Yes, frogs in winter. The beginning of February. I’m watching the calendar and the pond. They’ll be here soon. They seek shelter under the leaves that fall in autumn, and survive being frozen by what seems like magic. They increase their blood glucose levels, which acts as an antifreeze. But with daytime temperatures rising to the 50s they leave their shelters and go to nearby ponds.

That first frog to show up in my little pond, Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus). Many of them in a mating frenzy. Making lots of noise, day and night, sounding like little ducks having a grand time.