Back in 1973 a movie came out that scared the bejesus out of me... The Exorcist. I went with a friend to see the show and that night, when I went to bed, I heard sounds in the attic and the basement. Every time the house creaked I freaked. I knew it was silly to be scared... geez, it was only a movie. I wanted my friend by my side but that wasn't happening. The damn (pun intended) movie wasn't real for crying out loud. So I went outside and got my dog and made him sleep in my bedroom. That helped.
Then, in 1976, the first of the Omen series had it's debut. Yep, all the accumulated bejesus, 3 years of it, was again scared out of me. Since seeing this show I've avoided rottweilers and young boys in suits. I've avoided them like the plague.
The Poltergeist series were not so bad but I think I'm more of an E.T. kinda guy. I did enjoy John Denver and George Burns in Oh, God. George Burns was much nicer than the unseen devil that was invading Regan (played by Linda Blair) in the Exorcist.
But I didn't bring all this up just so everyone would know what a scaredy-cat I was and that I had lost all my bejesus twice over movies. I brought this up because I'm starting to see a trend in my back yard. Maybe it's an OMEN. As you now know OMEN's are very scary.
I didn't write about it but last week Ginger found a dead bird next to the fence in the back yard. She told me about it and a few hours later I went out to "dispose" of the creature lest my granddaughter find it. Not that she would be shocked or anything like that... it's just that if she found it we would have to have another funeral and burial. I searched for the bird but it was gone. Ginger came out and searched. It was still gone.
Then Joe disappeared last Thursday. She hasn't been seen for 6 days now.
Then just yesterday on two different occasions a dead toadlet was seen floating slowly toward the skimmer. It's easy to assume the toadlets were killed taking their joy ride through the pump impeller followed by the water pipe and the big finale of the waterfalls. I made just that assumption when I first saw the deceased toadlets.
But now that I consider all the events together I may have stumbled on a demonic plot. Maybe my dopey neighbors are conjuring up spirits. Maybe my house was built on a long abandoned Boot Hill or Indian Burial Ground.
Whatever the case, that bird was dead and then vanished. Joe hasn't been seen lately. Dead toadlets have been observed floating in the pond. Even the rescued toad has not been seen for 3 days!
Go ahead and laugh. When you go to bed tonight take a moment and listen. Do you hear that? I think it's coming from the attic? What the hell is that? I hope you have a dog...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Joe is MIA AGAIN!!!
On Thursday morning Joe was sunning herself in the Bridge Pond. I took that opportunity to introduce Joe to the lady who cleans our house. I don't think either one of them were impressed.
It must have pissed Joe off that I was bringing a strange woman around because I haven't seen Joe since then.
Of course she has done this in the past...Joe, not the cleaning woman... just a few weeks ago was the last time. I'm still holding out that she will return but as more and more time passes more and more of my optimism leaks out of my belly button leaving what looks like a snail trail. Not pretty... not pretty at all.
In the mean time I did capture a Batch I toadpole and inspected it's rear for legs. Yep, they be grow'n. Probably about 1/8th of an inch now. Still looks like a thin straight tube growing from right next to the tail. No sign of feet yet... or knees for that matter. These little guys have become very paranoid in their old age.. what, maybe 6, 7 weeks? They are getting hard to catch.
We also started using the "NEW" and cheaper bird seed this morning. The birdies seemed to love it. I hope it stays that way as it's cheaper than what we were using.
That's the news direct from my backyard.
It must have pissed Joe off that I was bringing a strange woman around because I haven't seen Joe since then.
Of course she has done this in the past...Joe, not the cleaning woman... just a few weeks ago was the last time. I'm still holding out that she will return but as more and more time passes more and more of my optimism leaks out of my belly button leaving what looks like a snail trail. Not pretty... not pretty at all.
In the mean time I did capture a Batch I toadpole and inspected it's rear for legs. Yep, they be grow'n. Probably about 1/8th of an inch now. Still looks like a thin straight tube growing from right next to the tail. No sign of feet yet... or knees for that matter. These little guys have become very paranoid in their old age.. what, maybe 6, 7 weeks? They are getting hard to catch.
We also started using the "NEW" and cheaper bird seed this morning. The birdies seemed to love it. I hope it stays that way as it's cheaper than what we were using.
That's the news direct from my backyard.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Nice Gams Woodlet!
Woodhouse Toadlet Update:
The oldest toadpoles or pollywog's or toadlets or, my new term, woodlets are developing legs. I caught a few this afternoon and, upon close inspection, find there are little nubs sticking out from each side of their tails. I believe these to be future legs.
Toadlet batches II and III have moved to every pond. There are literally thousands of them. Easily 2000 but probably 3 to 4 thousand. You can't tell any difference between the batches as they are all pretty much the same size. Two days doesn't make much difference after a week or so.
I was looking at the Bio Container at the top of the ponds. This is where the first waterfall originates. The little Woodlets were popping up from their thrill ride through the pump and water pipe so they can take the plunge over the falls. I was seeing probably two dozen every minute appear and then almost immediately take the waterfall ride. There were a few that had found safe refuge in the mesh bags of rocks kept in the Bio Container to help grow beneficial bacteria.
Rescued Toad Still Here:
That male toad that I rescued from the skimmer on Wednesday of last week is still hanging around. He has remained in his burrow most of the time. Yesterday he was sleeping on his right side. That looked odd. Usually he has his legs folded up next to his body, his fore legs or arms (if you will) are also tucked in close.
Every now and then he disappears but always has found his way back to the burrow sooner or later.
There has been no sight or sound of any of the other Woodhouse's Toads.
Joe Update:
Joe must have found a new safe haven. I'm pretty sure she still hangs out under the bridge but no one can find her when she goes under there. We have looked high and low but her safe haven is safe from our prying eyes.
This afternoon she was out sunning herself in the Bridge Pond. She pulls up to the edge of the pond with her back to the sun and just sits there. I took a pretty good look at her and she is fat. Compared to what she looked like when she arrived this spring she is immense. Sorry no picture.
I'm think'n Joe has a pretty sweet life in my pond.
The oldest toadpoles or pollywog's or toadlets or, my new term, woodlets are developing legs. I caught a few this afternoon and, upon close inspection, find there are little nubs sticking out from each side of their tails. I believe these to be future legs.
Toadlet batches II and III have moved to every pond. There are literally thousands of them. Easily 2000 but probably 3 to 4 thousand. You can't tell any difference between the batches as they are all pretty much the same size. Two days doesn't make much difference after a week or so.
I was looking at the Bio Container at the top of the ponds. This is where the first waterfall originates. The little Woodlets were popping up from their thrill ride through the pump and water pipe so they can take the plunge over the falls. I was seeing probably two dozen every minute appear and then almost immediately take the waterfall ride. There were a few that had found safe refuge in the mesh bags of rocks kept in the Bio Container to help grow beneficial bacteria.
Rescued Toad Still Here:
That male toad that I rescued from the skimmer on Wednesday of last week is still hanging around. He has remained in his burrow most of the time. Yesterday he was sleeping on his right side. That looked odd. Usually he has his legs folded up next to his body, his fore legs or arms (if you will) are also tucked in close.
Every now and then he disappears but always has found his way back to the burrow sooner or later.
There has been no sight or sound of any of the other Woodhouse's Toads.
Joe Update:
Joe must have found a new safe haven. I'm pretty sure she still hangs out under the bridge but no one can find her when she goes under there. We have looked high and low but her safe haven is safe from our prying eyes.
This afternoon she was out sunning herself in the Bridge Pond. She pulls up to the edge of the pond with her back to the sun and just sits there. I took a pretty good look at her and she is fat. Compared to what she looked like when she arrived this spring she is immense. Sorry no picture.
I'm think'n Joe has a pretty sweet life in my pond.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Summer Solstice & Fathers Day
Summer Solstice & Fathers Day on the same day. The solstice is celebrated all over the place. In many circles it is considered a "pagan" holiday. I don't know about that but for the folks living at the greater longitude like Alaska and Siberia and points north will experience very long days and short nights. Now the days will begin to get shorter until we reach the winter solstice in December. This 'ol world just keeps rock'n along.
I've decided the best thing that a father can get for Fathers Day is a hug or an "I love you," or both from any of his kids or grand kids. Don't need that new tool or BBQ or computer game. Just a hug. Just an "I love you." What could be better than that?
Not a lot of news in the frog, toad or pond arena. Joe was hunting this morning and did get breakfast. I have slowed my reporting of her hunting successes as it can get redundant. She has perfected her hunting style and pretty much does the same thing. It's when she misses that it gets interesting and sometimes comical.
The drama is still there but your ever so humble author isn't talented enough to relate that drama to this blog.
So happy Fathers Day to all you Dad's out there. I hope you get your love hug. May the sun shine on you and warm your spirit.
I've decided the best thing that a father can get for Fathers Day is a hug or an "I love you," or both from any of his kids or grand kids. Don't need that new tool or BBQ or computer game. Just a hug. Just an "I love you." What could be better than that?
Not a lot of news in the frog, toad or pond arena. Joe was hunting this morning and did get breakfast. I have slowed my reporting of her hunting successes as it can get redundant. She has perfected her hunting style and pretty much does the same thing. It's when she misses that it gets interesting and sometimes comical.
The drama is still there but your ever so humble author isn't talented enough to relate that drama to this blog.
So happy Fathers Day to all you Dad's out there. I hope you get your love hug. May the sun shine on you and warm your spirit.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
New Pump Working ~ Joe on Vacation?
My pond guy said I would have the new pump on Friday. He was correct. I just love it when things go like you planned. Thank you Lilly Pad ~
Friday morning I gave the skimmer pond the last once-over to remove what remained of the black stinky goo that had settled on the bottom over the past couple of years. Nasty job. I'm still Thor. After removing my bucket and tools I opened the 3/4 inch filler pipe and let the water run. It took almost 4 hours to fill the pond.
The picture on the left is the deepest part of the skimmer pond. To the right of the bucket is the 10,000 GPH pump and plumbing. To clean it I shoveled out most of the rocks and underlying crud. Then I added water until the pump was submerged and ran the pump. Add water (that stirred up the crud I couldn't shovel) and run the pump. Repeat as required.
Once the shoveling and hauling and water pumping was complete it was just a matter of filling the pond, installing the new pump in the skimmer and watching the water flow again.
One interesting event happened while I was cleaning in the Skimmer Pond. Mama Mallard and Daddy Duck were coming in for a landing while I was cleaning the deep end of the pond. I stood up. I guess it scared them because I heard all the flapping and looked up to see them aborting the landing and heading out at top speed. Kinda funny.
The new pump, like the old pump, sits on the bottom of the skimmer. Here is a picture of the skimmer with everything removed. The pump connects to the white PVC pipe. Just above that is the 3/4 inch filler pipe and that little black thing on the lower left is the overflow. At the top of the picture is the hole where the water enters the skimmer. Not shown is the skimmer basket and filter mat.
Probably a bit too much info here.
The toadpoles didn't mind the pump being out of commission and took advantage to rest on rocks and soak up the warm rays.
It was probably a rude awakening for them when the water started to flow as some immediately got washed over the falls at Joe's Station and became the first inhabitants of the Skimmer Pond in it's new pristine condition. Of course the pristine conditions lasted about 3 minutes as the "seasoned" water flowed into the pond.
In the meantime I've lost Joe. Well, I didn't lose her it's just that I can't find her. The last I saw of her she was under the bridge recuperating from her ordeal of being trapped in the Skimmer Pond. I couldn't find her on Thursday afternoon and she was not to be seen at all on Friday. Maybe she went to visit a cousin or uncle in Schenectady.
I'm having flash-backs of last year when I drained the Bridge Pond and Joe was gone until this spring. Hopefully she will hear the sounds of the waterfalls and return home.
The pictures to the left are the oldest toadpoles. These guys are now about 1/2 inch wide and 1 1/2 inches long. Considering they were only about 1/8th of an inch long a month ago speaks well of them doing their current job... growing.
Joe Update: When I went out Saturday morning to feed the birds I looked high and low for Joe. Nothing. Then, as I sat at my station having my morning java fix, these two eyes appear at Humpty Dumpty Falls. IT'S JOE! Whew, I'm glad she is back... I wonder where she was. Our gain and Schenectady's loss.... of course the birds don't see it that way.
Friday morning I gave the skimmer pond the last once-over to remove what remained of the black stinky goo that had settled on the bottom over the past couple of years. Nasty job. I'm still Thor. After removing my bucket and tools I opened the 3/4 inch filler pipe and let the water run. It took almost 4 hours to fill the pond.The picture on the left is the deepest part of the skimmer pond. To the right of the bucket is the 10,000 GPH pump and plumbing. To clean it I shoveled out most of the rocks and underlying crud. Then I added water until the pump was submerged and ran the pump. Add water (that stirred up the crud I couldn't shovel) and run the pump. Repeat as required.
Once the shoveling and hauling and water pumping was complete it was just a matter of filling the pond, installing the new pump in the skimmer and watching the water flow again.
One interesting event happened while I was cleaning in the Skimmer Pond. Mama Mallard and Daddy Duck were coming in for a landing while I was cleaning the deep end of the pond. I stood up. I guess it scared them because I heard all the flapping and looked up to see them aborting the landing and heading out at top speed. Kinda funny.
The new pump, like the old pump, sits on the bottom of the skimmer. Here is a picture of the skimmer with everything removed. The pump connects to the white PVC pipe. Just above that is the 3/4 inch filler pipe and that little black thing on the lower left is the overflow. At the top of the picture is the hole where the water enters the skimmer. Not shown is the skimmer basket and filter mat.Probably a bit too much info here.
The toadpoles didn't mind the pump being out of commission and took advantage to rest on rocks and soak up the warm rays.
It was probably a rude awakening for them when the water started to flow as some immediately got washed over the falls at Joe's Station and became the first inhabitants of the Skimmer Pond in it's new pristine condition. Of course the pristine conditions lasted about 3 minutes as the "seasoned" water flowed into the pond.
In the meantime I've lost Joe. Well, I didn't lose her it's just that I can't find her. The last I saw of her she was under the bridge recuperating from her ordeal of being trapped in the Skimmer Pond. I couldn't find her on Thursday afternoon and she was not to be seen at all on Friday. Maybe she went to visit a cousin or uncle in Schenectady.
I'm having flash-backs of last year when I drained the Bridge Pond and Joe was gone until this spring. Hopefully she will hear the sounds of the waterfalls and return home.
The pictures to the left are the oldest toadpoles. These guys are now about 1/2 inch wide and 1 1/2 inches long. Considering they were only about 1/8th of an inch long a month ago speaks well of them doing their current job... growing.Joe Update: When I went out Saturday morning to feed the birds I looked high and low for Joe. Nothing. Then, as I sat at my station having my morning java fix, these two eyes appear at Humpty Dumpty Falls. IT'S JOE! Whew, I'm glad she is back... I wonder where she was. Our gain and Schenectady's loss.... of course the birds don't see it that way.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Joe Trapped ~ Pond Leak ~ I am THOR
Before I tell you about Thursday there is something I wanted to share that I saw Wednesday and forgot to put in the previous post. A black bird showed up and had something in it's mouth. I put the binoculars on him and saw he was carrying around a dragon fly. Apparently he was having a problem eating it so was doing what I consider either odd or possibly ingenious. The black bird was dipping the dragon fly in the water (do you think they learn this from watching hot dog eating contests?). The bird hopped down to the water, dipped the dragon fly and then tried to get in into it's mouth. Back to the water, try to eat, back to the water.... It finally flew away with it's prize firmly in beak.
Thursday:
As you know from my previous post the 7500 GPH pond pump died. I fired up the 10,000 GPH pump to keep most of the water moving while awaiting the delivery of the replacement pump scheduled for Friday AM.
When I got up Thursday morning I found the skimmer pond had lost more than half of it's water! That's around 1000 gallons of water. HOLY MOLY!!! Of course I turned the pump off and easily found a trail of water leading from the far side of the bridge.
My theory is the 10,000 GPH pump raises the water level in the bridge pond about 2 or 3 inches higher than when the 7500 GPH pump is in service. This increase in water level reached someplace that either has a hole or the liner has slipped down below this "new" water level. I'm not going to get excited about finding and fixing it right now but will put it on my "to do" list.
I also found our heroine Joe trapped in the skimmer pond. With the water level so low she couldn't crawl out. I took my hoe and gently slid it under her and she just sat on it while I played elevator and moved her to the rim of the pond and she slowly moved into her pond. It was almost like she expected me to rescue her. Later that morning she was resting under the bridge no doubt a little put our with me for scaring all the birds away. WOW, two rescues in two days.
The Woody that was rescued Wednesday is still in it's burrow.
Since the skimmer pond was now close to empty I decided this was a prefect time to clean it. Well, actually not perfect but an opportune time since I had lost so much water. The down side to doing this now was the toadpoles living in the skimmer pond. I didn't want to wash them away.
I finished draining the skimmer pond and in the 6 inch deep puddle that was left were about 75 toadpoles. I got a bucket and started catching them. I caught most before I moved ahead with the cleaning.
The pond was in need of cleaning... really needy. It stunk down there. There were inches of black muck that had built up over time and lots of rock, my screwdriver.. a bit rusty now, the remains of the original waterfall that fell off two winters ago and some of the dead mats of string algae.
So I got the hose and buckets and shovels and rakes and hoes and jumped in. I squirted and shoveled muck into the buckets. Hauled it away. Shoveled rocks into buckets. Hauled it away. I squirted some more and pumped out the crud. I worked at this for about 6 or 7 hours. I finally quit as the pond was looking pretty good and I was tired and Thor.
Yes, Thor was the intended word. Back when frogs had tails and ruled the world, Thor, the God of Thunder, went to a party. At the party Thor got hooked up with Venus, the Goddess of Beauty and Love and Fertility. They danced and drank and had a great time at the party. About 2 o'clock in the morning they left the party headed for Thor's pad. Once there one thing lead to another and they wound up making mad passionate love until the sun had risen. Thor gets out of bed and as he passes a mirror he looks at his muscular body. He flexes his muscles and admires his physique. Consumed with narcissism he roars, "I AM THOR!" This of course gets Venuses attention and she peak out from under the covers. She says, "Your Thor, I can hardly walk!"
That's what I meant when I said I was tired and Thor... what she said.
Thursday:
As you know from my previous post the 7500 GPH pond pump died. I fired up the 10,000 GPH pump to keep most of the water moving while awaiting the delivery of the replacement pump scheduled for Friday AM.
When I got up Thursday morning I found the skimmer pond had lost more than half of it's water! That's around 1000 gallons of water. HOLY MOLY!!! Of course I turned the pump off and easily found a trail of water leading from the far side of the bridge.
My theory is the 10,000 GPH pump raises the water level in the bridge pond about 2 or 3 inches higher than when the 7500 GPH pump is in service. This increase in water level reached someplace that either has a hole or the liner has slipped down below this "new" water level. I'm not going to get excited about finding and fixing it right now but will put it on my "to do" list.
I also found our heroine Joe trapped in the skimmer pond. With the water level so low she couldn't crawl out. I took my hoe and gently slid it under her and she just sat on it while I played elevator and moved her to the rim of the pond and she slowly moved into her pond. It was almost like she expected me to rescue her. Later that morning she was resting under the bridge no doubt a little put our with me for scaring all the birds away. WOW, two rescues in two days.
The Woody that was rescued Wednesday is still in it's burrow.
Since the skimmer pond was now close to empty I decided this was a prefect time to clean it. Well, actually not perfect but an opportune time since I had lost so much water. The down side to doing this now was the toadpoles living in the skimmer pond. I didn't want to wash them away.
I finished draining the skimmer pond and in the 6 inch deep puddle that was left were about 75 toadpoles. I got a bucket and started catching them. I caught most before I moved ahead with the cleaning.
The pond was in need of cleaning... really needy. It stunk down there. There were inches of black muck that had built up over time and lots of rock, my screwdriver.. a bit rusty now, the remains of the original waterfall that fell off two winters ago and some of the dead mats of string algae.
So I got the hose and buckets and shovels and rakes and hoes and jumped in. I squirted and shoveled muck into the buckets. Hauled it away. Shoveled rocks into buckets. Hauled it away. I squirted some more and pumped out the crud. I worked at this for about 6 or 7 hours. I finally quit as the pond was looking pretty good and I was tired and Thor.
Yes, Thor was the intended word. Back when frogs had tails and ruled the world, Thor, the God of Thunder, went to a party. At the party Thor got hooked up with Venus, the Goddess of Beauty and Love and Fertility. They danced and drank and had a great time at the party. About 2 o'clock in the morning they left the party headed for Thor's pad. Once there one thing lead to another and they wound up making mad passionate love until the sun had risen. Thor gets out of bed and as he passes a mirror he looks at his muscular body. He flexes his muscles and admires his physique. Consumed with narcissism he roars, "I AM THOR!" This of course gets Venuses attention and she peak out from under the covers. She says, "Your Thor, I can hardly walk!"
That's what I meant when I said I was tired and Thor... what she said.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Trapped Woody Freed ~ Pump Dead
Wednesday my 7500 GPH pump died. No fanfare or noise. It just quit. The motor wouldn't turn... probably a bearing froze up. In my mind I keep hearing "Bones" from Star Trek fame saying, "She's dead Jim... she's dead." OK, maybe your aren't a S.T. fan... how about this: Did you hear about the woman who backed into an airplane propeller? Disaster... Queue the drum roll. Moving right along... no more groaners.
This could have been a disaster but it turns out to be good news in more ways than one. The first good news is the pump is under warranty and will cost me nothing (they are expensive too) but time to replace. Since I have plenty of time I consider this good news. February 9, 2009 was the installation date. Can you believe it? That was only 4 months ago! The replacement pump has to ship from Denver so I won't have normal water flow until Friday.
In the meantime I'm using my 10,000 GPH pump that sits at the bottom of the skimmer pond to circulate water from the skimmer pond to the bridge pond. This is not ideal but a lot better than letting the pond water sit stagnant. The bio-falls and no-name pond have no circulation since they are above the bridge pond.
More good news. When the water suddenly quit flowing Wednesday afternoon I had to get into the strainer to remove the pump. After removing the strainer I discovered one of the male Woody's trapped. He was holding onto a PVC pipe and looked pretty spent. No telling how long he had been in there. I surmise he got trapped in the strainer and crawled up the side in a effort to get out. He then fell behind the strainer, winding up trapped with no chance of escape. If the pump had not died I probably would not have found him in time for him to recover from his entrapment. I guess the Toad Gods were look'n out for this guy.
I picked him up and placed him in the skimmer pond and proceeded to remove the pump from the bottom of the skimmer. After testing the pump and assuring myself there was nothing that I could do to save it I went to cleanup my mess at the strainer. That Woody was back in there again! Maybe it's the dark hole that attracts him... Anyway I removed him again and we kept an eye on him until it looked like he was going to crawl out of the pond. We left for the pond store to get the replacement pump ordered.
After returning from the pond store Ginger looked around for the Woody. She found him in the burrow as pictured in this post. Hopefully he will recover and move on to where the others have gone.
I'm a happy camper for saving the Woody from certain death. I'm happy I'll get a new pump at no charge. I'm also laughing about the lady who backed into an airplane propeller. I haven't thought about that story for many years. Humm, maybe I should share some of my "Little Johnny" jokes....
This could have been a disaster but it turns out to be good news in more ways than one. The first good news is the pump is under warranty and will cost me nothing (they are expensive too) but time to replace. Since I have plenty of time I consider this good news. February 9, 2009 was the installation date. Can you believe it? That was only 4 months ago! The replacement pump has to ship from Denver so I won't have normal water flow until Friday.
In the meantime I'm using my 10,000 GPH pump that sits at the bottom of the skimmer pond to circulate water from the skimmer pond to the bridge pond. This is not ideal but a lot better than letting the pond water sit stagnant. The bio-falls and no-name pond have no circulation since they are above the bridge pond.
More good news. When the water suddenly quit flowing Wednesday afternoon I had to get into the strainer to remove the pump. After removing the strainer I discovered one of the male Woody's trapped. He was holding onto a PVC pipe and looked pretty spent. No telling how long he had been in there. I surmise he got trapped in the strainer and crawled up the side in a effort to get out. He then fell behind the strainer, winding up trapped with no chance of escape. If the pump had not died I probably would not have found him in time for him to recover from his entrapment. I guess the Toad Gods were look'n out for this guy.
I picked him up and placed him in the skimmer pond and proceeded to remove the pump from the bottom of the skimmer. After testing the pump and assuring myself there was nothing that I could do to save it I went to cleanup my mess at the strainer. That Woody was back in there again! Maybe it's the dark hole that attracts him... Anyway I removed him again and we kept an eye on him until it looked like he was going to crawl out of the pond. We left for the pond store to get the replacement pump ordered.
After returning from the pond store Ginger looked around for the Woody. She found him in the burrow as pictured in this post. Hopefully he will recover and move on to where the others have gone.
I'm a happy camper for saving the Woody from certain death. I'm happy I'll get a new pump at no charge. I'm also laughing about the lady who backed into an airplane propeller. I haven't thought about that story for many years. Humm, maybe I should share some of my "Little Johnny" jokes....
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Toadpoles Batch III Hatched
What hopefully is the last batch of toadppoles has hatched. Just before adding this post to the blog I checked on them and about half are free swimming. The rest will be out and about within a few hours.
After hatching they don't really do much. Swim a little but mostly stick to the rocks. I was reading about toadpoles just this morning and the article said their mouths don't open right away. For a day or two after hatching they sustained by their "yoke sac" and once their mouths open they will start to eat algae. Apparently they have a special "tooth" that is used to scrape algae from stones.
One thing in the favor of those born in batch II and III are their size. Being small they will be able to get to algae that their older cousins can't access. That may be their saving grace as there are a lot of mouths to feed and only the pond to provide the food.
I received the following comment/question in the previous post: How many tadpoles do you estimate there to be from the first batch? What percent actually have made it so far? Answering this question reminds me of the huge jar of jellybeans and you have to guess how many there are. My estimate of survivors from batch I would be about 150 to 250. They are spread out over all the ponds and some days they seem to be appreciating the sun and others they must be hiding so it's hard to guesstimate. The number that hatched from the eggs has to be over 1000... maybe over 1500. I've read that Mama Toad will lay in excess of 3000 eggs but I don't think I saw that many.
While checking the new toadpoles I spotted a bird I haven't seen in our yard before. A Downy Woodpecker was eating seeds from the sunflowers. A petite looking bird with nice black and white colors and she(?) did in fact look downy or some might say fluffy.
Joe didn't make an appearance this morning until well after sunrise. I had errands to run so wasn't home to observe what was going on in the pond. She did score a meal Tuesday morning so I wouldn't be surprised if she just wasn't that hungry. When I got home Joe was once again cooling her heels under the bridge which is her safe haven. At least I think that was Joe... it's kinda dark under there.
Still no sightings or sounds of the (adult) Woodhouse's Toads.
After hatching they don't really do much. Swim a little but mostly stick to the rocks. I was reading about toadpoles just this morning and the article said their mouths don't open right away. For a day or two after hatching they sustained by their "yoke sac" and once their mouths open they will start to eat algae. Apparently they have a special "tooth" that is used to scrape algae from stones.
One thing in the favor of those born in batch II and III are their size. Being small they will be able to get to algae that their older cousins can't access. That may be their saving grace as there are a lot of mouths to feed and only the pond to provide the food.
I received the following comment/question in the previous post: How many tadpoles do you estimate there to be from the first batch? What percent actually have made it so far? Answering this question reminds me of the huge jar of jellybeans and you have to guess how many there are. My estimate of survivors from batch I would be about 150 to 250. They are spread out over all the ponds and some days they seem to be appreciating the sun and others they must be hiding so it's hard to guesstimate. The number that hatched from the eggs has to be over 1000... maybe over 1500. I've read that Mama Toad will lay in excess of 3000 eggs but I don't think I saw that many.
While checking the new toadpoles I spotted a bird I haven't seen in our yard before. A Downy Woodpecker was eating seeds from the sunflowers. A petite looking bird with nice black and white colors and she(?) did in fact look downy or some might say fluffy.
Joe didn't make an appearance this morning until well after sunrise. I had errands to run so wasn't home to observe what was going on in the pond. She did score a meal Tuesday morning so I wouldn't be surprised if she just wasn't that hungry. When I got home Joe was once again cooling her heels under the bridge which is her safe haven. At least I think that was Joe... it's kinda dark under there.
Still no sightings or sounds of the (adult) Woodhouse's Toads.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Toadpoles Hatched ~ Ma & Pa Woody's Missing
Yesterday, Monday June 15, 2009: It's official, the second batch of Woodhouse's Toad eggs has hatched. As of the afternoon they are free swimming and able to move about the pond. Compared to their month old cousins they are tiny.
So 2 batches hatched and 1 batch to go. The third batch should be along about Wednesday or Thursday.
Again Monday night the pond was quiet. No Woody's singing their off key songs. No more wooing and courting the Big Mama Toad. It is probably a good thing they aren't laying more eggs in the pond. While interesting to watch I doubt if the pond can support all the toadpoles, current and pre-hatched.
I've watched closely for signs of predation by Joe and the older toadpoles. I've seen nothing that would indicate that is happening.... so far. I see the toadpoles swimming around Joe like she was a magnet to them. Joe of aloof and pays them no mind. I see the older toadpoles resting, the small newly hatched swimming around them and like Joe they ignore them.
The picture to the right is the third batch of future toadpoles. The eggs are still round but will become oblong as they mature. Once they hatch everything disappears except, hopefully, the new toadlets.
So 2 batches hatched and 1 batch to go. The third batch should be along about Wednesday or Thursday.
Again Monday night the pond was quiet. No Woody's singing their off key songs. No more wooing and courting the Big Mama Toad. It is probably a good thing they aren't laying more eggs in the pond. While interesting to watch I doubt if the pond can support all the toadpoles, current and pre-hatched.
I've watched closely for signs of predation by Joe and the older toadpoles. I've seen nothing that would indicate that is happening.... so far. I see the toadpoles swimming around Joe like she was a magnet to them. Joe of aloof and pays them no mind. I see the older toadpoles resting, the small newly hatched swimming around them and like Joe they ignore them.
The picture to the right is the third batch of future toadpoles. The eggs are still round but will become oblong as they mature. Once they hatch everything disappears except, hopefully, the new toadlets.Monday, June 15, 2009
Humming Bird ~ Bath or Breakfast
It's a beautiful morning. The temperature is almost 60, the sky is mostly clear, a slight breeze from the southwest. The coffee smells good and the birds are sing'n. I've already filled the bird feeder. I said good morning to Joe who is scouting the flat stones for breakfast from her station. I'm at my station having some coffee.
I notice a humming bird flying close to Joe's station. I've never seen a hummer approach any portion of the pond in the past so I'm curious as to what this little guy is up to. The hummer comes close to the waterfall and then zooms away only to return a few minutes later. Once again the hummer comes close to the waterfall and once again zooms away. Joe turns toward the place the hummer was hovering.
A few minutes later the hummer returns. This time the hummer lands in the water just about 4 or 5 inches from the edge of the waterfall. It's taking a bath! WOW! I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that the hummer likes to bathe like the other birds, but I've never seen it actually happen before.
This little guy is having a good time and fluttering away making the water fly. This, of course, has put Joe on high alert and she is slowly approaching the hummer. It wouldn't be much of a meal for Joe as the hummer is about a 100th the size of Joe... not even close to Joe's usual meal be it finch or sparrow.
The hummer continues to bathe and Joe is about a foot away. POW! Joe springs from the water with her mouth wide-open. Now airborne, Joe is committed. The hummer zooms back and to the right. Man oh man those hummers are fast. Joe misses by feet and is still flying through the air as the hummer vanishes in the distance. Joe flies over the edge of the falls never touching the water or stone. SPLASH... ripples in the skimmer pond radiate out from the landing zone. It was a belly flop. If this were the frog Olympics I would have given her 2 points... only because of the size of the splash.
Joe crawled out of the skimmer pond and was back on station within a few minutes. She's no quitter... of course she doesn't have much choice but to keep hunting or starve.
I notice a humming bird flying close to Joe's station. I've never seen a hummer approach any portion of the pond in the past so I'm curious as to what this little guy is up to. The hummer comes close to the waterfall and then zooms away only to return a few minutes later. Once again the hummer comes close to the waterfall and once again zooms away. Joe turns toward the place the hummer was hovering.
A few minutes later the hummer returns. This time the hummer lands in the water just about 4 or 5 inches from the edge of the waterfall. It's taking a bath! WOW! I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that the hummer likes to bathe like the other birds, but I've never seen it actually happen before.
This little guy is having a good time and fluttering away making the water fly. This, of course, has put Joe on high alert and she is slowly approaching the hummer. It wouldn't be much of a meal for Joe as the hummer is about a 100th the size of Joe... not even close to Joe's usual meal be it finch or sparrow.
The hummer continues to bathe and Joe is about a foot away. POW! Joe springs from the water with her mouth wide-open. Now airborne, Joe is committed. The hummer zooms back and to the right. Man oh man those hummers are fast. Joe misses by feet and is still flying through the air as the hummer vanishes in the distance. Joe flies over the edge of the falls never touching the water or stone. SPLASH... ripples in the skimmer pond radiate out from the landing zone. It was a belly flop. If this were the frog Olympics I would have given her 2 points... only because of the size of the splash.
Joe crawled out of the skimmer pond and was back on station within a few minutes. She's no quitter... of course she doesn't have much choice but to keep hunting or starve.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Toadlet's, Batch II are Hatching
I don't know if "hatching" is the correct terminology for toadlet's emerging from the strings of toad eggs. I'm thinking that if they are eggs and if toadlet's come out of them they had to hatch. In any case, I was looking at some of the eggs that were laid on June 10... that was my post about "8 legged toads". The eggs have changed from round "beads" on a string to small oblong shapes and still attached to the string. I noted that some of the "eggs" are moving and I'm sure I could detect a tail wiggling. If you recall the first batch of eggs took 5 days from when they were laid until the toadlets were free swimming. I expect to see a plethora of toadlets on Monday and will consider the toadlets "hatched" when they can swim free.
I was looking around the Internet and reading about toads. I found a new term for toadlets that I thought was pretty neat... toadpoles. I like it. It belongs to Robyn who hosts http://www.fishpondinfo.com/. So thank you Robyn... cool name.
I've been researching what may happen to all the toadpoles that are here and on the way. I've read conflicting things about toadpoles eating each other. Some articles indicate the toadlets will eat only algae and detris. Other articles say they will eat their brothers and sisters. Yet other articles say they will die if there are too many in the pond because they will run out of algae. So many conflicting stories...
I must say these little algae eaters have made a difference in my pond by reducing the algae. They don't seem to like the string algae very well but even that has been reduced significantly. I don't know if all this can be attributed to the toadpoles but there is no doubt in my mind that the pond is nicer looking since they hatched.
The last two nights have been silent. None of the Woody's have screeched and once again I'm tempted to tell you they have left. I don't think I'll go on record as saying they have left the pond but I will listen for them and report back what I hear or don't hear.
I was looking around the Internet and reading about toads. I found a new term for toadlets that I thought was pretty neat... toadpoles. I like it. It belongs to Robyn who hosts http://www.fishpondinfo.com/. So thank you Robyn... cool name.
I've been researching what may happen to all the toadpoles that are here and on the way. I've read conflicting things about toadpoles eating each other. Some articles indicate the toadlets will eat only algae and detris. Other articles say they will eat their brothers and sisters. Yet other articles say they will die if there are too many in the pond because they will run out of algae. So many conflicting stories...
I must say these little algae eaters have made a difference in my pond by reducing the algae. They don't seem to like the string algae very well but even that has been reduced significantly. I don't know if all this can be attributed to the toadpoles but there is no doubt in my mind that the pond is nicer looking since they hatched.
The last two nights have been silent. None of the Woody's have screeched and once again I'm tempted to tell you they have left. I don't think I'll go on record as saying they have left the pond but I will listen for them and report back what I hear or don't hear.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Prolific Woody's are Make'n More Toadlets!!!
Prolific is the word that comes to mind when I think about the Woodhouse's Toads. It took most of the day but we now have more egg strings along the edge of the pond. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? I have to assume this isn't the same female that was laying eggs just 2 days ago.... I can't imagine.
There were 2 male Woody's that were "sing'n" all night long and past sunrise. This morning I discovered them along with the female. Of course it was odd toad out. This couple laid the eggs about the same place as the first pair way back in May.
I was wondering about the consequences of this population explosion when the second batch of eggs hatched and now we have a third batch. Still have no idea how this will resolve itself as the toadlets grow.
New subject. Joe was up early and on station when the sun came up. She apparently didn't eat on Thursday so was attentive to the birds this morning. She did eventually ambush one and retired for the rest of the day. This was after a failed attempt where she sprung out of the water onto the flat stones, missing her target (well, it moved... no fair) and doing a nose dive into the rocks. OOF! It's the sudden stop that gets ya. She's a tough one. No blood. She just crawled back into the pond and started to hunt again.
Earlier she was trying to stalk a pair of Who-Who Birdies, it was very amusing to watch. They caught her attention by drinking in Joe's Pond. Then they moved to the top of the rocks between the pond and the bird feeder. Joe ever so slowly crawled up the rocks until the toes on her hind leg just left the water. She wouldn't go any farther and the birds were far enough away so as not to feel threatened.
Even more news. The bird seed I buy is called "No Mess" which is pretty expensive... about $1.75/lb. It is mostly shelled sunflower seeds and millet. The idea is the birds will eat everything with no waste (like shells) and thus leaving no mess. It works fairly well but not a great as they lead you to believe. It is better than the feed with husks and shells and stuff these species don't eat.
I decided to check out a feed store here in town to see if I could find a better deal. I waited in a short line and when it was my turn the woman at the counter asked what I wanted. I explained about what I had been using and that I was shopping for a like product hoping to save some money. She informed me that they had a similar product but I should just go back to the other store as their product was very expensive. I appreciated the honesty. I also asked what the cost was. It turned out the cost was $9.00 cheaper and the bag held 5 additional pounds of seed! Cost is less than $1.00/lb. I left with seed and the feeling that the sales lady thought I was nuts to spend so much money just to feed wild birds.
Now to find out if the birds like it. If they come across seeds in the feeder they don't like they just dump that stuff on the ground as they search for seeds they do like. That is what makes the mess and the mess draws other creatures besides looking terrible after a while. Cleanup is tough and more of a job for Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame.
So a busy day.
There were 2 male Woody's that were "sing'n" all night long and past sunrise. This morning I discovered them along with the female. Of course it was odd toad out. This couple laid the eggs about the same place as the first pair way back in May.
I was wondering about the consequences of this population explosion when the second batch of eggs hatched and now we have a third batch. Still have no idea how this will resolve itself as the toadlets grow.
New subject. Joe was up early and on station when the sun came up. She apparently didn't eat on Thursday so was attentive to the birds this morning. She did eventually ambush one and retired for the rest of the day. This was after a failed attempt where she sprung out of the water onto the flat stones, missing her target (well, it moved... no fair) and doing a nose dive into the rocks. OOF! It's the sudden stop that gets ya. She's a tough one. No blood. She just crawled back into the pond and started to hunt again.
Earlier she was trying to stalk a pair of Who-Who Birdies, it was very amusing to watch. They caught her attention by drinking in Joe's Pond. Then they moved to the top of the rocks between the pond and the bird feeder. Joe ever so slowly crawled up the rocks until the toes on her hind leg just left the water. She wouldn't go any farther and the birds were far enough away so as not to feel threatened.
Even more news. The bird seed I buy is called "No Mess" which is pretty expensive... about $1.75/lb. It is mostly shelled sunflower seeds and millet. The idea is the birds will eat everything with no waste (like shells) and thus leaving no mess. It works fairly well but not a great as they lead you to believe. It is better than the feed with husks and shells and stuff these species don't eat.
I decided to check out a feed store here in town to see if I could find a better deal. I waited in a short line and when it was my turn the woman at the counter asked what I wanted. I explained about what I had been using and that I was shopping for a like product hoping to save some money. She informed me that they had a similar product but I should just go back to the other store as their product was very expensive. I appreciated the honesty. I also asked what the cost was. It turned out the cost was $9.00 cheaper and the bag held 5 additional pounds of seed! Cost is less than $1.00/lb. I left with seed and the feeling that the sales lady thought I was nuts to spend so much money just to feed wild birds.
Now to find out if the birds like it. If they come across seeds in the feeder they don't like they just dump that stuff on the ground as they search for seeds they do like. That is what makes the mess and the mess draws other creatures besides looking terrible after a while. Cleanup is tough and more of a job for Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame.
So a busy day.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Snake Sighting II
On Monday last we saw another snake. This one was by the fence in the backyard and headed to the detention area on the east side of the house. I got a quick look at it and believe it to be a Coachwhip Snake.
The snake was a light tan color all over except for the belly which was yellow. It was without noticeable stripes or markings of any kind. It's scales looked smooth and the tail narrowed to a point. I would estimate the length at around 30+ inches and the thickness of the body to be, more or less, a 1/2 inch.
My Granddaughter wanted to search for the snake so we all went to the detention area to see what we could see. She found the snake hiding under some 6 X 6 treated lumber that is used as a short retaining wall between my property and the detention area. To our surprise also hiding under the lumber was a Woodhouse's Toad. Snake and toad crammed together to escape the huge 2 legged predators... us.
We were recently at the science museum that we are lucky to have in Grand Junction. One of the exhibits was a Milk Snake. It was very pretty but according to the young lady exhibiting the snake it was grumpy as it was about to shed it's skin.
We sure seem to have a diverse cast of characters in our ongoing circus.
The snake was a light tan color all over except for the belly which was yellow. It was without noticeable stripes or markings of any kind. It's scales looked smooth and the tail narrowed to a point. I would estimate the length at around 30+ inches and the thickness of the body to be, more or less, a 1/2 inch.
My Granddaughter wanted to search for the snake so we all went to the detention area to see what we could see. She found the snake hiding under some 6 X 6 treated lumber that is used as a short retaining wall between my property and the detention area. To our surprise also hiding under the lumber was a Woodhouse's Toad. Snake and toad crammed together to escape the huge 2 legged predators... us.
We were recently at the science museum that we are lucky to have in Grand Junction. One of the exhibits was a Milk Snake. It was very pretty but according to the young lady exhibiting the snake it was grumpy as it was about to shed it's skin.
We sure seem to have a diverse cast of characters in our ongoing circus.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Look Gertrude... An 8 Legged Toad.
Now here is something you don't see everyday, an 8 legged toad. Can you believe this? Was radiation the cause? Maybe there is something in the water. Probably global warming (have to ask Al Gore). I just can't imagine what could possibly cause the Woodhouse's Toad to have 8 legs.
WAIT! After close study and consultation with knowledgeable, but not quite ready for "Jeopardy" friends, I may have an answer concerning the multi-legs. Yep, I think I've got it. I'll just post the picture. Please study it closely. There are indeed 8 legs although you can't see them all in this picture. I think the thing that gave it away was when I counted the eyes. Four eyes and not wearing glasses. It's so obvious... I'm sure y'all have it all figured out now.
OK, moving right along. While the picture is not one of my best it clearly shows these Woodhouse's Toads creating more toadlets. As they watch the sun peek around some clouds the two "strings" of eggs are being fertilized as they exit Mama Toad. You can just sense the excitement this couple is experiencing by looking at the picture.
When I first noticed these lovers I accidentally spooked them and they swam down into the depths of the Bridge Pond. The smaller toad, the male, must have a good grip as they moved like one creature or maybe it's synchronous swimmers.
About 30 minutes after taking this picture I went out to see what was going on. They were both submerged but maintaining the same configuration. There were strings of eggs all over this area of the pond. I would estimate at least twice as many eggs this time around than when reported the first time here on May 16, 2009.
I try really hard not to count my toadlets before they hatch but the begging question is what is going to happen when all these toadlets grow up? We're talking about serious over crowding here. I'll be keeping my eyes open.
I'm curious and if your also curious then just keep read'n this Frog Blog.
WAIT! After close study and consultation with knowledgeable, but not quite ready for "Jeopardy" friends, I may have an answer concerning the multi-legs. Yep, I think I've got it. I'll just post the picture. Please study it closely. There are indeed 8 legs although you can't see them all in this picture. I think the thing that gave it away was when I counted the eyes. Four eyes and not wearing glasses. It's so obvious... I'm sure y'all have it all figured out now.
OK, moving right along. While the picture is not one of my best it clearly shows these Woodhouse's Toads creating more toadlets. As they watch the sun peek around some clouds the two "strings" of eggs are being fertilized as they exit Mama Toad. You can just sense the excitement this couple is experiencing by looking at the picture.
When I first noticed these lovers I accidentally spooked them and they swam down into the depths of the Bridge Pond. The smaller toad, the male, must have a good grip as they moved like one creature or maybe it's synchronous swimmers.
About 30 minutes after taking this picture I went out to see what was going on. They were both submerged but maintaining the same configuration. There were strings of eggs all over this area of the pond. I would estimate at least twice as many eggs this time around than when reported the first time here on May 16, 2009.
I try really hard not to count my toadlets before they hatch but the begging question is what is going to happen when all these toadlets grow up? We're talking about serious over crowding here. I'll be keeping my eyes open.
I'm curious and if your also curious then just keep read'n this Frog Blog.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Beauty Sleep?
The previous post told the tale about Joe picking up breakfast. Shortly after scoring food Joe disappeared to her safe haven under the bridge. She didn't come out for the rest of the day.
On Monday I expected her to be out and about but she wasn't to be seen. Finally I stuck my head under the bridge and found her lounging around like a rock. Relieved that that B-52 or Blue Heron hadn't also found a meal. I left her alone.
Later Monday afternoon I saw Joe had crawled out from the shade of the bridge and was sunning herself. It would have been a great picture so I went back to the house to get my camera. As I approached her I switched the camera on and I guess the start-up sounds it makes spooked her as she jumped and fled back under the bridge. That was the last sighting of Joe on Monday.
This morning Joe was back on station as the sun peeked over the Grand Mesa. After 2 days of rest and digestion she looked ready to even the "score" to 2-all.
Once again I was at the table reading my novel, drinking coffee and semi-watching Joe and the circus. I missed the drama but saw the movement of Joe on the flat stone near Joe's Station. She had caught breakfast. That was fast I thought.
Her breakfast must have been pretty small as she remained on station apparently finished with the appetizer and looking for the main course.
On Monday I expected her to be out and about but she wasn't to be seen. Finally I stuck my head under the bridge and found her lounging around like a rock. Relieved that that B-52 or Blue Heron hadn't also found a meal. I left her alone.
Later Monday afternoon I saw Joe had crawled out from the shade of the bridge and was sunning herself. It would have been a great picture so I went back to the house to get my camera. As I approached her I switched the camera on and I guess the start-up sounds it makes spooked her as she jumped and fled back under the bridge. That was the last sighting of Joe on Monday.
This morning Joe was back on station as the sun peeked over the Grand Mesa. After 2 days of rest and digestion she looked ready to even the "score" to 2-all.
Once again I was at the table reading my novel, drinking coffee and semi-watching Joe and the circus. I missed the drama but saw the movement of Joe on the flat stone near Joe's Station. She had caught breakfast. That was fast I thought.
Her breakfast must have been pretty small as she remained on station apparently finished with the appetizer and looking for the main course.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Score: 2 to 1 ~ The Birds are Ahead
All we need to complete this circus is a BIG TOP and an elephant or two.
I got up this morning before the sun, before Joe and even before the birds. It's a crisp day so I hurried as I filled the bird feeder. The only sounds I could hear in the gray twilight yard is wind whistling through the trees and the water falls.
Assuming my position at the dining table armed with a cup of coffee and a Jeffery Deaver novel I semi-read and semi-watch the yard come to life. I noted that Joe was not on station. Wondering if she was under the bridge I went out to take a quick look.
As I stood hunched over trying to see under the bridge, out of the corner of my eye I see two dark things falling from the sky. I looked up to see Mama Mallard and Daddy Duck coming almost straight down with wings spread. They plopped with a decent splash into the bridge pond... literally dropping in it seemed. I retreated to my station, the dining table.
The ducks swam around for a few minutes and then crawled out and inspected the yard. They wound up at Joe's Station. The male started a subtle quacking and the female answered. He would quack a few times. She would answer. He would quack. She answered (are you get'n my drift here?). Then both took off at the same instant headed south east for points unknown. It was like Daddy Duck was saying, "Let's get out of here... go over to Johns." Mama Mallard would answer, "OK with me... you ready?" He says, "Yep, on the count of three. One... Two..." She says, "Three!" And they're off.
In the mean-time Joe appears at Humpty Dumpty Falls. As she sits on high looking over Joe's Station she can't help but notice the birds are all over the place except at Humpty Dumpty Falls. It didn't take long for her to dive off the falls and swim to Joe's Station. Of course the birds see her eyes pop out of the water and leave. Undaunted she takes up the watch.
There were a few enticing approaches by sparrows but no one stayed around long enough for Joe to act (pounce). Then a Who-Who Birdie (Mourning Dove if you haven't been following the blog) approached. I watched closely as she neared the water. I wondered if Joe would give such a big bird a try.
Joe must have been hungry because she flew out of the water landing on the flat stone, mouth wide, hitting her target... well, kinda. The bird of course jumped and tried to fly away. Joe had only caught her by her left wing. Joe held on and it looked like the bird fell onto it's back. Then the bird righted itself and pulled Joe across the rock, but only a short distance, before pulling it's wing out of Joe's mouth thus freeing itself from Joe's grasp. As soon as the bird was free it was out of here. Joe, slowly and with dignity, crawled back into the pond. WOW... intense.
It wasn't but 15 minutes or so later that a sparrow approached the very same rock. As the sparrow got close to the water Joe, again, sprang from the water with mouth wide. The bird was too fast and escaped. Joe did a belly flop on the flat stone and then bounced a little. If I had been closer I'm sure I would have heard a "Oof" as well as a "Splat". Once again Joe, slowly and with dignity, crawled back into the pond.
I watched for a while longer and then gave it up. An hour or so later I saw Joe, on station, moving around in an unusual manner. I went out to look at her and sure enough, feathers were sticking out of her mouth. There were puddles on the flat stones at Joe's Station. The third time was the charm for Joe. Thus the title of todays post.
Oh the drama. It makes you tired. I can't stop watching.
I got up this morning before the sun, before Joe and even before the birds. It's a crisp day so I hurried as I filled the bird feeder. The only sounds I could hear in the gray twilight yard is wind whistling through the trees and the water falls.
Assuming my position at the dining table armed with a cup of coffee and a Jeffery Deaver novel I semi-read and semi-watch the yard come to life. I noted that Joe was not on station. Wondering if she was under the bridge I went out to take a quick look.
As I stood hunched over trying to see under the bridge, out of the corner of my eye I see two dark things falling from the sky. I looked up to see Mama Mallard and Daddy Duck coming almost straight down with wings spread. They plopped with a decent splash into the bridge pond... literally dropping in it seemed. I retreated to my station, the dining table.
The ducks swam around for a few minutes and then crawled out and inspected the yard. They wound up at Joe's Station. The male started a subtle quacking and the female answered. He would quack a few times. She would answer. He would quack. She answered (are you get'n my drift here?). Then both took off at the same instant headed south east for points unknown. It was like Daddy Duck was saying, "Let's get out of here... go over to Johns." Mama Mallard would answer, "OK with me... you ready?" He says, "Yep, on the count of three. One... Two..." She says, "Three!" And they're off.
In the mean-time Joe appears at Humpty Dumpty Falls. As she sits on high looking over Joe's Station she can't help but notice the birds are all over the place except at Humpty Dumpty Falls. It didn't take long for her to dive off the falls and swim to Joe's Station. Of course the birds see her eyes pop out of the water and leave. Undaunted she takes up the watch.
There were a few enticing approaches by sparrows but no one stayed around long enough for Joe to act (pounce). Then a Who-Who Birdie (Mourning Dove if you haven't been following the blog) approached. I watched closely as she neared the water. I wondered if Joe would give such a big bird a try.
Joe must have been hungry because she flew out of the water landing on the flat stone, mouth wide, hitting her target... well, kinda. The bird of course jumped and tried to fly away. Joe had only caught her by her left wing. Joe held on and it looked like the bird fell onto it's back. Then the bird righted itself and pulled Joe across the rock, but only a short distance, before pulling it's wing out of Joe's mouth thus freeing itself from Joe's grasp. As soon as the bird was free it was out of here. Joe, slowly and with dignity, crawled back into the pond. WOW... intense.
It wasn't but 15 minutes or so later that a sparrow approached the very same rock. As the sparrow got close to the water Joe, again, sprang from the water with mouth wide. The bird was too fast and escaped. Joe did a belly flop on the flat stone and then bounced a little. If I had been closer I'm sure I would have heard a "Oof" as well as a "Splat". Once again Joe, slowly and with dignity, crawled back into the pond.
I watched for a while longer and then gave it up. An hour or so later I saw Joe, on station, moving around in an unusual manner. I went out to look at her and sure enough, feathers were sticking out of her mouth. There were puddles on the flat stones at Joe's Station. The third time was the charm for Joe. Thus the title of todays post.
Oh the drama. It makes you tired. I can't stop watching.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Yikes!!! It's a B-52
Ginger and I lived in Corpus Christi, Texas prior to moving to Colorado. We lived on an island where our back door opened to the Intercoastal Waterway. The place was alive with more wildlife than you can imagine. From the airborne all the way to the denizens of the deep. Everything from Curlew Birds and Skimmers, Harvester Ants, Coyotes and Foxes to Dolphins, Sting Rays and Jelly Fish.
One of the more common and interesting birds is the Blue Heron. One of our neighbors decided he would try to make a pet out of one so he started catching these little fish that were in abundance. The fish were called, locally, Piggy Perch. He would catch one and put it in a bucket, catch another and add it to the bucket. Once he had 8 or 10 he would set the bucket on his patio and go inside the house. His "pet" heron would go to the bucket and snatch each and every one of those fish. Then he would retire to the railing of the deck and wait for his next handout.
This ritual went on for weeks until my neighbor came down with the flu. It hit him hard and he was down for a few days. During this time the heron had no handouts. On the second day of "fasting" this heron approached my neighbors window and started pecking at it. He kept this up until my neighbor hauled his sick body outside and caught a few Piggy Perch for his pet. Ha, guess you better be careful what you sign-up for.
The point of this story is to introduce you to the Blue Heron. They are adaptive creatures and are also prevalent here in Colorado. They fish the streams and lakes. They also fish the ponds in peoples yards!
Yesterday morning I was having my coffee while watching the circus in the backyard. I saw this Blue Heron circling down and then landing on top of the pergola. As the Heron approached Joe made a hasty retreat. The Heron surveyed the yard and must not have found anything tempting enough to warrant a longer visit and was flying away after only a half minute or so.
Joe must have great eyesight. These wild creatures must always be vigilant not only for prey but also predators. For that Heron Joe would only be a nice hors d'oeuvre.
Not long after moving to Texas we noticed these white streaks down the road. They were anywhere from 15 feet in length to 30 or 40 feet in length and always about 2-3 feet wide. One day I approached a neighbor (not the same one who befriended the Heron) and asked him about it. His reply was a story about him and his wife standing on their deck enjoying the sunset one evening when a Blue Heron happened to fly over their deck. --Let me interject here: As you might expect, if you happened to think about it, a large bird like this that has aquatic creatures for breakfast, lunch and dinner, might also leave a large smelly mess when it relieves itself. This brings us to the B-52 part of the story.-- That is to say, fly over them. This heron dropped his load or dropped his bomb covering both of them in a white, sticky and very stinky substance. This is the same substance that makes the streaks down the roads. The bomb of course is Heron crap and thus the name... B-52.
Nice to look at and interesting to watch. This pond owner hopes it finds better things to do than come back to our place for any reason.
One of the more common and interesting birds is the Blue Heron. One of our neighbors decided he would try to make a pet out of one so he started catching these little fish that were in abundance. The fish were called, locally, Piggy Perch. He would catch one and put it in a bucket, catch another and add it to the bucket. Once he had 8 or 10 he would set the bucket on his patio and go inside the house. His "pet" heron would go to the bucket and snatch each and every one of those fish. Then he would retire to the railing of the deck and wait for his next handout.
This ritual went on for weeks until my neighbor came down with the flu. It hit him hard and he was down for a few days. During this time the heron had no handouts. On the second day of "fasting" this heron approached my neighbors window and started pecking at it. He kept this up until my neighbor hauled his sick body outside and caught a few Piggy Perch for his pet. Ha, guess you better be careful what you sign-up for.
The point of this story is to introduce you to the Blue Heron. They are adaptive creatures and are also prevalent here in Colorado. They fish the streams and lakes. They also fish the ponds in peoples yards!
Yesterday morning I was having my coffee while watching the circus in the backyard. I saw this Blue Heron circling down and then landing on top of the pergola. As the Heron approached Joe made a hasty retreat. The Heron surveyed the yard and must not have found anything tempting enough to warrant a longer visit and was flying away after only a half minute or so.
Joe must have great eyesight. These wild creatures must always be vigilant not only for prey but also predators. For that Heron Joe would only be a nice hors d'oeuvre.
Nice to look at and interesting to watch. This pond owner hopes it finds better things to do than come back to our place for any reason.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Woody's are Back!
I was surprised to hear the Woodhouse's Toads singing their screechy song for the past 2 nights. While they are certainly welcome I thought they had left because of Joe's arrival. Guess it ain't so.
I've read the American Bullfrog doesn't get along with others very well and will consume just about anything it can get into it's mouth. This would include other amphibians as well as birds, mice, insects... you name it.
I can't explain Woody's return. I hope the toads make more toadlet's.
Speaking of the toadlet's. I've been watching for them and find that there are actually quite a few still around. They seem to have become aware of and afraid of shadows. They dive to the bottom of the pond when they see my shadow. I find if I approach so my shadow doesn't cross the water I can observe them or I can sit still awhile then I'll see them swimming from here to there. Cool. Makes this Toad Daddy rest easier knowing some of the kids are doing OK.
They have grown. They are still a black oval with a short tail. The largest is about 1/2 inch in length and the head about as wide as a #2 pencil. My granddaughter and I caught a few in a jar about a week ago and checked them out. They have a small mouth that I would describe as "puckered" as in it looks like the are going to kiss you. Just 2 eyes and the small mouth on this little black oval.
When they get bigger I'll work at getting a photo to publish on this blog.
Stay tuned for introductions to the "B-52."
I've read the American Bullfrog doesn't get along with others very well and will consume just about anything it can get into it's mouth. This would include other amphibians as well as birds, mice, insects... you name it.
I can't explain Woody's return. I hope the toads make more toadlet's.
Speaking of the toadlet's. I've been watching for them and find that there are actually quite a few still around. They seem to have become aware of and afraid of shadows. They dive to the bottom of the pond when they see my shadow. I find if I approach so my shadow doesn't cross the water I can observe them or I can sit still awhile then I'll see them swimming from here to there. Cool. Makes this Toad Daddy rest easier knowing some of the kids are doing OK.
They have grown. They are still a black oval with a short tail. The largest is about 1/2 inch in length and the head about as wide as a #2 pencil. My granddaughter and I caught a few in a jar about a week ago and checked them out. They have a small mouth that I would describe as "puckered" as in it looks like the are going to kiss you. Just 2 eyes and the small mouth on this little black oval.
When they get bigger I'll work at getting a photo to publish on this blog.
Stay tuned for introductions to the "B-52."
Monday, June 1, 2009
Pollywog Update
It was May 11th that I saw the toad egg strings. Then it was May 16th that we sighted all these little toadlet's swimming around. In the days that followed it was evident there were thousands of these creatures that resembled giant sperm. They were everywhere. Not long after that we saw some toadlet's in No-Name Pond and marveled at their tenacity just to survive the trip through the pump and pipe, through and across the Bio Falls only to end up in the fast moving water of No-Name Pond. From there most would be swept over the falls to Bridge Pond completing their circumnavigation of the pond.
These events started just 16 days ago. The pollywog population has diminished to the point were you have to sit and watch just to spot one. As a Toad Daddy I have to wonder where have all my children gone?
I still am holding out for a few to grow into sizable toadlet's, possibly one to morph into a toad and somehow escaping the watchful eyes of Joe. It is an uphill battle and if won by only a single toadlet I will consider that to be another miracle from Mother Nature.
These events started just 16 days ago. The pollywog population has diminished to the point were you have to sit and watch just to spot one. As a Toad Daddy I have to wonder where have all my children gone?
I still am holding out for a few to grow into sizable toadlet's, possibly one to morph into a toad and somehow escaping the watchful eyes of Joe. It is an uphill battle and if won by only a single toadlet I will consider that to be another miracle from Mother Nature.
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