Volcanoes, Crows and Kaloula pulchra (text and pic heavy)

[ITdactyl]

Wall of Text and pix

The end of 2019 and the start of 2020 has been eventful, to say the least.  Thought I'd share some events that are of passing relevance to the forum.
The biggest news you've probably heard from my country is the eruption of Taal volcano last January 12.  As of writing, areas around the volcano are still in a state of calamity, including my hometown - though I'm not in the 17kilometer danger zone.

This picture was shared by a member of the Expedition 61 crew from the International Space station.  Taal is spewing less ash, and there are less tremors now.

*the volcano is the small island in the middle of the lake spewing ash westward.  My home is 11'o clock of the volcano, just past that mountain range.

I've a friend from another toy collecting group whose home is in the danger zone.  Until now, they have not been allowed to inspect their house, though he mentioned that the roof did cave in.  The conversation went to his extensive toy collection (he also has a lot of JP/JW stuff and Rebors) - he shared his confusion, about having to concentrate about staying safe but still feeling a sense of loss for a collection he dearly loves and the thousands of dollars [invested] lost.  The conversation got me thinking about my own views of the hobby.


On less depressing news, a pair of crows decided to nest in the last remaining coconut tree in my back yard.  I love crows (probably my 2nd favorite bird next to geese), so this was a treat.  The other wild birds were not too happy about it, as I see the crows raiding their nests from time to time.



*I wish I had a telephoto lens so I could show you better pictures of them, but these are the best shots I could take from my rooftop.



On to stranger things, I'm currently experiencing a home invasion of the weird kind.  Some people complain about rats and roaches (probably raccoons, but we don't have those).  At the start of the year, I keep catching tiny frogs inside my house.  I have no idea how they're able to get in, as I can't see any hole they could have gone through.  They're cute though, I'm tempted to keep some as pets.  The species is Kaloula pulchra.  My country is home to 7 endemic Kaloula species, but this is the common variety found throughout South East Asia.  I didn't even know we had these frogs in my area before this year though. At time of writing, I've caught and released 13.

[SidB]

I find the prominent buff stripe with the dark borders intriguing. Sometimes schema of this sort on dinosaurs (eg. the old Favorite running Allosaurus) are dismissed as "unrealistic." Yet here it is, in real life!

[Halichoeres]

I can definitely understand the sense of loss from the destruction of a collection, even though it doesn't seem like it's what really matters. I'm glad you and your friend are safe.

Those frogs are really cute! Maybe you already know this, but the epithet pulchra means "beautiful."

I'm also fond of crows, although where I live they're often regarded as a bit of a nuisance.

[CityRaptor]

I find the prominent buff stripe with the dark borders intriguing. Sometimes schema of this sort on dinosaurs (eg. the old Favorite running Allosaurus) are dismissed as "unrealistic." Yet here it is, in real life!

Because Reality is Unrealistic.

[Shonisaurus]

I'm glad that both you and your friend are safe. The loss of your dinosaur figures as well as all the goods and greatness of this world have no importance compared to the life of a person. A human being saved from death is more valuable than all possessions and assets. Your life is worth more than all collections of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals together.

[ITdactyl]

Didn't intend to cause alarm, but I appreciate the concern. Thanks.

Those frogs are indeed "beautiful" @Halichoeres .  I admit to not being a fan of amphibians in general, but after these tiny invaders starded appearing inside my house, I've been smitten.

[Kotori_Sonoda]

Hearing about the Taal vocano eruptions gave me an eerie feeling ; our family spent a day in Tagaytay before New years, we've had clear view of the volcano from the Picnic Grove park as well as from the restaurant we had our lunch.
A few weeks later and the Taal was spewing smoke and ash...

Glad to hear you're okay!

[Bokisaurus]

Kumusta kababayan! Pinoy ka pala😃 dame as me!
Good to hear that you are safe. I visited Taal on my last visit, beautiful place!
I grew up in Baguio.