Howdy,
Earlier this spring, I took a few photos of the frogs during their mating season. Some of you may remember that I took a photo thinking that there was a single frog in the image, only to discover about sixteen when I got it loaded up on the computer.
The frogs are too well adapted for me to see them until they jump. Using advanced frog-catching tactics (not really), I scared one into the park's gravel lot and caught him. After a little struggling and various escape attempts, I managed to get him to sit still for a few photos.
I had a nice conversation with one of the park rangers about them a few hours beforehand. Apparently, the bird population isn't able to keep the frogs' numbers under control this year. She didn't know if it was a result of the odd weather, but they are apparently keeping the people camping in the park awake at night! I don't know why they would be complaining, though. Frog song is soothing.
Large population or not, these frogs are in absolutely no danger of going hungry. The insect population is also having a boom year. The mosquitos are positively swarming and the dragonflies don't seem able to keep up. I haven't seen many butteflies this summer, though, aside from some red admirals that came through early in the spring.
After a few shots on the ground, I put the little frog up on my car hood for some reflection shots. He protested a bit, but seemed to enjoy the slightly warm hood after a minute or so. After a few final photos, I carefully carried him back to the mosquito-infested foliage at from whence he came and he hopped away as fast as a tiny young frog can hop.
As for myself, it appears I will remain in Mankato for a little longer. I decided not to accept an employment offer as a teacher, due to the salary. If I am to be stuck living in the USA for the remainder of my days, I need to find employment lucrative enough to start building a retirement account.
Mr. Frog doesn't have to worry about such things. Financial system aside, his chances of reaching a ripe old age are very slim. If he does manage to survive the myriad of predators and avoid becoming a pancake on the roadway, From what I remember, they live around six years.
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@fotosdenada