A few mornings ago when we were on our way to the pier, Mark pointed out a small toad just past the herb gardens. It was a pretty thing, as far as toads go, so I had to stop to get a photograph. Most folks would ask "Why photograph a toad?" Well, just because it was there. And toads are interesting. And toads are helpful. And I consider them to be friends of the garden. There are lots of reasons but probably none that would appeal to most people.
It is breeding season for the toads around here so the two little ponds are alive with activity each night. You can hear the loud, shrill calls for hours just after nightfall. Those calls are from the males in search of a mate. Once the deed is done, the female will lay thousands (yes, really) of eggs that are all strung together with a sticky, gelatinous goop. This keeps the eggs together and helps protect them. After a few weeks, the eggs will hatch and the ponds will be filled with tadpoles. Then, depending on conditions, the tadpoles will morph into toadlets and leave their watery abode. Now, they are more or less terrestrial critters until mating time comes around.
Most toads are nocturnal and prefer to find a hiding spot to spend the day. At night, however, they are busy patrolling the gardens eating insects, worms, snails, slugs and other garden pests. My sweet little toad is welcome to any and everything it wishes to devour in the garden. These critters are great pest control! And...they are sort of cute...in a toadish way!
Folks, be kind. All critters deserve a peaceful life.
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