As soon as I read that the first decent rainfall of the last three months was expected over the weekend, I immediately began planning where and who I’d be able to take along frogging. Cooler temperatures were also expected following the rain so I was unsure as to how many frogs would be out. After watching the weather radar intently, I was disappointed to find that the Coast was largely missing out on good falls, with places like Kingaroy and Jimna receiving ~70 and ~40mls respectively. Good for them though! After Youth Group, I travelled to ‘frog hollow’ after scouring the sports oval beside the local PCYC and finding nothing but toads. All the Litoria peronii (Emerald-spotted treefrogs) that I’d found previously at frog hollow were gone, though there were quite a few L. tylerii (Laughing treefrogs) there, although out of my reach. L. fallax (Eastern sedgefrogs) were everywhere as usual. I’m pretty sure I head L. rubella (Naked treefrogs) too but their calls were being drowned out by the laughing treefrogs.
On my way back I saw something on a quiet country road. After closer inspection it was a L. wilxoxi (Stony-creek frog).
I decided to make a final stop into Palmwoods duckpond on my way home. The usual suspects were there, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a L. caerulea (Green treefrog) there.
The following evening was when we did receive more rain, so I headed out again at night but found nothing more than Rhinella marina (Cane toads) and Eastern Sedgefrogs (I did hear my first L. gracilenta (Graceful treefrog) for the season though!). The second site I visited (large paddocks with a creek beside) belongs to our neighbours, who I was told by have had several frog surveys carried out be the Government over the last 18 months (which has gotten me interested as to why…).
Anyways, the 16-odd mils of rain was great and should hopefully put some life back into the grass and gardens.