Category: Amphibia

And the frogs and toads are gathering. The toads have appeared first, in great numbers, as they head towards the pond. Some can’t wait until they get there.

A gang of male common frogs writhing around a lone female (somewhere in the middle).

…or not subtle!

A little late to the party but at last the change to warmer and wetter weather has brought them out of hiding. They’re everywhere already (and it’s only the first night).

After a long winter in hibernation frogs have started to appear in the pond. Not many yet but over the next few days they’ll be joined by toads and then there’s going to be one heck of a party!

And now it’s time for the toads: unlike frogs they’re quite happy to be out on dry land.

Just as the winds die down, the first frogs and toads have started to gather in the shallows around the pond edge: one of the first signs that spring is not far away.

A common frog

Say hello to one large Great Crested Newt! Found on the floor of our garage, about a hundred yards from the pond, not very well, but perked up quickly once relocated to a more appropriate site in the undergrowth on the pond’s edge.

Now the frogs and toads have had their fun it’s time for the newts. There are a lot of them this year, both smooth and great crested but now the water has become so clear they are easy to spot and the visiting hungry heron quite likes them for breakfast. Today only the smoothest of newts wanted to be photographed.

… choose a bigger blade of grass to hide behind.

It’s hard to keep track of them, and which is male and female (most of them are male we think), but they all seem to be having fun in the sun.

The first common toad of the year, all by himself. Won’t be long before his friends arrive.

The first sighting of mating frogs: this pair of common frogs appeared this evening and are enjoying themselves in the rain. There are likely to be many more appearing over the next few days. Spring can’t be far away!