June is the perfect time to look for summer-loving pool frogs. Pool frogs are very rare and were even thought to be extinct in the UK in 1995. Populations are currently restricted to East Anglia, so if you are in this area it is worth keeping a close eye out for them.
Pool frogs are very active at this time of year as they breed on warm evenings in May and June, much later than other amphibians. Look for breeding males with large vocal sacs on either side of the mouth, and listen for their loud call which can sound like quacking ducks or rapid laughter. It is also worth watching for small clumps of spawn with brown eggs – you are unlikely to confuse these with common frog spawn which breed much earlier in the year.
On hot summer days pool frogs are particularly fond of basking in the sunshine. Amphibians are cold-blooded, so basking helps them to regulate their body temperature and regain energy. Watch out for them basking in sunny spots close to aquatic habitats such as ponds!
Remember that you can record your amphibian, reptile and spawn/egg sightings on our FREE Dragon Finder app.
