Pond invasion? ID. help

[deb&tony]

Hi-
These two little guys showed up about 2 weeks ago in my 33 gallon pond. Are they Red-Legged frogs? I haven't picked them up to look on the underside of their legs but hopefully these photos will help identify them. They are about 2-3cm long, one is slightly darker than the other.




Also, while at a cottage in N. Ont. this past July, we saw what may be a weasel? swimming after mallard ducklings. Can anyone identify this mammal? It was about half a metre long.





During that same week at the cottage, my sister and I rescued this duckling who had bitten a hook dangling from the end of a fishingrod in a neighbour's boat. Poor guy's ok now but you can see the hole it left on the left side of its beak.


Thanks,
Deb

[fouram]

Deb, what you may have taken a picture of--could be either a Fisher, or a Marten, although the Western variety of Marten has a rather distinctive "Mask"--my first guess would be a Fisher, though--Al

[Gord]

Deb, both of those appear to be young red-legged frogs. A listed species! Good to see them using your yard!

You and Al are in the right family of the little bandit swimming in the water. Id say that's a mink though. They love the water and eat anything they can catch (frogs, ducklings etc). Great pictures!! Al, interested to hear about the regional variation of martins. Ive only seen a couple myself in Manning Park.

Good work on the little duck! What a lucky little guy. Looks like he's doing just great!

[deb&tony]

Gord-
Do you know where juvenile Red-Legged Frogs spend the winter?
I have a wire mesh overtop of the surface of the pond protecting the inhabitants from raccoons, etc. but they can easily slip through the sides if they want. Any additional info/suggestions would be welcomed.
Thanks,
Deb

[kastern]

Deb, you can contact B.C. Frogwatch. They are very helpful and would be able to give you any information you might need. They would probably also be interested in the sighting. I was told to contact them earlier this year when I found what turned out to be a 'Green Frog'....they asked for photos to authenticate the sighting. If you just 'google in' 'B.C. Frogwatch' you will get their website.

Kathy

[deb&tony]

Thanks Kathy, I'll do that.

Deb