More frogspawn has appeared in the pond. A few photos from tonight's pond-watch, beginning with the spawn itself.
The newts are swarming all over the spawn… even under the noses of a pair of frogs who are busy creating more for them to feast on.
The newts adopt a variety of techniques, all of which include a needlessly slow approach. The spawn is not going anywhere in a hurry. Some approach from beneath, some bury themselves into the mass of eggs, and some climb over the top of the sticky food mound. 
The final movement is rapid, a sudden dart forward, a body twist and away with the prized egg. This is the moment of capture.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.
CedarFox
12 Mar 2011It's like an all you can eat buffet, except there's only one thing on the menu :yuck:
At least you know it's fresh. 😉
RobinL
12 Mar 2011Words, great shots! Those newts would be huge if they ate all that pile of eggs! Good thing the frog lay lots!
gdare
12 Mar 2011Originally posted by CedarFox:
😆 :chef:
Words
12 Mar 2011Originally posted by CedarFox:
LOL! But yes, it's just like that… eat, relax, go back for more.
Words
12 Mar 2011Erwin, I hope spring really is arriving now. It's milder than it's been for a while and next week should be good.
Words
12 Mar 2011Robin, thanks! Very few of the tadpoles will become frogs. As they hatch they also run the risk of gulls sweeping them up. But some always survive 🙂
Words
12 Mar 2011Darko, 😀
Dudley
12 Mar 2011Great series
Words
12 Mar 2011Thanks Andy!
cakkleberrylane
13 Mar 2011Wonderful post! Very interesting narrative describing the newt "capturing" its food!
anonymous
15 Mar 2011TBR writes:
Super final shot Words – perfect timing!
Our (palmate) newts are so dominant in the pond, that the frogs don't even bother to breed in the pond! We have at least twenty palmates and this year, just one occasional frog!
TBR
SittingFox
16 Mar 2011Tiny amphibian stalking hapless prey :rip: Fascinating. It is indeed amazing that any frogs make it to adulthood!
Words
16 Mar 2011Doug, that's interesting that the frogs have just given up. Our pond is teeming with newts, but I think the low frog numbers are more to do with the winter freeze. Can't be sure though, so will have to wait until next year to see if there's a pattern emerging.
Words
16 Mar 2011Adele, what seems so silly is that the frogs sit 'on guard' and just watch the newts feasting away their brood. They have it so nearly right, but so, so wrong.
Words
16 Mar 2011Lois, thanks! They're great to watch. So careful, so precise…. and then GULP!
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Spring Is on the way….