We installed a small fishpond last year. Nancy had 8 goldfish that had outgrown their 35 gallon tank. The new pond, about 350 gallons, was perfect for the fish, but I really wanted it not because of the goldfish, but because I love frogs. Each year, I had either caught a tadpole or two or bought some and put them in the small pond. And each year, they became frogs and then left. I had hoped that they might stick around and become bullfrogs, but they never did.
Last summer, we had three frogs in our new pond going into fall. I read that if they got cold enough, they would simply shut down their engines, slither to the bottom and sleep it off until the water warmed.
One of our frogs did. A few weeks ago, I noticed sudden movements in the pond as I approached. It was the frog we called “De-Formed.” He wasn’t deformed at all, but the way he crouched on the lily pads made him look that way. He was the smallest of the three frogs and I am delighted to see him each day as I go to inspect the pond. We recently bought 6 tadpoles at Springdale Gardens to keep him company, but they may or may not become frogs this year. But I have one, by golly.
Later in the summer on a dark evening, I hope to be able to hear my frog go “Brrr-ump.”
That will be sweet music to my ears. I love frogs.