When I visited MacLeod Field on this past Sunday I had insects on the mind and as you saw had an enjoyable time chasing the Silver-bordered Fritillary. But prior to that I was chasing a small moth when I saw the leaves move to my left and upon looking closely noticed this near the ground.
Although green, this is a Gray Treefrog-Dryophytes versicolor formerly Hyla versicolor. It has several other common names such as eastern gray treefrog, northern gray treefrog, common gray treefrog, or tetraploid gray treefrog. The last name is used to differentiate it from Cope’s Gray Treefrog which is almost identical in every way but a more southern species. Only their genes tell them apart but since we are in the north it is more than likely not Cope’s.
As with the fritillary, I had to chase this little frog around a bit but that afforded some other more intimate views.
I wanted a front portrait and carefully sidled around to this angle.
So patient and accommodating. Most of the small frogs I encounter are quite jumpy and usually disappear after a moment or two. But this one stayed where I could make more images and I got this final look which, if you click and look closely, has a familiar figure in his eye.
They are called gray treefrogs because the mature frog is no longer green, becoming gray and earning the moniker.
This was the highlight, even more than the butterfly, of my Sunday shoot and it was hard to not share until today. Frog Monday just doesn’t have the same ring to it. 🙂
What a terrific opportunity, and such great cooperation from your new pal. I love it when they take us with a proverbial grain of salt and realize that we are no threat. l have had many memorable encounters with tree frogs at the MN cabin, and I’ve missed them. Here’s to frog Friday!
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Thanks, Gary. I was very happy to be able to offer up a different species for a change. Not that bullfrogs are undeserving but after a while…
I hear them often along with the peepers out back but seeing one doesn’t happen often enough.
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Beautiful, I go for the second shot 🙂
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Thanks, Rudi. The whole frog. 🙂
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Great shots of a shy guy, very appealing little fellow!
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Thanks, Robert. They are shy so I was pleased he stuck around as long as he did. Most of their predators come from above so it was a bit surprising.
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You’ve got the eye perfectly but I was fascinated by those clever feet.
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Those feet are cute and the key to tree climbing. They remind me of human baby fingers and toes.
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Very nice Frog Friday images Steve! Enjoyed seeing them!
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Thanks, Reed!
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You did get some really great shots. I love those little frogs and I find that the frogs here are usually sleepy during the day and easier to photograph.
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That may be why he was so agreeable to posing. I am not one to miss taking advantage of subjects with morning lethargy. 🙂 Thanks!
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What a cute little frog you captured, Steve!
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Thanks, Peter!
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What a cutie! Marvelous captures, Steve, including the frog-eye selfie. 🙂
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They are adorable. THanks, Eliza. That selfie was unexpected and only discovered while processing. I’ll take luck any day. 🙂
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What a spectacular start to Labor Day weekend! This is a cutie for sure… I think this might be the prince of them all!!
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It was pretty exciting when I noticed him down there. I never expected to have such an extended opportunity but was very pleased to take advantage. Glad you enjoyed this, Lori, and thanks!
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He is a cute little guy. My favorite view’s the third – your image in his eye is neat, but I like the darker eye.
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I think the third is my favorite also and what I had hoped for once I started shooting my way around him, although I do like the added frog’s “personality” in the last. I wasn’t aware of my reflection until processing.
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Glad you were in a chasing mood, as this set of photos was cheering to me! I think the frog is just so damn cute!
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Glad that these brought some cheer, Tina. I am always willing to chase a worthy subject although do appreciate the shorter distance such small subjects require. These tiny ones are cute for sure.
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Fantastic! Great find, and great job working the patient little subject. I love the different perspectives you’ve created, and especially those last 3. I was mowing my lawn today and saw movement on my small tree. Looking close there was a little treefrog climbing the bark to keep away from the mower. It made it up to one of the branches and was just hanging out, watching me mow. 🙂
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They are not just cute but interesting as well. Those little feet do a great job of clinging to the surfaces the climb.I’ve only managed a few shots of them over the years including one looking out of a hole at the world. Last one down. Thanks, Todd!
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Nice series, Steve, with all those angles and the story. I love their feet, so flexible, and your last image with froggy grasping the leaf edge is neat.
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Thanks, Ellen. Photographing this one and its patience with me was a real treat.
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Is that another selfie in the last picture’s eye?
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Yes, thus the “familiar figure”. It wasn’t intentional as the other was but I’ll take what I can get.
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Awesome!
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Thanks, Cindy!
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Such a sweet little frog, and a lovely portrait!
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The small ones are the cutest. Thanks, Sel!
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