Saturday, June 14, 2008

Camera Critter Sunday No. 10

Near where I live, there is a small, man-made pond formerly used to recycle irrigation water for the city golf course. It's now a small park and fishing spot for the young.

It's also my favorite place for dragonfly and damselfly photos. But there is other worthwhile critter to photograph there. Yellow-headed Blackbirds nest in the area, along with Red-winged Blackbirds. It's also the home of a couple of Rubber Boas, which hear me coming long before I see them and they disappear to parts unknown.

The pond is also the happy hunting grounds of a family of Osprey which nest about a mile or so south of the pond. I've watched four Osprey circle the pond at one time. I've watched as one would suddenly fold its wings, dive, hit the water with a large splash and return to flight with a meal in its talons.

I've watched the numerous different birds who make a home around the pond area look for food, mates and nesting areas. I've also watched visiting birds check out the pond for a while, then continue on their journey.

I've watched many creatures, big and small, live on and around pond.

One of the coolest critters though, lives in the pond. The bullfrogs of Fireman's Pond.

Just what do you see in the eyes of this week's Camera Critter Meme entry?

22 comments:

Misty DawnS said...

I totally LOVE this photo (OK, so I love all you photos, but that's besides the point). I love the detail and the colors!

What do I see in his eyes? He's saying "Welcome to my home - Isn't it beautiful here?"

ratmammy said...

wow, that is a great close up!!!! wonderful!

Juliana said...

I am little bit scare :D great shot

Mine in here Thanks

Michele said...

It's a beautiful photo. He is a mighty handsome little critter.
I would be very happy there snappy photos of the pond's inhabitants, that's for sure!
Mountain Retreat

Anonymous said...

WOnderful shot

Please visit mine also in here Thanks

Susan Demeter said...

Wow! What an awesome pic of the bullfrog! Great shot :)

My entry is here

Have a great weekend!

threesidesofcrazy said...

Awesome photo!!

Mom Knows Everything said...

I usually don't think frogs are cute, but that one is adorable!

Anonymous said...

You live in a paradise like I do. I just read about yellow-heads yesterday. I hope you post a photo of one soon! And I saw part of a PBS show on bullfrogs. Quite the violent little fellows they are. It's a great photo, Ash!

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

Oh that's great! Sounds like a wonderful place to go birding. Osprey are amoung one of my favorites.

Anonymous said...

That's 'toad-ally' amazing! Love all the detail, what a shot... lucky you :)

Lilli & Nevada said...

wow what close up and what big eyes he has

Aisha said...

Oh that is a really cute shot! :) I would be scared that the bullfrog will jump on me.

Jane Hards Photography said...

fabulous close up, such detail

Roan said...

And he didn't hop away! Roan

i beati said...

just one look, that's all it took....sandy

Rayne said...

What a fantastic photo. He looks so content and happy in his little pond.

storyteller said...

What a great close-up shot of this cool frog! I’ve shared at Small Reflections today.
Hugs and blessings,

AppleDebbie said...

Mr. Bullfrog is a beautiful shade of green. Great photo!

Maude Lynn said...

What a great shot!

nonizamboni said...

Oh, I'm in love! What a wonderful capture.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ash: That is a great frog picture.