Soaking up some summer sun...

                                              

                                                                                                          Photo by Barry Wallace

                     Gray Tree Frog     

I photographed it in King City in Fairfields Estates at the end of Eversley Hall. They are native to Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec and in parts of New Brunswick. They are arboreal, nocturnal, and superbly camouflaged, coming to ground in the daytime - usually to sleep.  They winter hibernate in tree roots and leaves.   Their uniquely designed bodies resist temperatures down to 8 celsius.  Their bodies release cyroprotectants to protect against ice crystals on their skin and they also produce glucose to help prevent organ freezing.   The frog in the photograph will turn gray as it matures.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry Wallace