While I was processing today’s recent image I was reminded of my first frog post (actually my first blog post as well) back some years ago. I have shared it in comments a few times but thought to pair it with my most recent shot from August 24th.
Back in 2008 I spent a lot of time along the Amherst portion of the Norwottuck Rail Trail that passes through Poor Farm Swamp, a location I’ve mentioned here often. At that time I used my 40D, which is now almost exclusively my yard insect camera, with my old 300 f/4 and 1.4x teleconverter for wildlife. I saw this guy sitting on a log calling for a girl friend and sat there with him and the motor drive clicking away to capture an enlarged vocal sac while he was croaking. I was successful a few times but this was and still is my favorite.
Kind of a hard act to follow, but I like my most recent from Moosehorn Pond almost as well. A little more personality, I think. I haven’t been as successful capturing croaks lately but do enjoy the portraits.
Comparing the two, you can definitely see a subtle detail/sharpness difference between the 40D with 300 and the 5D Mark IV and the 100-400. And, of course, blown up large the difference wouldn’t be as subtle.
The rust coloring on the rock he is perched upon is most likely the result of Leptothrix, a bacteria in the water that interacts with iron and oxygen.
As the season winds down Frog Fridays may become less common but autumn is a good time for Fog Fridays.
These are both endearing portraits and make a good pair.
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Thanks. Quite a span in time.
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Great shots! Just saw some Green Frogs today.
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Your comment about green frogs reminded me of the blue berry scene in Taxi. That’s a green frog but I am not sure it’s a green frog. 🙂 I neglected to identify these as bullfrogs, but they are green.
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I haven’t seen that first one before–how delightful!
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Thanks. In the last twelve years since I’ve captured a few frog burps but not this animated.
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Oh yeah, the new guy has mucho personality! But the old guy does make one pause. 😉
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I guess we can call the first one an “action” shot. 🙂 I’ve really taken a liking to bullfrogs but I guess that has become apparent.
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I’m so glad you have! 🙂
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Your first frog looks as though he has swallowed a big orange–it’s hilarious. 🐸🍊😊
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I was going to title that one “It must have been something I ate”. 🙂
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That would have been very apropos. 🙂
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Great images, Steve. I love the iris pattern in the eyes in the second one. Fun study!
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Thanks, Eliza. I always focus for the eyes to be sure the pattern is sharp and can be appreciated.
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The pair are adorable! The first could be an illustration so sweet especially with the flowers. The 2nd one with his big grin is charming too.
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Thanks, Sandra. Frogs do seem to have their individual personalities. 🙂
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Thank you very much for the latest edition of the frog blog. Yes, the 5D definitely shows the advancement of technology.
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I am sure my original 5D Mark I would still be producing fine images but having all those extra pixels available for sacrifice is definitely an asset. I am not sure how many current frog blogs remain but I think there is at least one more in the wings.
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I hope so. I really like frog blogs. My Nikon D850 is similar in the sense that I have pixels available for sacrifice.
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We’ll see. I do have a bunch in the archives and there could be another month of possibilities.
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Oh boy!
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Couple of good-lookin’ characters. That first one looks to be a real Pavarotti, Così fan froggy.
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He definitely knew how to project his voice. 🙂 They are probably both trading heavenly arias now.
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I can see why that top one is a favorite, such a great job capturing that while also creating a pleasant composition. I love the perspective for the bottom one, really draws you to those eyes.
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I was slightly elevated for both but the frog on the log kind of put us on equal footing. I was happy to have a little bladderwort color (another carnivorous plant) in the frame. Thanks, Todd.
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There’s something decidedly amusing about that top photo. They’re both lovely frogs 🙂
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I mentioned to Tanja above that I should have titled it “It must have been something I ate” which would be a perfect caption. 🙂
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Hehe!
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Oh I love it! I had a weird day last Friday and nearly missed this one. Not only did you get the croak, but a beautiful image of the Utricularia as well.
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Thanks. The bladderwort was a nice bit of happenstance…as was finding this “bump” on a log. 🙂
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