Guest author Peter Carlyon built a wildlife pond in his garden in London last summer and developed what can only be described as a keen interest in toads...
A few years ago, walking my dog between two parks (one with a very big pond) in SE London, I came across a toad purposefully crossing the road with a much smaller toad on its back. I tied the dog up a safe distance away and watched them get as far as the wall outside the second park, where the big one walked on the spot with its nose pressed against the wall for half a minute or so.
Not knowing what else to do, I put my hands inside an unused poo bag, scooped them up, still attached, and popped them through the railings onto the grass.
They went on their merry way, disappearing into the bushes, so I assume they were okay… I had no idea they were engaged in a mating ritual though!
What a charming way to explain the common frog so easily ignored. I shutter when I think of my highschool days when they were used for anatomy experiments. May God forgive me. I am so taken up with our lovely earth and her gifts that I cannot imagine doing anything harmful. I almost kneel in admiration. Thank you so much for your insights.
I am the same, the frogs arrive and I stare intently at the pond willing them to emerge, but they are shy. Their nightly concert, however, is wonderful and heralds the rainy season. I can't wait for them to arrive this year.
Love this story.
A few years ago, walking my dog between two parks (one with a very big pond) in SE London, I came across a toad purposefully crossing the road with a much smaller toad on its back. I tied the dog up a safe distance away and watched them get as far as the wall outside the second park, where the big one walked on the spot with its nose pressed against the wall for half a minute or so.
Not knowing what else to do, I put my hands inside an unused poo bag, scooped them up, still attached, and popped them through the railings onto the grass.
They went on their merry way, disappearing into the bushes, so I assume they were okay… I had no idea they were engaged in a mating ritual though!
What a charming way to explain the common frog so easily ignored. I shutter when I think of my highschool days when they were used for anatomy experiments. May God forgive me. I am so taken up with our lovely earth and her gifts that I cannot imagine doing anything harmful. I almost kneel in admiration. Thank you so much for your insights.
I love our toads. Out there. Less when one attempted to climb in my bedroom window one night.
I am the same, the frogs arrive and I stare intently at the pond willing them to emerge, but they are shy. Their nightly concert, however, is wonderful and heralds the rainy season. I can't wait for them to arrive this year.
Great to read the story. We’re waiting patiently for the toads to find their way to us!