There's still no spawn in the garden pond, though the frogs are continuing to 'pair up'. I did come across more successful breeding in some local ponds earlier in the week, as well as a veritable swarm of breeding toads. That was on a dawn walk on Tuesday with the RSPB, in mist and rain. Absurdly I only took one photo, and that of a lone toad. 
I've had better luck with the newts tonight. They were highly active and several were out on what passes for dry ground (it's been wet most of this week).
Newt displaying breeding colours
One final photo from tonight. It's a re-take of a shot I took a couple of days ago, but I prefer this one.
The Frog and Feather (re-visited)
Camera note: the toad was photographed with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. The newts and frog were all with the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG macro.
cakkleberrylane
29 Feb 2008What amazing pictures! Thanks for the camera information too.
BitzyMe
29 Feb 2008Great pictures and very nice shots!
The newt displaying his breeding colors is really fantastic!!
SittingFox
29 Feb 2008Yes, that breeding colour shot is great! Such fascinating creatures.
I haven't seen any toads in the garden so far this year but I rescued quite a few roadside ones the other night. I also saw a frog that, when I was about to pick it up and carry it to safety, puffed itself up and looked superficially like a toad! I wondered if it was some kind of mimicry defensive system.
Words
29 Feb 2008Glad you enjoyed the pictures. The newts have been great fun to watch. I was pleased to get the shot of the underbelly. Normally I see a glimpse, but no more than that.
volkuro
1 Mar 2008I add my voice to the others: the breeding colors shot :up: :up: