A group of leopards is called a leap, which seems appropriate for this species of leopard:
Northern Leopard Frog (I think) |
I have a hard time telling the difference between the Northern Leopard Frog and the Pickerel Frog. I tend not to pick them up to study the inside of their thighs where the difference in color can clearly identify them (the pickerel frog has bright yellow thighs which the leopard frog lacks). But the poorly-shaped and haphazardly arranged splotches on its back are indicative of the leopard frog; the pickerel frog has better defined spots. Here's a mature pickerel frog I saw last June:
And a Pickerel Frog (I think!) |
All the ones I'm seeing now are small, indicating they are newly emerged this year. Both of these frog species hatch from eggs laid in the spring in ponds. They develop through a tadpole phase and if they escape predators, they emerge onto land in mid-summer and start to spread out, which we are seeing now. The pickerel frog is widespread in New Hampshire and not a species of concern, whereas the northern leopard frog is a Species of Special Concern and listed in the NH Wildlife Action Plan as a Species in Greatest Need of Conservation. Seeing a lot of leopard frogs is a good sign of a healthy habitat.
As quick as they are, frogs are not safe from predators. They're one of the favorite foods of the Great Blue Heron which are often seen standing like statues on the shoreline waiting for a frog to come within striking distance of their long neck. But this week on a morning paddle I found a heron in another common, though surprising venue.
Great Blue Heron perched in a White Pine tree. |
Whether in water where it's legs imitate lily pad stalks or up in a pine tree, they are well hidden.
Where's the heron? |
Spending more of their life away from water, toads are less likely to be taken by a heron, but of course they will be snatched up if found. Toads are getting large and plump this time of year after feasting on various insects and grubs all summer.
Toads, though amphibians, are found in drier climates than frogs, even at the top of mountains like this one near the summit of Red Hill.
And it sure is dry out there. At the White Mountain Ledge in the Hamlin Town Forest the blueberry bushes and maple trees at the exposed ledge are curling up and turning brown.
Shriveling blueberries |
and brown maple leaves. |
A slowly-flowing stream below a beaver pond. |
And Lake Wicwas, fed by two beaver-dammed ponds (as well as springs) is only down about an inch from full lake level.
Measured at the Wicwas outlet yesterday. |
Nature has a way of taking care of itself, if allowed.
The colors of late summer are starting to fully develop; it's a beautiful time to be in the woods or on the water. But this entry is long enough, so I'll add just one scene of what's to come next to lure us out into nature in the coming weeks.
The colors of late summer at the lake. |
P.S. Regarding the loons, Star hasn't been seen for a couple of days, so we are concerned - stay tuned.