May is amplexus time for the western toad.
The male toad (the smaller of the two) climbs on the female’s back and grabs her under the armpits. This stimulates her to release eggs, which he then fertilizes.
A male western toad grasps the female during amplexus.
Another couple is accompanied by strings of eggs in the water. Soon there will be tadpoles.
Today’s new word: amplexus…ever you expand our vocabulary, Alistair…and no private hiding places for the natural world from your camera eye!
…and apparently..like people…some Toads close their eyes when they `amp…and others do not…
How on earth do they know all these facts? Amazing, and amazing also that you got these photos!