Unacceptable Rypstra
249 (4) (WS) Hunting Mode
Over Christmas break, I managed to prepare the next video: Tree Frogs on the Move: Hunting Mode. It can be viewed here if you wish to see it: youtu.be/qe4p895Fo4Q
The first time I watched these Pacific Tree Frogs, (Pseudacris regilla), they all seemed to be resting (for one hour). After taking many photos, early in the morning, I left briefly to warm up, never guessing the change that would occur while I was gone. Upon returning, ~1/3 had changed position or left. I determined to find out what was going on.
The next time I visited this prime location, I chose an ideal frog to watch, set up my gear and waited. I now have a new appreciation for these little hunters. Do not be deceived! Though they may indeed be resting, they are also in hunting mode.
The trick in recording the behaviour is seeing what will transpire before the frog does, in order to turn on the gear in time. The time delay makes it impossible to keep the gear running for hours, waiting for the moment when movement occurs. I missed many opportunities by not paying enough attention.
So this video amalgamation which has started a new series, contains tree frogs on the move. They are getting into position to wait, shifting position when they see potential prey, and finally, one action clip of a successful hunt.
The action in the last clip was so fast, it was impossible to see if he was successful in grabbing the bug, so I repeated the clip in slow motion. Now my gear is not the best for videos, so the images are somewhat blurred with the speed of the action. Therefore, I froze the last frame, in which the frog sits on the end of the reed where the bug had been located with an open mouth. Not the clearest frame, and I was dismayed to see that unless one's viewing screen is small , not really discernible.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs, etc. without my permission.
Note: Although I love favs, I will typically respond only to those who leave a comment.
249 (4) (WS) Hunting Mode
Over Christmas break, I managed to prepare the next video: Tree Frogs on the Move: Hunting Mode. It can be viewed here if you wish to see it: youtu.be/qe4p895Fo4Q
The first time I watched these Pacific Tree Frogs, (Pseudacris regilla), they all seemed to be resting (for one hour). After taking many photos, early in the morning, I left briefly to warm up, never guessing the change that would occur while I was gone. Upon returning, ~1/3 had changed position or left. I determined to find out what was going on.
The next time I visited this prime location, I chose an ideal frog to watch, set up my gear and waited. I now have a new appreciation for these little hunters. Do not be deceived! Though they may indeed be resting, they are also in hunting mode.
The trick in recording the behaviour is seeing what will transpire before the frog does, in order to turn on the gear in time. The time delay makes it impossible to keep the gear running for hours, waiting for the moment when movement occurs. I missed many opportunities by not paying enough attention.
So this video amalgamation which has started a new series, contains tree frogs on the move. They are getting into position to wait, shifting position when they see potential prey, and finally, one action clip of a successful hunt.
The action in the last clip was so fast, it was impossible to see if he was successful in grabbing the bug, so I repeated the clip in slow motion. Now my gear is not the best for videos, so the images are somewhat blurred with the speed of the action. Therefore, I froze the last frame, in which the frog sits on the end of the reed where the bug had been located with an open mouth. Not the clearest frame, and I was dismayed to see that unless one's viewing screen is small , not really discernible.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs, etc. without my permission.
Note: Although I love favs, I will typically respond only to those who leave a comment.