American Toad

Gallery: WildlifePosted April 15, 2010152 views6 comments

I think this is an American Toad, but I'm not really sure.

Another sure sign that the season has turned is when the toads begin to mate. It'll be very noisy at the pond for the next two to three weeks, and then there will be tadpoles by the millions. This was taken late today with the sun getting lower. I hope to get out and take many more photos of their behavior during the next couple of weeks and try for something unique instead of the standards that we see this time of year.

Comments and critiques are appreciated.

EOS 1D, 70-200 2.8IS @200, ISO 250, 1/500 @f9, tripod. Toned down some of the bright reeds and some of the glare in the water. About 50% of the frame.

Thanks.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Marsel van Oosten on April 16, 2010 at 5:47 AM

Cool shot Jerry. Can't help you with the species, but I'm sure happy this is not part of the human mating ritual.

Well done.

Registered on March 9, 2004, 285 Posts, 2277 Comments

Comment posted by Keith A Anderson on April 16, 2010 at 8:53 AM

Very nice, Jerry. Love the throat action, dof and inclusion of habitat.

Registered on February 13, 2006, 166 Posts, 1818 Comments

Comment posted by Walt Sterneman on April 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Nice habitat shot. I like the reflection in the water. Also like how you managed to catch him fully blown up.

Registered on March 24, 2010, 73 Posts, 1268 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on April 16, 2010 at 1:53 PM

Very nicely done Jerry; solid composition, good detail, excellent techs and a good behavior portrayed. I like it that the refelction of the frog is included, although it would have been even better if it were a clear reflection, but that was beyond your control. Alternatively a lower angle can create a totally different image as well, making the frog look much larger. Another creative way of approaching this would be a very tight head-on view with focus on the eyes and as much DOF you can manage. And last but not least a low wide angle shot from very close (if possible) including its wider habitat could create a spectacular image as well. Good luck with creating something you unique and I am looking forward to seeing your creation in this gallery.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Runco on April 16, 2010 at 5:17 PM

Nice shot Jerry - the coloring differs from most of the toads in my neck of the woods, but I think you're right, Bufo americanus. Looking forward to some uniques toad behavior shots in the future!

Here's a list of the reptile species living in your area...
http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/cbd/collections/amprep/ilspecies.html

Registered on September 9, 2008, 77 Posts, 705 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on April 17, 2010 at 9:06 PM

Nice detail and nice reflectivity on the water. All the long reeds in the water gave you infinite possibilities to create compositions with lines and the toad. This is pleasing as posted and the techs look spot on.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments