Toad trilling, Cote

It was spring warm this evening, and after a day spent mostly inside working on various projects, I finally was able to get outside for a night walk. The Spring Peepers were in fine, loud voice, and because I've also been hearing American Toads trilling in the distance, I decided to drive the short distance to the hayfield vernal pool my neighbors have so kindly allowed me to document. My trek wasn't particularly aerobic, but in photographing and filming the toads chorusing operatically, I experienced a workout by osmosis. According to biologists I've talked to in the past, each male toad is, while trilling, expending about the same amount of energy as a marathon runner. It's an impressive sight, as the guys expand their throats and let rip a trill that can last for 20 seconds or more. If a female finds the song compelling, she'll swim towards him and let the singer hop on top in a position known as amplexus. As I waded as quietly as possible through the water, I spotted many amplexed pairs. Soon enough, there'd be string of eggs... lots of strings of eggs.