#toad time

Blubbering toad from limbus company

A selection of images from the first night of Toad Time back in mid February! By the end of the night, if had twenty-four toads visit my pond (sixteen more than last year's opening night), and as of last night, forty-three individuals! Which is thirteen more than this time last year! Very vocal, but very comfortable being handled for sexing, weighing and general health checks. Fewer females this year relative to the number of males (thus far, but they do prefer it a little warmer, so I'll give it a couple of weeks before I start worrying), and general health seems good, no injuries, good development, no signs of disease. My only concern is that a fair number have arrived a bit underweight for their age, but I reckon that's due to the early waking (lower prey density in colder temperatures) and my garden has plenty of prey now it's warmed up, so I'm hoping to see weights go up over the next month. Happy Toad Time everyone! 9 generations!

*hands you a toad expert*

Flat-backed toad (I think) found in Zambia! Not super exotic looking but a treat nonetheless :)

11. Harlequin Toad (Atelopus cf. hoogmoedi) ©️Daniela Rößler

Bum soak

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But anyway, this handsome fellow has lived in my garden for at least 8 years.