<< Previous Next >>

Common toad


Common toad
Photo Information
Copyright: Oana Otilia Saracutu (oanaotilia) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 529 W: 28 N: 964] (3416)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2010-06-06
Categories: Amphibians
Camera: Canon EOS 400D, Canon EF 100 mm F2.8 Macro USM
Exposure: f/4, 1/60 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2010-06-12 7:33
Viewed: 2945
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
It is my second attempt with amphibians. I would not say that are between my favourite animals, but I found this little fellow crossing the footpath in a very small reserve near Gent. He was almost on the point to end under my foot, but my boyfriend just saw it and stopped me. I tried to take a picture as low as possible, considering that the small pebbles are quite sharp to sit. After photo shooting, we guided him to the vegetation from around (anyway, after a few meters, we saw another frog crushed probably by a bicycle wheels).
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Bufonidae
Genus: Bufo
Species: B. bufo

It can grow to 8cm, and is generally brown or olive brown and young specimens are often brick coloured. The skin is warty and often appears dry. Glands in the skin contain powerful toxins and would-be predators quickly learn not to attempt to eat toads. The Common Toad can be found in almost any habitat and is common in gardens. It prefers larger water bodies in which to breed and, because toxins are also present in the skin of the tadpoles, they are able to breed in ponds and lakes containing fish which learn to avoid the distasteful tadpoles. Common Toads congregate at breeding ponds in early April but for the rest of the year will wander well away from water as they are far more tolerant of dry conditions than the Common Frog.
Common Toads feed on any moving prey small enough for them to swallow. They are most active at night when they will wander about in search of food. If they find a good source of food they can become quite sedentary. Their life cycle is similar to that of the Common Frog, spawn is laid in strings (not clumps like the Common Frog) and the tadpoles are black and often move about in shoals. The toadlets emerge in August usually after heavy rain and in huge numbers. At this stage of their lives they are extremely small and speckled with gold.
horias, uleko, marianas, Argus has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
Animal Behaviouringridshaul 1 06-14 06:27
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

frumoasa captura cu acest rosiatic brotac...

  • Great 
  • horias Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 837 W: 58 N: 2084] (11033)
  • [2010-06-12 8:21]

Oana
Ce simpatice is broscutele din Gent(cele valone sunt la fel de faine ca cele flamande?):)) Eu inca nu am reusit sa am un batracian in colectie, asa ca te felicit pe tine pentru aceasta captura!
Horia

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2010-06-12 9:30]

Hello Oana,
A lovely capture of this little colourful Toad amongst the snarp stones. I expect it's a 'baby' hence the nice colour. Good focus too and well composed.
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

Oana
Ce captura splendida! Imi place ca era linistita si cuminte! Eu de cate ori incerc, de mine fug!
Mariana

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
  • [2010-06-12 12:23]

Hello Oana,
I like the combination of colours here!
The colours of the young Common Toad show up well against the grey stones in a pleasing composition.
The lighting is great thanks to good use of flash and the focusing is precise with sharpness where it matters most.
Thanks and enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Ivan
Tha

Dear Oana,
I know what you mean concerning taking photos of subjects on the ground: here in Souh Africa not so much the sharp stones but all the other creepy-crawlies waiting to get at me, when I am flat on the ground...


I am fascinated by the orangy colour of this animal - but according to your notes it is young - therefore probably the colour.

I normally pick up anything - but must admit - I am not keen on carrying around toads either.

I have not seen a toad with golden eyes before in Africa or Europe.

Have a nice evening,
Regards from World Cup crazy South Africa
Take care
Ingrid

Hello Oana,
nice shot for this toad Bufo Bufo, sin for not fully focus on all the toad.
Very good color and detail on the head of the toad.
Thanks

Hello
Davide

it is a wonderful pic. It is a picture with vibrant colors. good work.


best regards

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF