El Rey

On August 10, 2021August 10, 2021 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

Meet “El Rey” the biggest baddest toad on the pond this summer. Happily surveying their domain from the comfort of a well placed rock along the waters edge. Easily a giant to the more numerous frogs that inhabit his kingdom yet a benevolent ruler by any standard.

While we usually see the king along the shady side of the water every once in a while a nice sunbath is in order.

After a sun bath a little dip in the pool is always a good way to cool down and moisturize the skin.

“El Rey” truly king of the pond and a good king at that.

Of the Earth

On July 3, 2021June 22, 2021 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

Moving slowly down the trail and looking remarkably like the earth he walked on we found this American Toad. He did look a bit grumpy and reluctant for us to take his photo so we let him be as he moved along into the grass beyond.

Laying low

On August 27, 2019August 23, 2019 By Mike and Christy4 Comments

Low_with_toad_1

This American Toad was spending the morning laying low just waiting to bugs to fly by and become their morning meal. If you look close I think you can see the evidence of a successful catch.

Western Toad: Anaxyrus boreas

On June 7, 2018June 7, 2018 By Mike and Christy12 Comments

It always is a treat to see a toad or two while out on a hike. With published data in Britton, the USA and other places around the world all indicating toads, frogs and other amphibian populations are in serious decline.

This day we ran across the Western Toad: Anaxyrus boreas and we thrilled.

He sure is a bumpy little guy and was happy to let us photograph him around the edge of his pond.

A few days latter while out on hike we ran across another Western Toad just off the side of the trail resting in the tall grass.

Although this statement may not apply to everyone, for me it feels eerily strange and quite foreboding that within our life times we now consider it special to experience amphibians that were once a common experience in our childhoods.

Of the Earth

On July 19, 2017July 19, 2017 By Mike and Christy15 Comments

Toad On The Trail

On August 27, 2015 By Mike and Christy11 Comments

You don’t know how excited I was to come face to face with this Toad. I have not encountered a Toad in years and almost missed this one as well. He was well camouflaged and right on the trail. So well camouflaged we almost stepped on him. Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island BC.

nature has no boss

Tag: Toad

El Rey

Of the Earth

Laying low

Western Toad: Anaxyrus boreas

Of the Earth

Toad On The Trail