A few dead critters around the pond - 05/06/20 04:36 AM
After a conversation with TJ last week we thought maybe I should post this question/observation here and see what shakes loose.
About 2 weeks ago I found a large dead bullfrog floating upright in the pond. Pulled him out, not a mark on it. Thought very little about it, then 2 days later I found 2 dead garter snakes on the bank, also without any obvious marks such as inflicted wounds by a Heron. I also noticed a few (3-4) craws floating in shallow rocks, started wondering what the heck was going on.
I've done several water tests with nothing really standing out. Tests were done last week.
The last 3 days I've noticed more and more dead craws up shallow and today I found 2 leopard frogs just floating dead.
All of the craws I've pulled out have what appears to be an algae-like growth on them. Even though the craw is still solid-fresh dead-it looks seriously like algae.
I have not found any dead fish and this spring has shown a lot of active, aggressive, healthy growing/feeding fish.
One key is craws are all about the same size, I would say "large", so I can't help but wonder if it's an end-of-life thing?
The frogs and snakes baffle me though, both look clean and healthy.
The only water parameter I could say is even slightly out of whack is pH at 8.4. Been there since I riprapped entire banks last spring.
Arrowhead coming good as is pickerel weed, softstem bulrush and seeing a few sprouts of sago.
Any ideas, I've got open ears.
About 2 weeks ago I found a large dead bullfrog floating upright in the pond. Pulled him out, not a mark on it. Thought very little about it, then 2 days later I found 2 dead garter snakes on the bank, also without any obvious marks such as inflicted wounds by a Heron. I also noticed a few (3-4) craws floating in shallow rocks, started wondering what the heck was going on.
I've done several water tests with nothing really standing out. Tests were done last week.
The last 3 days I've noticed more and more dead craws up shallow and today I found 2 leopard frogs just floating dead.
All of the craws I've pulled out have what appears to be an algae-like growth on them. Even though the craw is still solid-fresh dead-it looks seriously like algae.
I have not found any dead fish and this spring has shown a lot of active, aggressive, healthy growing/feeding fish.
One key is craws are all about the same size, I would say "large", so I can't help but wonder if it's an end-of-life thing?
The frogs and snakes baffle me though, both look clean and healthy.
The only water parameter I could say is even slightly out of whack is pH at 8.4. Been there since I riprapped entire banks last spring.
Arrowhead coming good as is pickerel weed, softstem bulrush and seeing a few sprouts of sago.
Any ideas, I've got open ears.