Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
I finally managed to get a photo of one of the frogs in the pond this morning. The others (there are at least four) dived as I approached but this individual seemed oblivious to my presence - perhaps he/she has other things on its mind!
WATERS GREEN
"His mansion in the Pool
The Frog forsakes -
He rises on a Log
And statements makes -
His Auditors two Worlds
Deducting me -
The Orator of April
Is hoarse Today -
His Mittens at his Feet
No Hand hath he -
His eloquence a Bubble
As Fame should be -
Applaud him to discover
To your chagrin
Demosthenes has vanished
In Waters Green -"
His Mansion in the Pool
by Emily Dickinson
The Common Newts (also known as Smooth Newts) - Lissotriton vulgaris - have also started to return to the pond. Brian spotted one on Sunday. None around today so in true Blue Peter fashion here's a photo I made (took) earlier (well, a year ago!).
This male Blackbird was turning over leaves in the wooded area at the top of the garden looking for insects
and this Blue Tit was just about to investigate one of the nestboxes.
And finally, I am reading a really excellent book at the moment which I can thoroughly recommend (and no I am not on commission from the publishers!)
Its an anthology of nature extracts from the last 300 years and includes some of Britain's greatest natural history writers. Some of the goodies included are: "On the Anger of Hornets" by Richard Mabey, "Hoverfly" by Simon Barnes, "The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Actions of Worms" by Charles Darwin, "The Call of the Wild" by Mark Cocker, "Cuckoo" by Miriam Rothschild, "The Peregrine" by J A Baker, "Bass Rock" by Eric Ennion, "The Pine Wood" by Richard Jefferies, From "Wild Hares and Hummingbirds" by Stephen Moss, From "The Natural History of Selborne" by Gilbert White and many many more extracts.
Some of the books mentioned I already have but the only disadvantage of this lovely book is that its encouraging me to buy yet more books!!
6 comments:
Lovely photos, Caroline.
No Smooth Newts in my pond so far this year.
Many thanks Dean. First Smooth Newt only just spotted so hopefully yours will return soon.
I love books very much....and after a good series, I always wonder, "What should I read next?" Something always seems to present itself:) Cool frog and newt shots....the newt is very interesting. Your pond sounds lovely.
Many thanks Chris. Where would we be without books? :D
I like the look of anticipation on the Blue Tit's face. I hope they do nest for you.
The book is now on my wish list, thank you for recommending it Caroline.
Fingers crossed about the nesting Toffeeapple. This box has a camera too so we can watch activities via tv. I did get a photo of the blue tit at the entrance hole but unfortunately the blue tit was blurred as the camera focused on the tree instead!
Hope you are able to buy (or receive) the book and enjoy.
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