An apology to Marsh Frogs

In a earlier post i mentioned that marsh frogs were out competing our native frogs but after i had a walk along the royal military canal in kent found a healthy population of both common and marsh frogs there. it also seems that the local grass snakes have greatly benefited from the marsh frogs as a extra food source!

I'm not advocating the release of non native species at all but it seems these little frogs actually benefit a lot or our wildlife including some of the rarer species.

i took a trip to dungeness in Kent and its no coincidence that the bitterns breeding there, purple herons showing up and other amphibian loving birds all do very well at this site because of the marsh frogs for a food source.

even in romney marsh where rare species like medical leeches and great crested newts can be found are benefiting from the marsh frogs with the leeches sucking there blood and newts eating the tadpoles.

so from the bottom of my heart sorry marsh frogs!...

... but not to sorry they still have the potential to spread Chytrid a deadly amphibian fungus and at the end of day shouldn't be in Britain but if they are here may as well enjoy them!

Coastal walk

This morning i decided id go for a little walk well about 7 miles in total! i started in falmouth and followed the route to maenporth. along the pathway i saw a lone peregrine falcon fly over though i only had a fisheye with me typical!

i went to see if any reptile would be out yet in particular slow worms i checked my usual spot and found none still a bit early for them but then spotted one in the undergrowth and gently moved him out to take a couple of shots. according to ARG (Amphibian Reptile Group) this is also the first slow worm found in 2012!

afterwards i walked back until i stumbled upon another species that is out early a beetle not sure what species it is so if you have any ideas please message me!

Because of Cornwall's warm temperatures a lot of species that are still hibernating come out early here with daffodils and frogspawn already all over the county.

Hints -

- Dont be afraid to pick animals up however be careful as some may not appreciate it and as the case with most herptiles its illegal, slow worms being the exception.

- Be attentive these species are out very early its always a good idea to report the sitings to wildlife trusts and specialist groups

- Take a drink ! this was a long walk and as hard as it my be to believe im not the fittest person ever so take along some nibbles and a drink of water!