Female Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
Today, April 5th, was mild in the mid-50s and overcast with some gentle rain. We had hoped the temperatures and the rain would continue into the dark to entice spotted salamanders to begin their mating congress. So, Turtle Journal drove to a nearby abandoned cranberry bog, the Goldwitz Bog, in Marion on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts to see what might be afoot. Unfortunately, temperatures had plunged to 41F and the rain had ceased.
Mating Pair of Wood Frogs
As we checked the shallow channels in the abandoned bog, Sue Wieber Nourse spotted a pair of mating frogs seemingly frozen at the surface of the water. She scooped them in her collection net for closer examination. Wood frogs are an early harbinger of springtime on the SouthCoast and may begin their mating rituals in temperatures around 41F.
Pair of Wood Frogs, SouthCoast of Massachusetts
Once we documented the adorable couple, we released them back into the bog to complete the evening’s dance card.