A tale of the toads, as a distraction from, well, waves around. I took a walk and heard frogs singing a few days ago! This is a new local little wetland. We have been getting a lot of rain these past few years and even when we have heat warning heat, it gets really hot, then it rains, so nothing dries out. So this new little, easily accessible, wetland was new to me. And frogs singing! One was visible, in the water with vibration circles about him.
So the next day, I went back with a bigger lens!
I was able to get this, but this was the only singing fellow that was visible to me. This was further away than the previous fellow, but, bigger lens. He was on the edge of the water, though, so no visible vibration ripples, which I was hoping to see.
But, just ahead of me, almost obscured by the grass, I saw eyes staring at me. I took the shot, later noticing there were 4 eyes.
Then I saw another toad, again, partly obscured. It was when I was looking at my photos later that I noticed the second toad on its back.
Shooting through the grass, the only other angle I could get was this, so wanted the back pattern. Again, didn't know I was looking at two toads. And the blowing grass, combined with humidity and my glasses, had me misgauge my focus. But...I have a photo of frogs laying eggs. Apparently the male is on the top and fertilizes the eggs as the female lays them.
I at least got the "head" in focus this time, though wish I had encompassed the back end. I guess their legs are completing the fertilization process?
Anyway, I've gone back several times since, and no sight or sound of the toads, so I guess I missed the shot I wanted or repeats of the shots I learned I was lucky to get for this year. If you are interested in this sort of thing. :)
I am just blown away by having chanced into seeing something very unexpected. :)
Carolyn
IcooIey
Deborah Preuss, pcc
Mark Shane Hayden