As many of you know, today, March 20, 2023 is the first day of spring. But, today is also World Frog Day.
I love frogs. I mean they eat bugs. But I also love listening to them late at night. Of course, right now in mid-Michigan we are still experiencing cold, snowy weather. Today, the wind is making everything feel extra cold.
Hopefully, soon I can open up the windows to listen to the frogs singing all night.
Until next time… peace
From my understanding, there are approximately 3,000 species of snakes around the world.
Today, February 1st celebrates serpents and snakes alike. So I thought I would share a few of my snake photos.
Like everything in nature, I find snakes fascinating.
Until next time…peace
Today, April 29, 2017, is Save the Frogs Day.
I personally have always loved frogs. As a child, I use to watch them jump in the ponds and creeks. I would imagine their worlds. I still incorporate frogs into my stories. I imagine them interacting with fairies and other woodland creatures.
As an adult, I still think about the frogs’ life. At the same time, I consider the frogs’ environment. Throughout the years, the push for modernization comes at a price. I would hate to see the frog population continue to decrease. The disappearance of frogs is just sad.
Even though I do not know the facts, I am sure the impact of the ecological system would be significant. In my area, the decrease in frogs would mean an increase in mosquitoes and other pesky insects.
My request? Take the time to learn about the frogs in your area. Find out how to help with your local environment. You do not need to join large groups to help the environment, plant flowers, pick up litter, small gestures by a large number of individuals will have a large impact.
Until next time…..peace
In mid-Michigan, the last couple of days has been warm. I mean, the state is being declared a moderate drought zone. Now normally, I don’t mind the heat. But, the added humidity just seems to drain all my energy. So, I have been rather….lazy. Well, lazy for me.
Spending most of my days indoors with the comfort of the fans. I don’t have air conditioning which is an investment I may have to make at some point. I have managed to catch up on some social media networking and writing. And, I even picked up a book for some afternoon reading. So, I guess the warmer days have some benefits. I don’t really want to complain. Because I know in a few months, we will have snow.
But toward the evening hours, I tend to wander outdoors. The one aspect I have noticed, the wildlife seem to be having lazy summer days too. The bullfrogs float in the shallow water along the creek bed’s edge.
I have spotted turtles just lazily floating along. Diving down for a quick cool off and coming back up to the surface to float again.
The forecast is calling for continuous warm days with a chance for a rain shower at some point. I am absolutely convinced if a rain shower occurs, I will be outdoors standing in the middle of the downpour.
Until next time…..peace
I have been enjoying time away from my computer. Oh, don’t get me wrong I am still meeting my article deadlines. My editor would not be happy with me if I work was not in on time. But I have also been enjoying the warm weather. One great aspect about this time of year is all the babies.
But I have also been outdoors more enjoying the warm weather. With combating the weeds and viewing the everything nature has to offer, I just seem to lose track of time. One great aspect about this time of year is all the babies.
One great aspect about this time of year is all the babies.
Baby birds, ducks, and geese are easily viewable.
And, the tadpoles are so much fun to watch along the water’s edge.
I have not been able to spot any baby deer yet. I have three does who visit my yard every night. I can tell, they are very pregnant. So, I am hoping I will soon see a couple of fawns.
Until next time…peace
Originally, my plan for today was to mow the lawn. After I reached half way around my yard, I soon realized, I could not finish. The yard had standing water from the other night’s rain. So, I decided to do some wandering.
Being in nature and unplugging for a short time helps me stay creative.
Frogs and more frogs, and tadpoles….
Some wildlife was harder to spot than others.
Who is watching who?
“What is there to life
if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of a whippoorwill
or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night?”
Chief Seattle, 1854
Today, April 30, 2016, is Save the Frogs day. I love listening to the frogs. When I hear the sounds of frogs croaking loudly, I know warmer weather is being ushered in. I look forward to their beautiful sounds after each long winter. The different croaking sounds create a song over the nearby fields, ponds, and river flats that surround my house.
Frogs serve as an important role in our fragile ecosystem. In tadpole form, the growing frogs keep water areas clean from over growing algae. As the little frogs grow into adulthood, they begin eating insects as part of their diet. The consumption of insects is important in keeping the potential spread of diseases down.
For example, mosquitos have been known to transmit diseases to humans. Frogs help in keeping the mosquito population down. Without frogs, mosquitos and other insects would be out of control. An increasing population of insects would create serious pest control problems for humans.
Frogs are also known as an indicator species. When the frogs’ living environment becomes polluted, the results will be easy to view in the frogs’ offspring. The new frogs will be born with abnormalities which provide a warning to humans living in the same area. Protecting the frogs’ natural environment will, in turn, protect humans.
Honestly, I cannot imagine the world without frogs that let me know the Earth is awakening after a winter slumber.
Until next time….peace….
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
– J.R.R. Tolkien
The past week has been cooler which allows me to enjoy every bit of the outdoors. I am not much for hot humid days. I know I should not complain about the heat because winter will be here before I know it. I can already see the signs of the upcoming fall season.
I love this time of year. I know warmer days are still in the forecast. But I am ready for September and October. The two months that seem to be speak to my heart as the blanket of winter approaches. Mother Nature always provides the settle hints that a new season will soon be issued in. Even though today is rainy, I plan to enjoy as much of the outdoors as I possible can during this transition of seasons.
Until next time….peace…
I was just informed that today, April 25, 2015 is also “Save the Frog Day”. I absolutely love frogs. During the warm months, I have all the windows open and the frogs “sing” me to sleep at night. There’s just something about listening to frogs (and crickets) on a warm summer night to remind me why I live in the country.
Why Have a Save the Frog Day?
Amphibians are considered to be one of the most endangered little creatures on the planet. In fact, over “1/3 of the world’s species are on the brink of extinction” (SavetheFrog, 2015). I cannot imagine a world without frogs. Their “voice” would be gone forever.
The Threats
Of course, the main threat to frogs comes from humans. Humans have caused reduced habitants, pollutions from various pesticides and over harvesting for food consumption. Climate change and infectious diseases also play a part in the reduction of the amphibian population. Often there is a combination of two different factors to cause a decrease in the frog population. A reduced immune system due to a pesticide can leave a frog susceptible to infectious diseases.
How to Help
One of the best ways to help is by being aware of the situation. Participate in local recycling programs; less pollutants and debris in the environment is a major step in the right direction. Properly dispose of household chemicals, unused paint, and other hazardous materials at proper collection station. When pollutants and pesticides get into the water; all wildlife is at risk.
If everything goes as planned, I am actually going to have a pond dug in my yard. There’s already a two ponds on the back property and the main creek runs through it as well. But I want a pond in my yard. Don’t get me wrong I love walking down to see all the wildlife. However, there are days were my schedule is tight; I still would live to be able to go out to view different creatures. Yes, I do plan to use the area for photography reasons.
Until next time….peace.
Source:
www.SavetheFrog.com (they have free newsletter)
Rebecca's Writings and Photography 