We never cease to stand like curious children

before the great mystery into which we are born.

~ Albert Einstein*

This park always has the best sunsets.

It was a regular Amphibian Watch** at Berry Springs Park and Preserve, but it was nothing close to "normal." There is a new park director and new park host. The drought has taken a toll on the creeks, sloughs, ponds, and springs. We hoped that a minor rain event earlier in the week brought little relief and might have shaken up the critters - and I suppose it did.

A friend, CC, was able to join me for the drive down. Her introduction to the park began (as do all my hikes there) with a visit to the donkeys. But it almost didn't happen.

I'd remembered the net, camera, mosquito repellant, and flashlights, but I forgot CARROTS for the donkeys. I pretty much always forget the carrots and this time remembered them as we were minutes from the park. CC acted quickly and found us a small market with NO carrots, but APPLES and BANANAS. I didn't know donkeys like bananas, but I do now.

[Please note: I have gotten permission in the past to feed the donkeys carrots and apples. Other than with permission, you are supposed to only feed them grass from around the corral. I don't want you to get into any trouble and don't want the donkeys to get sick.]

Happy donkeys

Then we joined KM and CG and headed down the trial to listen and watch for any frogs and toads. We wondered about hearing/recording anything as a wedding reception was going full tilt (live music and all) and the wind was kicking up. Still, you never know what to expect in this park.

Ready for sundown!

We arrived at the Aquatic Viewing Area to find a family with three young (and very active) children, E, E, and C. Of course the children wanted to know why we were in the park with all our gear - nets, buckets, and flashlights (especially those cool/nerdy headlamps). When we told them we were there to survey frogs and toads, they shared that they had been catching some and immediately began to catch more for us!

It was amazing and delightful! Before long we had 8 or so frogs and toads, representing 3 species, in the bucket. We photographed the frogs/toads, shared the iNaturalist app with the parents and children, and invited the family to join us again next month. Unfortunately they are moving to the northwest, but we assured them iNaturalist is world-wide. I'd guess we have recruited more citizen scientists to the "club."

A handful of tiny Gulf Coast Toads

Two Narrow-mouthed Toads (note the pointed head)

Blanchard's Cricket Frog

Same cricket frog - measured. The better lighting shows how colorful this frog can be.

A number of frogs were floating - some "rafting" on the algae in the shallow water. They were too distant for decent photos/identification, but we also were able to record some vocal Rio Grande Leopard Frogs. Then towards the end of our hike around the pond we were able to catch a good-sized leopard frog and record better calls.