;)
Frogspawn was spotted in abundance in one of the ponds on the Sandstone Ridge today!
And, just 3 days later than 2020!!
So preoccupied have we all been with the 'Beast from the East 2' and the endless rain and wind that we seem to have overlooked that signs of Spring are clearly here.
If you haven't yet seen it, you will probably hear the frogs — they make such a noise during the mating season!
Look out for large clumps of eggs which will be clearly visible in your garden and/or farm ponds. Whilst this might seem excessive, it ensures that some spawn survives, and that some of the tadpoles might actually become froglets.
It is estimated that only 1/50 of the eggs laid will actually make it to froglet stage.
Regrettably, the impact of some modern agricultural practices, the loss of ponds and increases in amphibian disease mean that our native frog is no longer that 'common'.
And, one of our Farmers in the Farmer Network also announced the arrival of the first lamb today — a hectic couple of months ahead.