The Retention Pond

The Retention Pond. Behind my apartment is a small, dirty ditch that has been dry most of the year. It's barren and kind of ugly - I never thought much of it. But over the past couple weeks, rains filled up the ditch, and brought it to life. Every night dozens of Southern Toads, Narrow Mouth Fogs, and Spadefoot Toads created a chorus so loud it hurt my ears. Each little frog just trying to find a mate. The louder the call, the more likely to find a mate... but the more likely to attract a predator. Giant Water Bugs Wiz through the water like fighter jets. Banded Water Snakes grab and swallow their prey alive. It's a chaotic night of intense competition and predation. By morning, it's a dirty little pond behind my apartment.