Frogs have more fun

Water in the desert is a precious resource (who woulda thunk). For that reason, lots of biodiversity tends to congregate around areas that have any water, and much more so around a beautiful flowing stream like we saw at the Borrego Springs Oasis. From the recent snowfall, this creek was a babbling brook of clear and cool water flowing down towards the valley below the mountains which held it cradled between them. As we hiked towards the palm oasis above, we crossed the stream and began to look for life around the edges. Tadpoles were immediately visible in the clear water. I was beyond excitement, as any amphibian life in such an arid part of the United States is a real treat. Over the moon, we eventually stopped with our pictures and tadpole adoration and continued the hike. As we made it closer to the oasis, Pedro spotted a frog, a California chorus frog.
I grew up finding chorus frogs in North Carolina as a kid, in the summer they would call in impressively from small vernal pools in patches of woods around my house. To be on the opposite side of the country and see one of my favorite childhood genera was an unbelievable feeling, and an experience I hope to have again.

Posted on March 12, 2022 04:39 PM by corymckinstry