tree frog as big as a thumb in spain eye to eye frontal on bramble bush by Hans Hut

Spring is when the frogs and toads make themselves heard again. So too is this Mediterranean tree frog. On a warm spring day in Estremadura, I came face to face with a small wonder of nature. A tree frog on a bramble bush. It looked straight at me, as if curious about my presence. This frog, barely bigger than my thumb, seemed almost unreal against the greenery of the bush. He sat there calmly, but occasionally I heard a loud croaking sound, a sure sign that the breeding season was in full swing.

The surroundings were drenched in life; tree frogs were singing all over the bushes and trees, each looking for a mate. The idea that these wild specimens live here in their natural habitat made the encounter extra special. In the Netherlands, such a moment is a rarity, as the species is rare here and often relies on reintroduction projects. But this was pure nature, a wild specimen that had found its place in this beautiful landscape.

Capturing this frame-filling frog, with its vibrant green skin and sharp gaze, felt like a small masterpiece. It was as if he posed especially for the photo. This moment remains a reminder of the resilience and beauty of this unique species.