Frogs and Others …
The eastern dwarf tree frog, resident in amongst the growth of the crucifix orchid. They come out most nights, unless it’s too cold – around 7C.
*Click on the pictures for a proper look … and click again
It’s a job sometimes, getting a clean background with so much foliage about. But they are getting used to me manipulating their platform/s for the shot.
Plenty of snails about too, and I encourage them with plenty of rotting leaf litter kept moist. They are often seen climbing about the orchid too, where frogs wait.
They have their ways, and their character. Calm and silent, alert and reserved. Lovely gentle creatures, to me. Even entertaining, one could say. Could, do … :-)
Holding on in the rain. I’ve built a frog hotel for them now too. Will picture it another time, too late here. Don’t know yet if they are using it, but they will, or something like it.
And from another time, sighted on the plant pot under the greenery. He or she, who knows or cares, except another huntsman. Magnificent creatures either way.
Once more about the crucifix orchid. Seen often enough to suspect a huntsman spider home being made hereabouts. And unusually bold, unfazed by a near miss of the diffuser.
And then, after all the recent spider activity – see previous frog posts – we can see who is the male and female. She came along and presented herself, hanging upside down. He approached gingerly from beneath, loosely enwrapped her and gently delivered his seed to her opening with his pedipalps. https://animals.howstuffworks.com/arachnids/spider8.htm
Did someone mention frogs? It’s more or less all there is right now, where I am, in the heart of Brisbane’s winter. The sun shines too.
I suspect they came in on the flood water earlier this year, from the upper fields. I’m looking to make them at home, so they stay.
As they have taken to the crucifix orchid I have given their spawn/tadpoles somewhere to swim, a pond, an upturned bin lid.
They pray simple, like a gentle light in the darkness. Sitting still, silent and solitary amongst the orchids greenery.
Silent to their neighbours near and far. Especially to a stalking huntsman, who ignores a nudge of the stick.
Bold spider she is, unafraid, who will have to sustain her own young too. Then came the male.
So tread carefully little ones, don’t want to lose you now.
© Mark Berkery … Click on those pictures for a closer look … and click again.
*
*
Nature's Place 
The frogs are beautiful, but what you made visible from the spiders here is amazing! The closer you get, the less “frightening” they look (to whom they look frightening). And the “fur” is so nice. Incredible beauties.
Indeed they are, beauties in their way.
Gorgeous images, Mark. As always, in words no less than these stunning photographs, you evince an appreciation and respect for the natural world that is sadly lacking in, oh …. 99 percent of humans. The fact that people like you exist, however few, is an encouragement in discouraging times.
Thanks Cate. No need for discouragement, all is not as it seems. We can see past and through the appearance, to no-thing in particular, and the seeming loses its potency – eventually, in time, with practise. A practise that’s not for the 99% to do, so all is as it should be, they are doing what they need to do, or what is needed of them. And when it’s done enough we can see, it was only a seeming after all, a necessary distraction (and discipline) for a while.
Wow, your photos are always special Mark, but you’ve outdone yourself this time – catching a male and female Huntsman at the crucial moment…just wow…
Was very lucky with the huntsman pix. Obviously the crucifix orchid and environs is attractive to more than frogs. All I did was introduce the plants/gardening/landscaping just before/during/after the flooding rain came and this island of activity has developed.
Thanks Rose.
I love frogs! Thanks for sharing, Mark! I hope you share the home that you made for them sometime! :)
Thanks Laura. I’ll see what’s working first, then do a tour of their new estate. :-)