Friday, March 20, 2015

Seasonal Transition

The full force of spring is present in the Carolinas! However, not long ago we were feeling the impacts of winter weather, with only hints that spring was on the way. On March 8th, Pat Momich shared photos and observations that captured the seasonal transition between winter and spring. Pat writes:

“I was thrilled last week on the 73° day (Wed, Mar 4) to hear & see the wood frogs back in the pond. On Friday, at 18° with snow on the ground & ice on every twig & blade of vegetation, I was equally thrilled to find the wood frog eggs. They're late as the average day of the frog's return is Feb. 18 (for 10 years of records).

Wood frogs are amazing creatures. They can freeze solid & then thaw out & return to life. They spent most of the year in the woods, but seek out ponds & ephemeral pools to mate & lay eggs. Their mating "song" is more of a quack. If you didn't know, you might think you were hearing a gathering of ducks.

Wood frogs coming to our pond is an early promise that spring is coming.”

Pat hit the nail on the head with her observations. Check out her great photos below, and thanks for sharing Pat! Additionally, feel free to share any of your photos with us, at cisa@sc.edu.






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