Frogs and Toads are adept at hiding. With usually perfect camouflage, they hold so still that our human eyes find it very hard to distinguish their shape. This one blew its cover, though.
Though I'm not sure, I think it is a Wood frog (Rana sylvatica)Luckily it is a Wood frog with quick reflexes. I was mowing. The Rana jumped out of soft dirt and came to rest among the spent flowers and weeds. I ran into the house to get my camera, knowing that the frog would be gone when I returned.
Still there, the frog appeared to be waiting in its pose. I clicked and clicked again. No movement. Its salmon-colored flesh was almost translucent. While I knew I should examine its toes to help in identification, I felt sure the pink color as well as the black mask and lip mark would be enough. I just didn't want to disturb the frog any more than I already had - mowing over its temporary home. The day was cooling down, perhaps the frog had been tunneling into the soft soil in an effort to keep warm, getting ready for winter. I took another photo then covered it with green leaves in my own feeble attempt at camouflage. At least it wouldn't easily be seen from above.
Good-bye frog. Better get digging back into that dirt.
