Frogs and toads

We saw some baby toads hopping across our path in our park a few weeks ago and again at the river last week.

We have heard the frogs croaking in the depths of the woods where the creek keeps a few deep puddles after a rain.

We heard them singing each night from the fishing pond and along the banks of the river.

But we do not see them enough. We do not hear them enough.

We read that they are missing - victims of climate change and habitat destruction.

Today I went to the backyard, braving the wild things, to fill the galvanized water pales we use for the pups. We treat the water with bacteria cakes to kill the mosquitoes. We try to keep the water clean - clear of twigs and leaves. The menaces in the backyard are rough with their water. They jump in. They "dig" it up. They splash it all over and generally make a mess. It always looks disgusting - even immediately after we clean things out (as they jump right in).

As I gingerly approached Scruff's water - attempting to avoid a slip in the mud he has made - I laughed at the sight of a toad swimming in the tub. He did not appear frantic, but he was clearly unable to exit.

The dogs alert on anything in my hand, hoping a treat is about to be presented. So I decided it was better that I did not pick up the croaker. That rescue might prove fatal.

I filled the tub until he was able to pull himself out of the water and hop on his way.

Here are the views - sorry about the flash.

Some links:
http://www.sustainer.org/dhm_archive/index.php?display_article=vn776frogsed

 http://www.healthyplace.com/alternative-mental-health/sageplace/where-have-all-frogs-gone/

 http://armi.usgs.gov/