Before this class, I had never heard of the Foothill Yellow Legged Frog. I found it interesting that they are a species of concern. I was filled with excitement with the prospect of actually seeing one on the Tuolumne River. Finally, on the third trip Adam spotted one resting in the water. I have no idea how he spotted it because it was very well disguised in a small pool in the Clavey River.
As soon as he announced his discovery, everyone rushed over to see it. I thought he was so cute that I wanted to kiss it and see if it would turn into prince charming! Not wanting to disturb him in his natural habitat and scare him away forever, I decided to write a poem instead:
Ode to the Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog
We found you!
Sitting below a shaded pool
Enjoying a bubble bath full of food and oxygen
Blending in with the rocks
Moving only when the giants turned their backs
Why are you here?
You are like a celebrity; everyone comes to look at you
You enjoy your cool, flowing water
You thrive in the pristine water quality of the Clavey River
You are rare and special
Will we see you again?
Return to your home, we won’t harm you
Return to the river and spawn a few more
Return to safety, no longer a species of special concern
Return, I hope we see you again someday