Across my backyard, there’s a tiny section of woodland. Every spring the frogs meet at this ephemeral pond where no fish can eat them. It’s as if the pond was meant for the frogs alone. Every spring the pond is there, then by summer it is gone. Those tiny frog bodies are only about an inch long (2.5 cm), but their call is so loud that it travels about a mile (1.6 km) in the cool night air. That time is special to me, as I only need to open my windows for an entertaining twilight chant. A free concert.
The moss is so brilliant against the drab browns that it often looks illuminated. I had to run my hand over the plush carpet, it’s incredibly soft.
This winter was extremely mild in Kentucky. We only had snow one day. Therefore, the mushrooms were out in abundance. I found several different types.
At the base of a felled tree, there were some amazing ruby-colored mushrooms. I do not know what species, but they were beautiful and even had streaks of blue and purple running throughout.
Perhaps at sunset, a spring peeper sits on one of these mushrooms above the water to call for a mate.
I broke one open from another mushroom nearby and discovered a truffle-like inside. It reminded me of those yummy Fannie May Trinidads….yummy! But I will not eat this fungus and neither should you. I’ve heard that if you open them up and they’re black it’s not safe to eat.
Look at those colors! I think these are turkey tails. I wonder if the older ones turn green and the brown ones are newer and closer to the ground.
I hope you enjoyed this little spring adventure where the frogs meet.
Let's Paint Nature! 