So today I was volunteering with the Tri-State Bird Rescue. While shoveling gravel near the raptor cages, I noticed that what can only be described as an amphibian orgy was commencing in a nearby pond.
A light grey frog was sandwiched between a dark grey frog and a black frog. Another dark grey frog made determined efforts to join in the lovin’, but every time the other frogs would kick him in the face. Rejected! Anyway, it didn’t take long for everyone to drop their shovels and gawk at the scene. All told there were about 12 people watching the frogs, including my Americorps team and several preteen members of the local Audobon society. Of course pictures were taken of this animal porn fest.
Tween Audobon Girl: Are they fighting?
Me: Er, they’re getting to know one another better.
My Teammate Chris: Leave them alone, the poor frogs are trying to make love, and we’re probably giving them performance anxiety.
Just four frogs? There’s a frog community that comes to my pond to breed. This year there were dozens and dozens of them. They don’t pair up to mate they just pile up on top of each other, half the pond was a seething mass of frogs, and this went on for days. They’ve nearly all gone now and the tadpoles are hatching. The next stage is where I have to search the lawn for teeny froglets so I don’t do that what’s green and red? thing when I cut the grass.
Remember, folks, them li’l’ froggies don’t have internal conception engines, so the best way to make sure the next generation of froggies comes into being is to pile up and let loose.
Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a pollywog in a long time. I should go huntin’ and catch one.