23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Under the Mother's eye

A female common frog keeps a watchful eye on her eggs, guarding them against potential threats. These frogs are a protected species here in Finland, and every year, during the early spring, hundreds of common frogs gather in a small vernal pond in the heart of Helsinki’s central park. This is their breeding ground, where they lay their eggs and continue the cycle of life. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if these eggs would survive, as the weather forecast predicted temperatures would drop to -3°C just a few days after I took this image. In recent years, common frogs have become rarer in Finland, mainly due to the loss of wetlands. These crucial habitats are shrinking, not only because of urban development and land-use changes but also because of the unpredictable weather patterns that have become more pronounced. Climate change has made it increasingly difficult for small animals like these frogs to adapt to shifting environmental conditions. For example, this year, Finland’s spring bird migration was disrupted by late snowfall and freezing temperatures. Species that rely on insects for food were particularly affected, and thousands of songbirds, especially European Robins, were found dead on the ground, victims of the harsh, unexpected conditions. The fate of the common frogs and their eggs in the face of such unpredictable weather highlights the fragility of ecosystems. As temperatures fluctuate, these amphibians find it harder to time their breeding cycles, which can result in fewer successful offspring and declining populations. The decline in amphibians like the common frog is a troubling indicator of the broader environmental shifts taking place.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Finland
Camera: NIKON Z 6_2
Copyright: © Sameer Shrestha