@mycrowgirl

One thing to know about frogs & amphibians.

If they exist in your neighborhood, it means you are living in a relatively pollution-free ecosystem.

It's a warning of "canaries in a coal mine" if they aren't around. They are a species hit hardest when air or water contains contaminants.

Enjoy! It's a privilege sharing this planet with these species.

@Npars01 @mycrowgirl
I live about 5 blocks from the house I grew up in, having retired here after being away for ~30 years. Things I never see any more:
Cedar Waxwings, swarms of which would stop to gorge on juniper berries from the shrubs in my back yard twice a year on their migration. I’ve seen 3 since I returned.
Monarch butterflies, who would live on the Milkweeds in our back yard. I can’t count the number of chrysalises I watch hatch into butterflies.
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@Npars01 @mycrowgirl
I’ve seen 4 or five since I returned.

Our mountains used to be filled with a small relative of the prairie dog we called “PotGuts” It used to be hard to avoid them driving any mountain road. Haven’t seen a single one in 8 years since I’ve been home.

Even since I’ve been home my sighting of lazuli buntings has dropped to zero this year. Towhees cut in half. And the quail had, maybe, 2-3 broods this year compared to to 10< the last ‘ years.
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