such a cute fellow...he's back perched on the pump...must be warm there.

Great shot.

Thanks Clarice... I'm making the assumption that this is a he... took a look on the Inet and in spring the males arrive first at ponds or ditches and stake out an area...then he begins calling ...from what I've read I don't think my pond is a good site for toad reproduction as it is too deep...with no shallow area for the tads to take refuge. My goldfish cleaned up all the eggs laid the last time...sad but true.

Right perhaps thats the reason i dont get them in my wild pond to deep.

.aww bless all his effort,s will be for nothing

Another superb photo of your little friend Lori....he is great !

Great shot. He must be sticking around. Maybe a pond plant or two in the water will create a refuge for eggs and tads?

Thanks ...i'm really hoping he'll find a mate. for shelter, the nymphaea are in the pond...but it was terribly cold and I'm not sure if they're ok ....no signs of growth yet... bought some elodia today...but it takes a while for it to get going... was thinking I might get some netting of some sort and cordon off a corner of the pond with it...but how would I get the toads to lay their eggs there?

They seem to know what they are looking for, knowing they are leaving the young to fend for themselves. They would probably just swim right over to a safe area with a big knowing smile. My own frogs are very quiet this year, like half as many are around. :-(

aww... hate to hear that! The laws banning domestic use of pesticides has just come into full effect here(it was phased in over a two year period) ...and believe it or not...this year there are more robins, earthworms, toads and frogs!

I think here it was just due to the warmer winter with little precipitation. I do think pesticide use can really ruin an ecosystem. Good to hear that the non-regulated uses are restricted now in your area. Better for everyone.