The Great Search!

  Considering how many predators there are roaming about the Bayou, one has to wonder how some of the smaller critters ever survive.  While in their own right, they are predators, size does not allow much in the way of defense.  Take, for instance, the green tree frog.  This tiny creature is a predator to bugs, slugs and even tinier frogs.  It has no fangs, no stinger and no claws.  The tree frog seems to be pretty much helpless when it comes to defending itself.  How can it go about its life without being eaten on the first day?

  This morning, I was out near the wild persimmon trees when I heard the call of a tree frog.  I turned toward the large clump of palmettos and searched for the frog.  The camouflage of the critter was superb!  It took me a while to find the frog but when I did, I marveled at how well the green matched the palm fronds. It seems that I do not have to worry about the frogs. It was like searching for Waldo!

  Between being able to hide so well, the green tree frogs reproduce at an exorbitant rate.  A few years ago, there were maybe a dozen frogs around the Frog Pond.  Now there are thousands.  The canebrake is full, palmetto clumps are full, the citrus trees are full and it is not unheard of to find them clinging to the house and shed as they snooze during the day.  It is by sheer numbers that the frogs can continue to exist.  You have to admire a mama that can lay 400 eggs each season!  Of course, out of those 400, probably only a dozen or so reach maturity.  Still, when you think about a thousand frogs laying hundreds of eggs....well, that is just a lot!  Carry on, Little Froggy.  Carry on.