to check the beaver pool to see if the frogs were active there.

On the way, running pretty fast, I felt like I was 10 or 11.  I was kind of doing what I did back then, playing in the water looking for critters.  As I approached the little swamp, I listened for the amphibians.  Not a peep...or a quack.  No sign of the beavers either (I didn't read that at 10, but Sam did).  Oh!  There went a big polliwog!!!  I tried to snap a picture, but the reflection on the water prevented it.  I spent another ten minutes trying to catch one.  I'm usually pretty good at it, but I had the camera in one hand.

I'm not sure when bear wake up, but I heard an odd sound.  It sounded like a bear to me.  Was I really ten?  At least it snapped me out of my polliwog quest; I had dinner to be starting.  I ran home.  Coming up the driveway, I noticed the big pond was ice-free.  Now we'll be hearing the peepers big time!

Notice the Mallard Pair

Further up the drive, I could see my Ally kitty coming to greet me.  What a great run!  I love playing in mud, trying to catch whatever.   Running was the way to get around when we were kids.  There was more of the in between stuff, less of the running, but today definitely brought me back.  I love to run off road : )

Crazy Cat

Mud!