Amphibians Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Craig Rogers Photography

European Common Toad Saved From The Strimmer

3rd May 20184th May 2018Craig Rogers

Due to the crazy amount of rain we’ve had this spring, parts of the garden has turned into a jungle, therefore today, armed with a strimmer I began the clean up. I always check and walk through an area when strimming and usually leave an area where things can escape to.

Today we found what is probably an old friend we kept seeing last year, a European Common Toad (Bufo bufo). Down here in Southern Europe they can grow to huge sizes and as you can see on the 3rd photo, it’s bigger than my sunglasses!

Mediterranean Tree Frogs Calling (Video)

17th March 201813th May 2020Craig Rogers

After finding the breeding spot for the Mediterranean Tree Frogs a few days ago, I decided that this months article for the Algarve Resident will be all about these little green guys. However, I also wanted to get a recording of them calling.

So, it was Shoes and Socks off and back into the irrigation tank to capture some video, the dogs you can hear in the background are from a nearby house, it was because they could see the lights and movement. I also got a photograph of one sitting high in the grass which can be seen below the video (it’s also the cover photo for the YouTube Video).

{Remember to watch in HD if possible}

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Mediterranean Tree Frogs Right On Our Doorstep

11th March 201813th May 2020Craig Rogers

Most nights at this time of year, just after sunset, we can hear a loud croaking coming from a location nearby. So I decided to investigate what Frogs/Toads make these loud noises. After following the noise I stumbled across an old disused Cisterna (Water Storage Tank). The noise is amplified by the concrete circular wall which is why it can be heard from a distance. I could see the Frogs but not close enough to identify. I decided that I’d return the following night with the camera, but needed a light as I’m not a fan of using flash on wildlife in the dark.

A Little Rain Has Brought Out Some Creatures

28th November 201728th November 2017Craig Rogers

Finally, we had a good downpour of rain today, however, not the deluge that was predicted, but the night is still young and we have been issued a Yellow Alert for rain. From what I can see from Social Media, the South Algarve Coast has had a lot more rain with localised flooding, but of course, this won’t help the Rivers up here in the Serra.

The rain drives out some creatures and tonight sitting outside the front door was this young Fire Salamander. It was only between 10 and 12cm long whereas fully grown they can reach over 22cm. Salamanders are classed as an Amphibian and not a Reptile. The main difference being an Amphibian’s moist scales whereas a reptile is dry.

It was in danger of being a new Cat Toy so I moved it to a safe place and took some quick photos. Camera with 50mm lens in one hand and an LED torch in the other, so no the greatest lighting setup in the dark, but a shot nonetheless.

Salamanders do secret toxins which can be dangerous to humans if ingested, so a clean of hands after was in order.

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