Spring Toads

Spring nature walks are the best. You never know what you will come across.

My daughter and I went on a local trail to identify leaves and trees. We ended up enthralled my a small water hole full of american toads. Normally, toads are found on dry land. However, it is springtime and love is in the air —even for toads.

The male toads called and sang, trying to attract females. Sometimes, their shrill sounds were deafening. I don’t know that I have ever been that close to that many toads during their mating season.

spring toads audio and links

We spent quite a while observing them. Their throats stretched as they called. When a female would finally start swimming across the water, a male would swim toward her and give her a “hug”. Frogs fertilize their eggs externally, so the “hug” precedes the release of the eggs and sperm into the water.

This weekend, we are hoping to go back to the water hole. It only takes toad eggs 3-10 days to hatch. Wouldn’t it be great to chart the progress of the tadpoles?

Related post –> Lifecycle Of Frogs Lesson And Printable

Listen to these amazing toad calls.