Monday, March 17, 2008

Focused

Every day begins with a walk to the pool.
What started several weeks ago as a mild interest in understanding more of the ecology of this small seasonal basin, has become much more.
There is life here now.

And although it is very clear that animals that reproduce in these numbers, do so for a reason--I'd like to think these will survive, beyond the 10 percent of most.

There are no fish here. Nothing larger, in fact, than the wood frogs that left the bluish gray masses, before returning to the wet, leafy floor beneath the surrounding trees. But every morning I see footprints.
I know that I am not the only one watching.




The Jefferson salamanders drawn here with the first warm rain, have also gone. Beneath the snow-covered pool, they waited. Their eggs, on the long submerged grasses, now all I can see.



Tomorrow morning will be rainy again.
At the edge of the pool, I will be watching.

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15 comments:

Julie Zickefoose said...

Fourth photo is simply astounding--is that your reflection, wild curly hair, arm lifted to hold the camera--defining the shape in which we can see the eggs? My, my, my, Nina. I mean, my gosh. Woman Made of Frog Eggs.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful woodfrog eggs and the scattering of Spotted Salamander Eggs! Julie couldn't have said it any better! Great Job Nina and continue those daily walks!

Cathy said...

Oh thank you, Nina. We'll be watching with you.

(I love that Julie saw you all entwined :0)

kate said...

I think it's great that your morning destination is the pond. No wonder - it is teeming with life... those are beautiful photographs.

Morning footprints ...

Anonymous said...

Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Home Theater, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://home-theater-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.

Carolyn Hietala said...

Wonderful writing and pictures Nina. The frogs are singing here on warm nights but it has turned cold again. You have inspired me to walk the wetlands on the next warm day ;0)

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Yes, Julie--That's me, Wild-haired Woman Made of Frog Eggs! I'm understanding the references to swamp monsters and the black lagoon much more clearly...this place is soooo cooool!

Monarch--You know how I've hoped I'd find ANYthing, now, thrilled there's much here!

Cathy--The picture, if someone was watching me from afar, is much more hilarious--almost standing on my head, big boots,....:-)

Kate--I feel I've become very maternal, in a way, fretting that some harm may come to them--such promise of life!

Home theatre--Thanks for visiting--I always enjoy new friends!

Carolyn--We're varying between freezing and balmy, too--but the frogs don't seem to mind--I've even caught them beneath the ice!

Dave Coulter said...

How do those eggs withstand the freezing temps? Wonderful shots!

Tom said...

I hope a lot more than 10% make it.. is there anyway the young can be helpped at this time?

Lisa at Greenbow said...

What an interesting bunch of easter eggs. I will be hunting these eggs when we next get out. I will be watching your posts to see what else I should be looking for.

Mary said...

Keep watching, Nina. Frog eggs are wonderful and are worth watching. Great photos!

Eva Matthews said...

You've been tagged!

The Flying Mullet

Anonymous said...

Things are looking good in that pond... I was so worried when the first warm spring rain was followed by freezing temps!

Appalachian Lady said...

Who would have ever thought that eggs could hold such beauty and wonder? You have a wonderful eye. Joan

pinenut said...

Hi Nina,

I just found your blog, thanks to Dave Coulter. I love the photos and the daily walks. But I need a book or website to help me id the two kinds of eggs we found on Easter at a vernal pool in Maryland. Any suggestions? Thanks!