North American Bullfrog
Rana catesbeiana
Can you find the bullfrog hiding under the leaves?
While sharing plants in my garden with neighbors, I was surprised to hear the deep, throaty tones of Rana catesbeiana (North American bullfrog). Heading toward the distinctive sound, I spotted the temporary pool in my rain garden created after the sudden thunderstorm of the night before. There, cool in the shade of a hibiscus leaf, sat the creature whose great voice was disproportionate for its size. The next day, only a muddy patch was left there, with no trace of the bullfrog. I suspect that it had burrowed into the moist soil. During drought conditions of summer, these animals survive by conserving energy underground in a state of hibernation called estivation. I hope to see him emerge after the next big storm!
The American Bullfrog has become the scourge of the island - all smaller frogs, small ducklings - everything disappears in its wake. There are special bull frog teams that will come at the call to help rid ponds of these big fellows. So far we haven't heard the low, throaty call at Pondside, but it's just a matter of time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo of the North American Bullfrog.
ReplyDeleteOh Barbara you are showing your age! No one under the age of about 50 will know that your post title references a song...back in the day Three Dog Night was one of my FAVS!
ReplyDeleteForgot to tell you...my package arrived safe and sound. It's even better in person. Adore it.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, your paintings are gorgeous, love your technique and medium, love the Adirondacks on the porch! I have a passion for gardening and art (just wish I had more time for the later!) Your work really is beautiful and I am excited to have found your blog through blotanical! Looking forward to following and seeing your latest creations...Cheers Julia
ReplyDeleteBarbara, just had to tell you about a bullfrog who came on my porch every evening to eat cat food out of the cat's dish. The cat would just lie there watching and let it eat its fill!
ReplyDeleteLove that bullfrog photo! You should do a watercolor from it. Three Dog Night-eeek! I think that was the ALBUM I bought! :)
ReplyDelete-Lynn
I love frogs! What a great capture!
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