Amphibians

Amphibians in Ringmer

Serious frog activity started in my garden pond on 29th January 2008. Shortly after this came a cold snap and things have calmed down again. 5th February 2008. They are back in force again. The water appears to boil every time someone walks past. 15th February 2008. First frogspawn appears. 62 frogs counted in the pond.
20th February 2008. With the rise in temperature there is more frogspawn and 136 frogs counted in the pond. 26th February 2008. At least 36 clumps of frogspawn counted in the pond 3rd March 2008. All activity has stopped. The surface of the pond is covered in frogspawn. I hope there are some preditors about. If not, we're in for a plague of frogs!
Does anyone else in Ringmer have frogspawn? I've received the following replies: 29th February 2008. North of the Village Green. I got some about 10 days ago, but there doesn't seem to be much of a frog-party going on, not like some years. 3rd March 2008. Backing onto the Downs. We have a little frogspawn, but less than in previous years. 9th March 2008. Church Hill. Just cycled up the hill by the churchyard. There are thousands (well, dozens) of poor frogs that must have been doing a quick wet migration in the rain last night. I wish I'd seen them doing it. I didn't look very carefully but I think they were frogs not toads. Thought you'd like to know.
To report what's happening in YOUR garden, especially any unusual behaviour, click on the address wildlife@ringmer.info

© Environment Agency copyright 2008. All rights reserved	Has anyone got any great crested newts in their pond? It would be good to get an idea of how many sites these splnendid creatures are inhabiting in the village. This male great crested newt is, in the breeding season, recognisable by his jagged crest and silvery-blue stripe down the centre of the tail. Both sexes have a dark brown warty body and yellowish-orange belly with black blotches.

3rd March 2008. Backing onto the Downs.

We have a little frogspawn, but less than in previous years. However, we do also have Great Crested Newts in abundance. They have been breeding successfully in one of our two garden ponds ever since it was created a decade ago, and the numbers have increased year by year. Last year there were a large number of well-developed larvae by the end of the season. In recent years some have also migrated to the frog pond, which is a little higher and rather warmer, though there were not so many larvae there last year. I'm not sure this migration is good news for the frogs.

We have also had smooth newts in both ponds.