Photos of Long Lost Petrified Relatives

It has been a long time since I've posted anything on this blog but this new photo deserves a "spot" in the sunshine (or rain in Oregon). Never did meet these old guys when they were alive. Even so, it's nice to see them in all their beauty. Lovely eyeballs!

Compliments of Nikki Smith-Morgan, Public Words Inc.

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A Toad Tale From An Old Friend

That same friend who lives in Minnysoda also told me a tale about his grandfather (which brought tears to my big sad eyes):

"I was thinking about a nice toad or two to sit on the flat rock I propped on the edge (of my "water feature") to give the birds and critters access. For years my namesake grandfather had a large toad he dubbed Molly. Molly? Anyway they had a dripping outdoor faucet beneath their bedroom window. The enormous toad would sit under it to stay cool. Grandma said she went to sleep to the thump... thump...thump of the waterdrops hitting the big toad on the back. Grandpa would pick up the old toad in the morning and take it out to the garden while he worked. He hoed; the old toad ate slugs. When he was done he'd pick it up and drop it off under the tap on his way to the kitchen."

Photo By Travis Child

Wish I would have known that old grandpa (and Molly too!). At least some humans treat us toads with the respect we deserve.

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An old extinct pal reappears!

My friend in Minnysoda sent me a photo of one of my long lost brothers yesterday. Sad to say ... he's extinct. That's what happens when there are too many humans on the planet (stepping on us toads!) Wonder how long I'll be around?

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A Tough Road for Toadlets

A couple of years ago, OPB did a story on Oregon Field Guide about the plight of toadlets. If you've never seen a "bucket o' toads", better take a look at these photos. If seeing those toadlets peeked your interest, you can watch the whole "toad crossing" story on video right here.

Thank you OPB for sharing our plight with the world. If I could, I'd send you a bucket o' money to keep such fine stories on the air to inform humans about our life challenges. How about you, blog readers? Send some of your hard (or soft) earned money to support OPB. The old toadster appreciates your generosity.

Western Ho (Go the Bufo Boreas)

For human beings living east of the Oregon border, identifying a true Western Toad -- officially known as "Bufo Boreas" -- can be difficult. Thankfully I found a great photo (taken by Gerald & Buff Corsi) on the internet, along with an excellent description of our species life (and threats to our survival). Unfortunately, they also suggest places that you'll find us ... . which I recommend that you ignore. We've already got too many people looking around, not to mention smashing us to smithereens on highways and byways of the west.

Welcome to Our New Bog Blog

On the advice of an old froggy friend who lives alongside a lake in Albert Lea, Minnesota, I've decided to expose myself (mostly in words and possibly a few pictures) to the human world. It's hard to say what will appear on this blog ... so I better not say anymore ... and get back into the cool mud of my life.

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