backyard toad..... always underfoot

By day this adult Eastern American Toad Frog (Bufo Americanus) can either be found under the deck, smothered in leaves or under the step leading out from the deck. The dark color on the lower body is evident that it was recently in darkness as they change color according to their environment..... from almost black to pale reddish brown or tan.

At night is when I have to make sure I don't step on the critter. Quite often it can be found on the deck, hopping about snatching up insects attracted by the indoor lights. ;0)

Nature Backyard Amphibian Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Richmond, Virginia - Chesterfield County

All my images are copyright protected with all rights reserved.

dreaming of you

Cope's Gray Treefrog - Hyla chrysoscelis

Resting on the Fringe Tree, this little amphibian waits for nightfall when it will announce its presence to that special one..... it's breeding season here ;0)

Nature Wildlife Frog Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Image taken in Richmond, Virginia - Chesterfield County

All my images are copyright protected with all rights reserved.

happy to be a frog

Cope's Gray Treefrog - Hyla chrysoscelis

Resting on a Fringe Tree leaf, this little amphibian waits for the night when it will (very loudly) announce its presence to the world. I can hear its call easily from inside the house, all night long.

Camouflage Works!

I'm just plain cute ;0)

When I turned on the porch light later that evening, it was sitting on the edge of the rain barrel, two more were taking a dip in the water. They had quite a chorus going on..... and the barrel greatly intensifies their sounds!

Backyard Nature Frog Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Images taken in Richmond, Virginia - Chesterfield County

All my images are copyright protected with all rights reserved.

Cope's Gray Treefrog - Hyla chrysoscelis........in macro.

.........sitting on my index finger ;0)

Three of these were on and in the rain barrel last night..... being VERY loud with their calls. Today this one was hanging out on the Fringe Tree next to the barrel. It had such a calm nature that it would freely climb on your finger if nudged gently under its throat.

Backyard Nature Amphibian Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Image taken in Richmond, Virginia - Chesterfield County

All my images are copyright protected with all rights reserved.

Cricket Frog Camouflage

Yep...... making like a rock..... well trying ;0)

Acris gryllus - Amphibian

Image taken in Richmond, Virginia - Chesterfield County

Native Wildlife Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

All my images are copyright protected with all rights reserved.

Good Old Summertime..... Come Back! Missing Rain Barrel Frog ;0)

Rain Barrel Frog - Lounging in the shade.

I don't know where this fellow is spending the Winter but I'm sure it's cold there ;0)

canon rebel xt - sigma 150 macro - uncropped image - pickerel amphibian - backyard wildlife nature - water conservation - richmond virginia - chesterfield county

Nature Summer Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Let's play "sneak up on the rain barrel frog"

Just a game I play.....

.....trying to get super close for a decent shot..... but all the plants are a challenge. If I approach too close sometimes from the front then frog slips into the water. Oh well. I'll try again next Summer. (cute Pickerel ;0)

Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Yard Buddy In Camouflage Suit

This is one my Miniature Pinscher's "friends"..... a rather large, brave and admirably tolerant Pickerel Frog.

They used to frolic during the day and frequently at night under the illumination of the porch light..... until recently.

My Min Pin has grown so accustomed to the presence of this amphibian in "his" backyard that he now only greets it with a quick sniff then walks away. No longer do they frolic.

Finally! Thank goodness! Two summers of constant "LEAVE IT" has been enough for me!!!! ;0)

Nature Wildlife Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Tree Frog in a Pickle Jar

Northern Spring Peeper - Pseudacris crucifer crucifer http://www.dgif.state.va.us/wildlife/information/?s=020071

Ever seen those huge jars of pickles

at your local grocery store?

Why purchase an aquarium when you can repurpose a pickle jar as a terrarium or fishbowl. Just remember to NEVER EVER screw the lid on but just rest it gently on top. But this probably is not the best choice, especially with children in the household. A lid made of window screen held on by wire or a rubber band would work best. NEVER place the jar in direct sunlight..... goes without saying.

This little critter was rescued and will be released as soon as Spring is officially in progress. I have just the spot already picked out..... with plenty of Peeper company ;0)

Nature Art by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Recycle Those Cappuccino Coffee Cups..... OR - What do millipedes, plants & a Spring Peeper frog all have in common?

Most of us have discarded cups that we have become either tired of or because they have been chipped or cracked. I use these potential throwaways as starter pots to propagate house plants. My millipede terrarium needed cleaning so I seized the opportunity to add some decor..... old chipped or less than perfect china housing greenery. I also included artificial ivy and a worn vintage plate for more interest. The additions effectively conceal from immediate view the food / water dishes and the small fishbowl of substrate where the millipedes hangout during the daylight hours. Sorry no pictures of the millipedes as they are asleep but see my label "millipede" and there they are.

This view of the tank from above shows the Spring Peeper tree frog nestled beside the dish (click on image to supersize) of dog food. Yesterday the little fellow very happily spent the day in the water dish. Just north of the frog is the fishbowl housing the millipedes. I hope this arrangement works well for all inhabitants ;0)

Nature Art by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Clean Virginia Waterways has an excellent web page about Rain Barrels - Water Conservation begins at HOME

"Even the smallest of creatures can benefit from a rain barrel under the downspout," says this pickeral frog ;0) Mosquito habitation is prevented by placing into the water Mosquito Dunks (biological mosquito control pellets shaped like doughnuts - bacillus thuringiensis) which are safe for fish, etc.

Clean Virginia Waterways' rain barrel information page: http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/rainbarrels.htm

Amphibian Images by Carolyn Hietala http://30minutesaday2peaceofmind.blogspot.com/2007/10/bring-back-rain-barrel-lack-of-rain.html

If it does rain today this backyard amphibian will JUMP FOR JOY!

Home Sweet Home!

Ever wondered what might be under that log?

Bufo Americanus this time ;0)

(click on images to supersize)

The toads dark color is a result from being in darkness under the log and is a good camouflage tactic. In daylight this Eastern American Toad will lighten to pale browns like the dead leaves surrounding it. Notice that it has puffed up with air in an effort to look "big & bad." I know better. Actually they are extremely docile and no they can't give you warts!


The lack of rain in Richmond, Virginia has confined this fellow under a log to conserve moisture. They can literally "dry up" and die without it so be kind and place a shallow pan of water near for them to refresh occasionally.

Let it rain, let it rain, PLEASE let it rain!!!!!!!

Then we'll ALL be jumping for joy ;0)

Photographs by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Got Warts? Not like this little fellow. A reliable bug zapper - No electricity needed - Extremely quiet & gentle - So cute! - Yes it's a Toad Frog

What an adorable face! That "serious" look expresses the Toad's attitude when it comes to voraciously snatching its insect prey. (click on images to enlarge)

These friendly Toads are mostly active at night in my Chesterfield County yard. The hot dry weather conditions would quickly dry them up during the day so they hide in moist places until almost dark. But Toads still grab an insect passing by their hideaway..... without leaving the comfort of their bed! Now that's what I call room service.

This particular individual is quite large and has a red color along with some dark brown shades. I believe it may be a Bufo Americanus (Eastern American Toad) but refer to this Virginia Game & Wildlife website link to the Virginia Herpetological Society for more information about Virginia Toads: http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/VHS/frogs_and_toads_of_virginia.htm

Due to its lack of fear this one sat still so I was able to get many nice camera shots..... thank you! Very photogenic don't you think? Mother Nature's natural insecticide once again ;0)

Photographs by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

The Pickeral Frog loves a wetland habitat. This one resides in a Virginia backyard.

The Pickeral remains still as a stone while patiently waiting for insects to wander close. I was able to get within a few inches of it to obtain photographs. What trust!

photo by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Southern Cricket Frog - I have to be careful not to step on these tiny frogs. We enjoy their nightly chorus along with their Bullfrog relatives.

Ever tried to catch one of these little guys?
You best have eaten your Wheaties that morning as they are quick!
An adorable little frog it is.

Carolyn Hietala

Southern Leopard Frog...my new neighbor...now residing in the rain barrel or is it the frog jacuzzi?

Frog seems so happy sitting and swimming all day. At night the outside lights bring plenty of bugs to eat so I would say Frog has quite a life of luxury! Doesn't even mind me walking by.......just sits there very still but recognizes my Min Pin so dips right down in the safety of the water. Some smart Frog wouldn't you say?

Carolyn Hietala