Is river rock-pooling a thing? It is on the Wye, especially when the frogs are cosying up and spawning yet more frogs.

Unfortunately, not all their mating comes to fruition, nor indeed comes to laying. I know I post these images every year, and I know they’re gruesome to some but I see them as a validation of life, seasonal reaffirmation, life after winter, indeed of life and death.

Mostly, however, it’s confirmation that the little seen Otter is alive and well. They zip open the frogs and feast on the vitals, and the spawn. Sadly, it’s also confirmation that the river is maybe not as healthy as it was. Ten years ago, when we first discovered the phenomenon, frog numbers were possibly thirty times today’s small offering.

I’m also pleased to report that our pond, possibly fifty yards away, has a healthy load of spawn for hatching.