Common Frog (Rana temporaria) – This is an early stage tadpole, and I appear to have zillions of these teeming in my small garden pond at the moment. Note the branch-like appendages either side of the head … these are external gills, which as the tadpole develops will become wrapped in a pocket of skin to become internal. Amazing to think that this little fellow, if all goes well, will become a frog! Double-click for a closer peek.
Copyright: Peter Hillman
Camera used: Nikon D7200
Date taken: 16th March 2020
Place: Rear garden, Staffordshire
Nature Journeys 
Excellent photo of a future frog!
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Thank you, Marilyn. Never seen so many in the pond. I know nature compensates.
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This is an interesting photograph. I love the sound of frogs croaking at night.
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So do I. Thank you 🙂
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It reminds me of school excursions to ponds when we would catch pollywogs at different developmental stages as they had different size tails and were developing legs. You should hear some nice choruses soon.
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I have heard some choruses during the dark hours coming from the pond. Looks like more to come … perhaps a symphony 😉
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Hooray for tadpoles 😊
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Hooray indeed 🙂
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I can’t wait for the frogs, I love them. I have the peepers on my place. That is the best singing ever, I love sitting out on my porch in the evenings listening to them. And when you can leave the windows open to hear them into the night.
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The peepers sound wonderful, Sandra! Frogs have been croaking out in the back garden around the pond recently. It is always lovely to hear their voices come sailing up to the open window when lying in bed at night.
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Excellent shot! I never saw it like this before.
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A new one for me, too. They are so small I could not see these strange external gills without the macro lens. Thank you 🙂
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Our cameras can be a blessing and open up new worlds for us 🙂
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They sure can 🙂
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I remember watching these when I was a kid. Our backyard pond and brook was full of them. I’ve never seen one this close up though! We called them pollywogs.
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I learned a new word today ‘pollywogs’. 🙂 The pond is alive with them at the moment, but I know that is nature compensating for the coming losses.
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Nice shot. I’ve seen lots of tadpoles, but never one with gills like that.
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Thank you 🙂 I have never seen the very early stage close-up until now, and was surpised about those gills.
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