The single American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) inched closer and closer to the couple, looking like he wanted to cut in. Growing impatent, he decided that the only way to dislodge his rival was to take action. With a big splash, he jumped right onto the other male’s back.
Was the maneuver successful? Well, I think he separated the couple, but I couldn’t tell which of the males ended up with the female.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Wonderful portrait and that action shot made me laugh. Schadenfreude.
The action is intensifying at your park!
Indeed there is lots of action, though I suspect that much of it is taking place in more discreet places in the park rather than in plain view. 🙂
Great shots
Thanks. It seems like the breeding period for those toads is pretty short. I stopped by yesterday, about a week after all of the actions, and all was quiet.
There is a lot of wrestling going on in ponds in spring.