This one may or may not have survived the winter: it's deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) and although it's supposed to be cold-hardy enough for St. Louis, the winter moisture is the problem.
In any case, I gave it a quick chop and saw what I thought was a mole tunnel hole below it:
I often see mole tunnels around perennials (they're everywhere in my yard I think) that collapse and leave a hole that I need to fill in, so this didn't surprise me.
Luckily I didn't just smash it down or fill it in before taking a closer look:
A toad!
I've never actually found a toad hole before, so this was very exciting for me. I've seen the toads hopping around (especially last year after the pond became available for breeding), seen them hiding under plants, beneath the air conditioner, etc., but have never seen a toad-built home before. Cool!
Since the hole was covered by the bent grass before I cut it down, I laid it back over for privacy and protection.
Sorry to disturb you Mr. or Miss Toad!
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Very kind of you to recover the toad hole entryway, Alan. Years ago, a toad dug its home under the Esperanza shrub. Don't know if male or female, but "it" got named Laverne by my (then) 3 yr old son.
ReplyDeleteToad!
ReplyDeleteHe/She must have been pretty surprised to be suddenly exposed like that. You were kind to give back the privacy screen.
A delightful post, thank you
ReplyDeleteAround a shrub out front there was a tiny watering hole. A toad stayed there year after year until the shrub was removed.
Toad in the hole. A popular Yorkshire pudding and sausage meal from England! I found a toad in a hole one day. He made me jump out of my skin.
ReplyDeleteWhat I didn't mention is how pleased I am to know that some of the tiny toadlings from the pond last year have survived and stayed in my garden -- there were certainly more toads around last fall and this spring than I've ever seen before. :)
ReplyDeleteSandy: I don't know how I'd ever tell them apart if I started naming them. ;)
Loree (danger): I really hate disturbing any wildlife in my garden. You should hear me apologize after moving a paving slab and revealing so many spiders, insects, and whatnot. It's amazing I ever get anything done.
Jenny: I kept thinking of "toad in the hole" too. Never had it, but will do if I ever visit England!
I wonder who was more surprised - you or the toad!
ReplyDeleteThis was a good day in my yard - my fish have finally woken from their long winter nap! Lots of "Hello! Remember me?" I know. I'm nuts! But it is a great sign that the long winter is finally coming to an end!
That is so amazing!!! I knew they bury themselves in the ground, but a hole? That is such an amazing find!!
ReplyDeleteMy toad hole became plugged from within with a curly form of dirt about 5 days ago, which I didn't disturb. It now is mostly unplugged and I see the toad inside. Does anyone know why this happens??
ReplyDeleteJim: not sure about this. Was the weather unusually hot? I wonder if the toad was threatened in some way?
ReplyDeleteYou can delete my comment(s). It apparently rained hard and dirt from the flower bed eroded into the hole, partially filling it with the dirt described. I really don't know if the toad is still in there. It's fun watching what mother nature will do next.
ReplyDelete