“When I grow up I want to be like the big toads in my neighborhood!”
1. Eastern American Toad (“toadlet”)
2. Eastern American Toad (adult)
3. Eastern American Toad (adult)
Last spring, mating Eastern American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus) were photographed on 12- and 18 April 2014 at two vernal pools near the Hike-Bike Trail at Huntley Meadows Park. [See “Toad-ally in Love! (Part 1-5).”] Part 5 shows thousands of “toadpoles” swimming in the larger pool.
On 25 May 2014 (a little over a month later), I shot more photos of the same species of toad near another vernal pool located in a remote location in the forest at the park. Photo 1 shows what I refer as a “toadlet,” that is, a small, young toad. The toadlet is tiny — only a few times wider than a blade of grass! Contrast the size of the toadlet with the adult shown in Photo 2-3.
About a month from now, the wheel in the sky will have come full-circle. Is it spring yet? I can’t wait!
Copyright © 2015 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Anaxyrus americanus, Eastern American Toad, Huntley Meadows Park, vernal pool, wildlife photography
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