Heron Heaven, Frog Hell

Down at the EITHW (Excavation Intended To Hold Water), things are becoming desperate. The water which left completely back in the fall, had returned in the form of a one foot layer for a while. This, and the absence of predatory fish, encouraged lots of froggy fun and the shallow pool held many tadpoles as a result.

The relentless drought has put an end to that fun now and the shallow pool has shrunk to a muddy sump about the size of one of those bright blue kiddie pools out in front of Walmart. A thin sheen of water rides atop the mud waiting to get airborne.

The frogs (and there are a blue million of them down there) are not aware of the seriousness of their situation. They are not doomed, but surely some will not make it if the pond dries completely.

Already the little blue heron is reducing their numbers as the shrinking mud puddle concentrates the targets. The frogs have posted sentries like the fellow below to sound the alarm when the long legged death arrives.

Estivation is still an option for them, but perhaps the rains will come in time and keep things wet.

In the meantime, they nestle into the cool mud and wait for rain.

The sun is rising into a cloudless sky again today and already the water molecules are feeling the tug of freedom. The heron, in the willows by the pond, is preparing for another day on the hunt.
By this evening, the puddle ... and the frog population will be just a little smaller.