During a stroll around Bookham Common last week I came across some amphibian activity in one corner of the pond.
Initially I thought they were all Common Frogs (Rana temperaria) which have a pointed snout, brown patch behind the eye and a light coloured lateral fold like on this individual (below) that was resting at the waters edge.
But closer inspection showed that the majority were Common Toads (Bufo bufo) that have a very warty skin, the pupils are horizontally split behind which you can see the distinctive bulges called parotiod glands.
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When I stood still eyes popped up everywhere, but any slight movement and they all quickly disappeared!
One or two were just floating on the surface.
When I returned today there was no sign of any of these creatures. FAB.
Oh these are very nice, and you were so fortunate to get them. We have had frogmania around here for about two weeks, making their loud day time noises that signal spring. I have yet to catch one out of the water, or close enough to view and yet, I know that they are there~
ReplyDeleteGood captures Frank. Great to see them emerging now after the long winter.
ReplyDeleteI was watching a couple the other day from a hide, whilst watching a Heron, not too far away, unsuccessfully fishing. lol
Great shots of these frogs; actually they look even funny...!
ReplyDeleteThe bufo bufo has got a beautiful pattern.....!
( I've got similar ones in my garden!!)
Thanks so much for your visit; I loved it!
have a great week!
ciao ciao elvira