Toad orgy

There was a full on toad orgy going on at Mogshade Pond this morning. Mild as it was, the sun was out and our amphibian friends were making the most of it by getting jiggy.  The pond was packed with them, impossible to count, though I'd say at least a couple of hundred paired and numerous individuals. Recent research reported a worrying decline in Common Toads (Bufo bufo) throughout the country, so it's good to see them apparently flourishing in the forest ponds. I've seen them, or evidence of them, in several forest ponds.

Bufo bufo

 

I disturbed two healthy looking Common Toads (Bufo bufo) whilst moving some membrane on the lotty this afternoon. The membrane had been folded over a couple of times as I'd opened up the bed and the toads were holed up in the folds. The toad pictured was by far the largest of the two, so I'm going to say she was the female of the pair. Toads are always welcome on the plot, the damage control service they provide is invaluable, the slug empire will be defeated. Though I have to say I've seen few slugs or snails about this year; I wonder why that is? Surely toads can't have eaten them all.