I heard my first American Toad of the spring this morning. It was “trilling” from the second catchment basin northeast of Chemong Road along the Parkway Trail. Northern Leopard Frogs were making their snoring call in the first basin. Other species along the Trail this morning included Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Blue Jays (small flocks migrating), Song Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Northern Cardinals and Mallards (in the catchment basins.) The willows are in full bloom right now and attracting multitudes of bees. Coltsfoot, too, is common around the catchment basins. At first glance, Coltsfoot looks like a Dandelion, but you’ll see that there are no leaves. The scaly stem is quite different as well.
American Toad singing
Coltsfoot
Observer: Drew Monkman
