Around mid July, when the monsoons are in full swing, the humidity climbs and Todd’s Backyard starts getting lush. And, us lushes start getting a little lushier since the most entertaining activity (that doesn’t require a lot of sweat), is to sit on the porch with a cool drink and watch the desert wild’s. One of the main attractions this time of year, is a little oasis we like to call…the pond….because, for lack of better words, that’s what it is. It started as just a ‘water feature’, but over the years, Todd has added some water plants, and then some fish, and Wa La!…. it’s a pond!
It has become it’s own happy little ecosystem, and thriving under Todd’s TLC.
Of course, as you might expect in the desert, the pond attracts a lot ‘wild’ life! It’s become a nice day spa for our feathered friends, in need of a refreshing splash…
Or a nap enhanced with the soothing sounds of trickling water…
Also a source for liquid refreshment for all kinds of critters! The rabbits, assorted squirrels and javelina frequent the pond to get a drink. We’ve even seen the bobcat quenching his thirst ! (Where’s the camera when you need it!) You might think the bobcat might try his hand at fishing, but either he doesn’t know that these strange bright orange fish are food, or he just hasn’t seen them. The fish are elusive! Anytime anything or anyone gets close, they dart under the rocks. So, unfortunately, we rarely get to enjoy watching them up close.
Yes, the pond adds a calming sense of peace and tranquility to Todd’s backyard….
Until the sun goes down!…
Then, let the ruckus begin!
The explosive cacophony of pond partiers starts up just about the time we go to bed, keeping us awake until the party dies down. So, the other night, I took the flashlight and the camera to see if I could catch them in the act, possibly scaring them into silence! As I approached, I was startled by the brazen display of indifference. I also had to calm my gag reflex at the disgusting sight…
Happily frolicking and splashing around, two slimy frogs where having the time of their life! Both croaking at the top of their lungs, with a chorus of others that were hanging around in the bushes.
I am not a frog fan! But the longer I watched, it was kind of fun seeing them have fun. Their little slimy bodies gracefully swimming and diving in the clear, flashlight-lit water.
Now, if these were Colorado River Toads, I don’t think I would have been so entranced. (I don’t believe these were river toads as they are much smaller, lighter green and have different eyes).
The toad creatures are hideous!
Yuck! (gagging) Toadally gross!
Unfortunately, we’ve discovered Jabba the Toad hanging out in the darker recesses of the pond’s filter system.
Hopefully we won’t discover him in the pond.
Todd's Backyard 