Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Froggy colonisation

Our pond was filled on January 1 and on that very night we saw a large green tree frog, Litoria caerulea, sitting on the edge of it. For the past couple of nights several green tree frogs have been calling from near the pond as well, although none is calling tonight. About four nights ago another species began calling from the pond, this one is called the bleating tree frog, Litoria dentata, and they make a very distinctive 'bleating' call. There were four males calling from around the edge of the pond tonight. I think there may also have been a dainty tree frog, Litoria gracilenta, but I shall need to make a positive ID on that one first. The herpetologist in me is curious about how froggy colonisation of the pond will take place over the coming months.
So far no cane toads have turned up.

2 comments:

Louise said...

How fascinating for you to watch

micha said...

pond as in the pond that you just built in the deck? That is fascinating, since there is no green immediately around it. Wow!
We don't have frogs! There are tons of dragonflies buzzing around though, but none comes close to the pond - strange! I am still hoping that when I build the big pond it will change ;-)