Amphibians & Reptiles
FEBRUARY
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| Common Toad Photo Laurie Campbell |
Common Toads would have been anxious to migrate towards their regular breeding grounds but need a combination of moisture (ideally heavy rain) and temperatures of 5°C (41°F) or greater which will ensure that their spawn is not destroyed by frost. Most remained in hibernation but 4 were spotted on February 8 – making their way down a steep bank to the Waren Burn (nr. Bamburgh). When the area was re-visited later that night there was not a Common Toad to be seen...
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| Common Frog Photo Laurie Campbell |
The first 2008 reports of Common Frog activity came from Glanton Pyke (nr. Glanton/21st) when “6-8 arrived ... In 2 ponds” and by the very next day “frog spawn” was found. Similar circumstances were noted at 17, Bridge Street, Alnwick when (23rd) the first spawn was discovered “one week earlier than last year”. These lively amphibians also busied themselves in some of the more upland habitats which are supposedly later areas. Titlington Mount had “Frog spawn – in muddy gateway pool – 24th” and there was more in a drainage channel on Lyham Moor (nr. Chatton /29th).