Tuesday, April 7, 2015

No wonder most toads return to their breeding ponds at night!



















This toad crossed our path when we were walking in the Derwent Country Park near Gateshead on Easter Monday.

When I knelt down to take a photo and put the camera on the ground he attacked it, presumably because he could see his reflection in the lens. Luckily I had a lens filter attached, otherwise he would have made a mess of an expensive piece of glass.

As we walked around the lake we found several more toads, which we helpfully carried across the path and pointed in the general direction of the water. In retrospect, maybe that wasn't such a good idea because when we walked back ........

















......... this heron was having the time of his life at an all-you-can-eat banquet of toads and newts.




















I guess this is one reason why big migrations of toads, from their hibernation sites to their breeding ponds, tend to take place at night, when herons are roosting.

6 comments:

  1. Great shot of the grumpy looking Toad Phil.
    The Heron is a real opportunist.

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  2. Great shots! My frogpond attracts herons in the day time. They probably eat the tiny fish in it , which eat the mosquito larvae. Now I have fashioned a scarecrow next to the pond. Herons don't visit now.

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    Replies
    1. I'd be very anxious about the fate of the frogs and newts in our garden pond if we move house - we'd probably have to take them with us!

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