The small, ornamental pond was put in my back yard for purely selfish reasons. The tiny waterfall creates an ambiance of peace and tranquility. I never could have imagined the impact it has had.
It's been terribly dry and hot. The thermometer has already run out of numbers again.
There is an elderly, ornamental crab apple tree which casts a huge shadow over patio and pond. Yesterday, I pulled up a chair and sat listening to the water. A warm breeze ruffled my hair. Even in the shade it was uncomfortable .
Much to my delight, I discovered this frog sharing the shade by the pond. He wasn't alone. There were four more taking advantage of the tiny, watery oasis.
These mosquito munching visitors are most welcome!
Several things amaze me. How far they are from the river. A hundred miles if measured in frog feet. How did they find the pond in all the obstacles of lawn, flower beds, fences and houses? Do they smell water? Or was it the sound of the waterfall that broadcast an invitation? Do they travel at night, seeking pockets of dew laden greenery to keep them moist?
The big question is: why did they leave the river in the first place?
Maybe they were looking for somewhere safe. Birds that eat frogs can't see the pond from the air. Only songbirds pop in for a bath and a drink.
Sanctuary. An Eden on a miniature scale.
I wonder if the largest frog is the same one from last summer. How long do they live anyways?
It would appear grade school studies on frogs missed a lot. All I remember is the egg to tadpole to frog cycle. Which is pretty amazing all on its own.
Lord, thank You for this blessing. Thank You for all the amazing creatures You created...even mosquitoes. Amen.
"So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurried and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird--each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:21
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