Hey! Toad Face!

 I got a few strange looks from people walking by as I lay in the road and then on the grass taking pictures of this toad at its eye level but I think it was worth the effort.

I spotted him on the road at first and realised from its clumsy gait that it had been injured somehow, possibly by a heron or other bird thinking to make a tasty meal. It had a nasty looking sore area on its back and was moving slowly so I took pity on him and gently carried him over to the grassy hedgerow. I watched as he disappeared under the hedge then shortly after as it emerged into the open and with a flick of its tongue caught a fly. He then started to move off in the direction he had originally been traveling.

Did you know that common toads live between 10 -12 years, as long as they don't get predated of course?

I love wildlife and I love getting up close to take pictures like this. It was one of the highlights of my day out

Common, Me?

I have been jumping around with different themes in my posts recently and today is no exception, although the subject of today's pictures wasn't doing any jumping as he sat for ages posing for me. I had really expected him to scurry away into the reeds but I was able to get right down to his level and stick my macro lens right up close to get these shots.

This is a Common Toad and I spotted him on the path at Burton Mere RSPB reserve. In spite of being called common he has something of a snooty attitude and I like the way he confidently stood his ground. Even with me shoving a camera in his face and another walker stopping to have a closer look he maintained a dignified air before casually creeping away.