Toad Patrol Roundup

Toad patrol has been rather haphazard this year. It’s been a dry Spring compared with last year and the nights have been quite cold.

The amphibians prefer it wet and mild to come out of hibernation to make their journey to the water, so when the first night of warmth and torrential rain appeared it was all hands on deck to fill those buckets and help them cross the road safely.

I noticed this year that there were more frogs and newts at the start of the season, with the toads appearing later. There were lots of beautiful healthy females, less males than last year, and plenty of little newts.

Being able to pick up these little souls in my hands is one of the most special experiences I’ve had in nature. They’re so sweet and trusting.

It’s an isolated location so there’s no light pollution, leaving crystal stars twinkling above and the gentle breeze swaying the trees. I was treated to some amazing wildlife including deer, hares, Snipes, Lapwings, Curlews and Oyster Catchers to name a few.

 

The difference between frogs and toads

Without having seen them close-up I didn’t really know how to spot a toad from a frog. I suppose it’s quite a common question that gets asked.

I discovered that the frogs had pointier shaped heads and were slightly slippery when I picked them up. Their skin was smoother and they had different patterns – almost camouflage-like markings on their bodies. Their legs made for jumping rather than walking.

The toads were dryer, their skin has lots of textured little bumps. They moved more slowly and deliberately than the frogs – like they were walking or hopping rather than jumping and leaping. They have the most beautiful metallic bronze eyes. 

Frogs lay their eggs (spawn) in clumps whereas toads lay theirs in a strand-like way.

 

This one is a toad....

 

 

This one is a frog...