Do you remember the fairy tale “The Frog Prince,” collected by the Brothers Grimm? It’s about a spoiled princess who loses her golden ball and promises a frog friendship in exchange for its return. In the end, he turns out to be a cursed prince.

I must admit that I always preferred the frog to the prince. There’s something far more charming about a tiny, textured amphibian than a royal with a personality deficit. What about you?

Pacific Tree frogs, also known as Pacific chorus frogs for their musical vocalizations, are often heard but rarely seen, their camouflage blending seamlessly with their habitat. They are also a keystone species, serving as a critical biological indicator of ecosystem health.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have these tiny, vital indicators making a home in my backyard.

This particular princely individual decided to pause his busy schedule of judging environmental purity to pose prettily for this portrait, right here among the foliage.