A Leopard that’s still hanging around

A Pickerel that is calling, showing the cheek air sacs

I’m fascinated with how each season unfolds and comparing it to previous years. I have been monitoring a small area this year comprising of 1 semi-permanent pond and 2 vernal pools. The pond has been a blast because I broke out the chest waders and I’m getting up close and personal! The Leopard frogs are finished and the Pickerels have taken their place, though still I see some Leopards chilling on the vegetation. They call from the same areas of floating cat-tail mats or coves created by vegetation leaves and surrounded by water. Peepers are ever present and Midland Chorus choruses are almost absent now. The American toads that were calling last week have all but disappeared and there is a group of 6-8 calling from an entirely different location. It seems they are on the prowl now and are hopping all over the towpath. Occasionally a solitary Grey Treefrog and a Green frog will make their presence known, but very sporadically. I haven’t seen any sign of fish in this larger pond and didn’t see the snapping turtle this time. Here’s some pics from last night.

A Pickerel and a potential meal

Their camouflage works pretty well