Swimming pond or pool, part 2

As soon as the weather gets nicer and warmer, the frogs announce themselves in our pond. Last night I heard the first croaking, which got louder and louder. April is the time when toads and frogs make themselves at home in a swimming pond. A pool drives them away by adding chlorine tablets. Some people love frogs and toads, which are literally attracted to a pond. However, the neighbours are usually not very happy about the evening music that now takes place every day. As soon as dusk sets in, the barking begins. The louder and longer, the more likely it is that a female will come forward. And the more toads/frogs croak, the more spawn can be found wrapped around the pond plants the next day. It is also an advantage if these small black eggs, which hang on a sticky, transparent string, are still visible. If they are laid in the centre of the pond, there is little chance of removing them. And every egg that is overlooked will result in a tadpole, which will ultimately give rise to another toad/frog.

I prefer to remove the eggs and catch the frogs. This is easiest in the evening when they are screaming the most or sitting on a female. Like a burglar, my husband and I go out armed with a head torch in search of the night-time troublemakers. When the light is shone directly on them, they are easy to catch. They are then taken to a stream in water-filled tubs, where they can't disturb anyone and still find the ideal environment.
But don't worry, by midsummer at the latest, when the tadpoles have become toads or frogs, they will migrate. Then the pond will be quiet again. Until next year, when the dear friends come back and the game starts all over again!

To be continued in the next blog!