Kip’s Comments - August 31, 2023

How Do They Know?

Over the past few years Kristy and I have planted 40-60 trees and shrubs in an effort to establish a windbreak and to provide wildlife habitat. These same past few years we have not received much rain - to the point we are in extreme drought category. As a result, we are watering every few days. On watering days, it takes several hours, but the time and water investment will be worth it if we can nurse the trees through this dry spell.

As I was watering today, at three trees I had one each leopard frog hop out from under the trees when the water began flowing. Since I am just standing there watering, I think. Seeing the frogs made me wonder a few things. Where did the frogs spend their tadpole time since we do not have a pond? How did the frogs get from their wetland area to our desert dry yard. Why did they move from wetness to arid conditions? How did each frog find the appropriate habitat to survive under the trees we are watering - did they smell the moist areas or how did they know?

Once again, the more I think I know about nature, the less I realize I actually know.

Leopard Frog in Hand - Image 838285