Early last evening, I was walking in my backyard with a favorite neighbor/friend when we spotted an American Toad and a garter snake! We jumped and laughed. I believe the snake would have liked the toad for dinner, however I think the toad Might have been a little too large.
(I won't bet on it, but I'm hoping so.) :-)
Not more than 1/2 hour later, as I was tending to a sad looking hosta (slugs), I noticed the watchful eye of a heretofore never-before-observed visitor! I'd like to introduce him to you, but I don't know his name.
Do you??
Actually I located this site that showed a great photo of the American Toad (Bufo americanus)and compared it to a couple of other toads. Do you suppose this new visitor is a Bufo cognatus? (Great Plains Toad) Some photos of the GPT don't look like this fellow at all, but this particular one looks good, don't you think?
He's pretty cute and I'm very happy. :-)
18 comments:
The snake would have made me jump too!
It's not one we have in MI, but it sure is cute!
I want toads and frogs in my garden...must make a muddy, wet haven for the Bufs! gail
don't know his name, but he's a cutie. Don't know why, but I do love toads and frogs.
It does not look like any American Toad I have ever seen. We hatch them out every year here sometimes there are 400- 600 babies all over the yard, you have to watch your step. garter snakes are harmless but might eat a small toad.
Keep him safe and he will help with the insect control. Brandy hates them, but I give a little nod to everyone I see in our yard.
He is either a descendant of Jabba the Hut or has been eating a few too many skeeters. Either way, I'm thinking he should get an ankle hop-o-meter and get in at least 100 hops per day.
I am not sure which one it is but it sure is great to see one in your garden. Just think of all the bugs it will eat.
Cute little toad. Looks content and plump. Like I feel after a big turkey dinner.
Toad cute, snake not so much.
I don't know, but he sure is cute!
I'm not a fan of snakes but I love having toads in my garden. Great for controlling the insects. I love the pictures you took. -Jackie
Did you check for warts shady? Just kidding! :)
Hi Everyone! We had a wonderfully busy weekend and brought our newly-turned 6-year-old grandson home with us last night. We are having a wonderful time. He goes fishing tomorrow morning (early) with Grandpa!
Thanks for all the fun comments! :-)
I hope the snake didn't eat the toad! I like to be surprised much more by toads than snakes in my garden even tho I know they're both beneficial. I wish I could help you id him but he's unfamiliar to me as well. Maybe somebody else will have an answer??
Hi Kathleen, I doubt that the toad was eaten... just because the snake didn't seem large enough. I saw a very small garter snake this afternoon in the Sunny Corner bed. He was a LOT more frightened of me, and I seem to be getting used to this occasional surprise. hmmm...
Hi Shady,
My next door neighbor was mad at me for awhile, and when I finally asked her about it, I found out she had read my blog and called me a snake lover. She thought the butterfly structure was for snakes. she has had snakes in her house. She's not mad now, but I think if the snakes didn't have other shelter, such as my compost, she'd have even more wanting in. If all the snakes were killed, we'd have other critters to contend with.
Anyway, I'm glad you didn't kill your snake. Garter snakes have no desire to have any kind of interaction with humans, and will get away from them, or freeze until left alone to get away.
OK, I'll get off my soap box.
I don't know my frogs or toads, but yours is cute!
Hi Sue, I appreciate anything that eats mosquitoes! ;-) We live in a place that is conducive to having bugs, beetles, (any kind of insect), snakes, frogs, and any other typical woodland animal! So, my neighbors are used to it. ha. I'm sorry you had a bit of a time with yours.
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