On Sun, 17 Mar 2013 17:19:36 +0000, Another John
wrote:

Uncannily, the frogs have again started producing spawn again on 17th
March -- they seem to choose this date every year.

The first two lots have been laid in the shallow part of the pond on the
gravel bottom, and it has piled out of the water. I have moved it into
deeper water, so that it all stays wet (and incidentally further out of
reach of the birds). Is it right to do that, or should spawn be only
half-submerged?


Frogs invariably choose 'shallow water' when spawning and a clump of
spawn is usually not submerged completely, the topmost layer being
partially out of the water. There are hazards associated with this -
freezing and predators. From memory they choose 'shallow water'
rather than the deeper areas of a pond as it is likely to be lighter
slightly warmer, encouraging the development of the eggs.

Whilst mentioning 'shallow water' the water can be quite deep provided
there is a layer of weed relatively near the surface for the spawn to
sit on.

You are unlikely to have harmed the prospects of the clump
(particularly during the current cold spell) unless you have submerged
it in deep water.
--
rbel