Red-legged Frog Chorus...This Afternoon at a Wetland Near You

The red-legged frogs are croaking or calling out at Grafton Lake and probably Killarney Lake and other deeper marshes elsewhere on Bowen… They were heard yesterday (March 25^th) at about 3:30 pm. The croaking of the red-legged frog is very different from the distinctive “ribbit” of the tree frog: although also made by many individuals at one time, it is much quieter (you really have to  listen for it), lower in pitch, and sounds muffled because it can be entirely underwater. Also, the red-legged frogs are normally heard only during the breeding season, whereas individual tree frogs can be heard almost year round.

From Alan Whitehead

Following a period of dormancy, Bowen Nature Club rises again!

We are looking forward to leading events and activities that connect Bowen Islanders with the nature all around us. Soon we will be hosting our potluck AGM, details to be finalized, which will be a great opportunity to meet other members and renew your membership. We will also be electing our board and we welcome new board members. Roles include: memberships, communications, leading activities or simply being enthusiastic. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you are interested. We will be sharing this year's activity calendar at the meeting. If you would like to join the Nature Club or would like more information, contact us at bowennatureclub(at)gmail(dot)com

In addition we will be submitting a monthly column to the Undercurrent, written by local experts, that highlight nature you may see out and about. This months column about amphibian spawning was written by Alan Whitehead. He explains how to spot spawn and how to tell which Bowen amphibian it belongs to. Read about it here.

Here are some amphibian photos of ours that didn't make it to press, all taken on Bowen Island by Will Husby.

First frog eggs

Frog eggs

Red legged frog eggs

Salamander larva

Red legged frog