A frog in a water nest?
April 28, 2011 4:25 PM Subscribe
On a hike in East Granby, CT, my friend came across this. Its a frog sitting in a fluffy nest sitting on top of a swampy pond. I really have nothing else to say other than is this normal frog behavior?
I agree with anadem - that's an exploded cattail, not a nest. Mr. Frog might be there for any number of reasons.
posted by amtho at 4:46 PM on April 28, 2011
posted by amtho at 4:46 PM on April 28, 2011
Yeah, looks like he's sitting on a fallen exploded cattail. I have no specific information about frog behavior, but now I'm curious too. That picture is totally adorable!
posted by dialetheia at 4:48 PM on April 28, 2011
posted by dialetheia at 4:48 PM on April 28, 2011
That's the most wonderful misplaced answer EVER, vitabellosi.
This YT video shows an African Foam Nest Frog's foamy nest. In a tree.
But back in CT, that's not foam, but a bunch of cattail (on preview: yep!) If the frog's cold, it might keep it warm.
posted by maudlin at 4:49 PM on April 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
This YT video shows an African Foam Nest Frog's foamy nest. In a tree.
But back in CT, that's not foam, but a bunch of cattail (on preview: yep!) If the frog's cold, it might keep it warm.
posted by maudlin at 4:49 PM on April 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
Ah yes, cattail. They're called bulrushes in my native tongue, and I blanked on too many animal names. Cute picture, comfy frog in a convenient floating seat.
posted by anadem at 5:06 PM on April 28, 2011
posted by anadem at 5:06 PM on April 28, 2011
Best answer: Hey, frogs are cold blodded; the cattail can't keep it warm.
Frogs have no concept of "fluffy = good", this is true for us endotherms because fluffy stuff is usually good thermal isolation, it keeps our own heat from escaping and therefore feels good when it's colder outside.
I don't know why the frog is sitting there, but it's not because it's cozy.
posted by Tom-B at 9:04 AM on April 29, 2011
Frogs have no concept of "fluffy = good", this is true for us endotherms because fluffy stuff is usually good thermal isolation, it keeps our own heat from escaping and therefore feels good when it's colder outside.
I don't know why the frog is sitting there, but it's not because it's cozy.
posted by Tom-B at 9:04 AM on April 29, 2011
It's laying eggs. Duh.
(Sorry. Could not resist. Please don't tell anyone I said this or they'll take away my zoology degrees.)
My guess? Coincidence, and a lucky photo opportunity.
posted by caution live frogs at 10:35 AM on April 29, 2011
(Sorry. Could not resist. Please don't tell anyone I said this or they'll take away my zoology degrees.)
My guess? Coincidence, and a lucky photo opportunity.
posted by caution live frogs at 10:35 AM on April 29, 2011
Frogs can't snuggle? That makes me unutterably sad. (But I guess frogs and lizards can still bask in the sun and warm up from radiant heat, right?)
I have no idea how these people got their frogs wedged into their cattails, or why.
posted by maudlin at 11:59 AM on April 29, 2011
I have no idea how these people got their frogs wedged into their cattails, or why.
posted by maudlin at 11:59 AM on April 29, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks guys! The general consensus seems to be that the frog got lucky and landed in a sweet spot (even if he/she didn't appreciate the fluffiness). My friend told me that she didn't even know the frog was in the "nest" when she took the picture! A welcome surprise indeed.
posted by arveale at 6:45 PM on April 29, 2011
posted by arveale at 6:45 PM on April 29, 2011
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posted by anadem at 4:41 PM on April 28, 2011