Why did the toad cross the road?
Water is a known feature of the Dutch landscape. It’s there alongside every road and pathway.
There are canals and ditches close by, channeling water into a complex network of interconnected drainage systems.
With them comes opportunity for habitat for all manner of life.
There are swans, coots and other water fowl. Meanwhile wee beasties join the party too.
On our way home on Sunday night we spotted these torch bearing local heroes.
It’s time for the toad patrol.
The overstekkend padden migrate locally to spawn.
Tonight we set out to do our bit.
This one was lucky.
Three toads successfully seen across the road. Many more unsuccessful.
Here’s hoping the toad patrol save many more.
This blog has lots more info about it but in Dutch! blog
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20 comments on “Why did the toad cross the road?”
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Green Lizard's Blog 
Enjoyed this interesting and insightful blog. I hadn’t thought how amphibians would thrive in cities with canals. More power to toad patrol.
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It’s difficult. Many don’t make it. But thus way more do.
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Animals can be so fragile in the urban environment. It’s sad because they more than hold their own in the wild! Having said that our parks are over run with badass grey squirrels!!
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Humanity creates so much death and disruption.
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We seem to have developed a bit of a skill for it!! Hearty cheers to your eco friendly project. You have a lot to feel good about! 😀
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That’s very true. Makes you feel good.
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😀
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Reblogged this on Linda's wildlife garden and commented:
we do the same here in England too
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Well done for doing your bit.
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Thank you.
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Well…I love this… On a smaller scale we do help amphibians across the way even the crabby snapping turtles
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I’ve heard about the snapping turtle stuff. This toad one like a smaller scale on the beach projects we’ve done.
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One of my snapping turtles encounters…scared me
http://ramblingwoods.com/2010/07/17/common-snappers-are-noted-for-their-belligerent-disposition-when-out-of-the-water-their-powerful-beak-like-jaws-and-their-highly-mobile-head-and-neck-hence-the-specific-name-serpentina-meaning/
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There’s a few film clips of snapping turtles that don’t let go. Sounds like a lucky escape!
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Snappers are shy in water but aggressive on land. She was hot and tired and just wanted to get to the water. I think they only bite if they can’t get away. I left her go even though she takes a toll on the young waterfowl each spring ….
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I guess that’s how they got their name.
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Yes it is…the little ones are adorable…here is another post that shows one reason why I love my husband..and yes it has a snapper in it…
http://ramblingwoods.com/2011/05/04/nature-notes-108all-the-thoughts-of-a-turtle-are-turtleralph-waldo-emerson/
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That’s fantastic. You don’t need to go to Costa Rica to save turtles!
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Toad patrol. I’ve seen it all now! 🙂
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Yep. Old ladies with buckets and torches. You’d be forgiven for thinking they wee up to no good!
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