Field Studies – The Great Tadpole Expedition

Sunday August 11, 2013
We have been waiting all summer to get word that tadpoles had been sighted in my friend’s garden. They were seen darting about in the little pool in the formal garden in late July so we started planning the expedition as soon as Cannon returned from his holiday and work session up north.  

While Cannon researched the life cycle of the tadpole I searched for a good habitat for them to live in while

we observe their growth over the next few weeks. I settled on a 2.5 gallon aquarium and found some food just for tadpoles and frogs and toads. I even discovered that Pet Smart sells live crickets, which frogs and toads prefer.

 

 

Cannon is ready to go!

 

My Friend’s Garden




My friend waited for us by the tadpole pool.

We met at 9:30 at my friend’s garden and after brief introductions headed straight for the small pool in the formal garden where the tadpoles are located.

 

 

When we looked into the small round pool we could see hundreds of tadpoles swimming among the water lily pads and then we could see tiny frogs.

 

They were so small they could sit on the nail of Cannon’s little finger.  They were hopping about and even hopped out onto the grass next to Cannon. 

 

 

After the aquarium was filled with pond water we were ready to capture the tadpoles. Cannon got into position over the pond and dipped his net into the water.  He lifted it out and counted the number of tadpoles in the net then transferred them to the tank.  Then he went back for more. Our limit was ten since that is the number that can be supported in our environment.

 

 

Sister was eager to help catch them

and practiced dipping the

fish nets into the water.

Cannon counts the number of
tadpoles he has caught. Ten is
the limit.

 

Cannon show off his

dirty hands.

 









Then it was time to feed the goldfish in the large pool.  Both Cannon and Avalon enjoyed throw the fish food into the water and watching the different kinds of gold fish rush to gobble it up. 

 

We continued our tour of the garden stopping to look at all the different blossoms. In the hydrangea bed Cannon enjoyed touching the big round blooms.  He discovered they were made up of lots of tiny flowers.  He even saw a Daddy-Longlegs climbing among the leaves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we stopped at the Zen garden to ring the large bell.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

We sampled raspberries and black berries from the garden.  

 

 



Raspberry Red Tongue

Sister helped pick some sun-kissed grape tomatoes and popped them right in her mouth, then she shared one with brother.

 

Cannon and Avalon enjoyed a giggle and a little rest in the hammock. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then it was time leave my friend’s garden and go visit the Sunflower Room.

 

 

 

 

A Visit to 930

 

 

 

 

Cannon was eager to visit 930 and to see my house and garden. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our first stop was some quiet time

in the Sunflower Room.  

 

 

Cannon has been tracking the growth of the sunflowers over the past three months. They have now reached their full height.  The tallest one is over 12 feet tall. He and Avalon each explored a large blossom and sat quietly and watched a bee gathering pollen from a blossom hanging over our heads. 

 YUM!

Then it was time to come inside and cool off. While sister explored the “Africa room”, Cannon and I mixed up a batch of blueberry scones for our lunch. 

 

3 Cups flour

½ cup sugar

5 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoons salt

¾ cup butter

1 egg beaten

1 cup milk

 

400 oven / lightly greased sheet

 

§         combine flour, sugar, powder, salt

§         cut in butter

§         beat egg and mix with milk in small bowl

§         make a well in dry bowl, pour in milk and egg mix

§         stir just until moistened and all dry ingredients are incorporated

           

 

Turn dough onto floured surface

Knead briefly - Handle dough quickly – over working will make scones tough

Roll or pat into 1/2  inch thick round or rectangle

Cut into wedges or squares

Place close together on baking sheet

 

Bake for 15 min or until golden brown on top.

 

Yum, cheese, blackberries, melon and scones! We sipped lemonade and nibbled our way through the rest of the visit. 

Between nibbles we added some water iris roots to the tadpole environment – tadpoles like to nibble on the roots and play hide and seek in them. We also added a little island so that little frogs would have a place to rest on. Too soon it was time to say goodbye to the day and head for home.  Nap time for sister.  

 

Cannon can be so silly.

 Time to help the tadpoles get comfortable

 in their new home.

What a special day. A day to tuck away in our memory to visit again and again.