Larus argentatus or Pica pica? Who killed Rana temporaria?

Here is a crime scene.

Over the last few weeks, there has been a noticeable decline in the numbers of Frogs in the pond. Carefully positioned rocks have lain empty of amphibian sunbathers whereas this time last year saw loads of them vying for space whilst their thousands of kids wiggled between the weeds below.

I have chosen not to present photographic evidence.

I found a body this afternoon. Opened up like a biology demonstration. Half in and half out of the water at the rear of the pond. There have been new visitors to the garden this year.

Larus argentus
has taken to landing more frequently.
Large birds, they have been previously unwilling to land and inspect the bird table etc but I have seen many more of them doing just that lately, near the pond.


Pica pica

are more plentiful this year. A pair started a nest in the Beech at the rear of the garden, overlooking the pond. It was abandoned however, last month. They have been frequent and plentiful visitors to the lawn and I suspect that the attraction has been a combination of young birds, eggs and frogs.

Or ...