Monthly Archives: June 2015

Take 5: Toads and Toadlets

People are starting to report hundreds of tiny toads emerging from ponds. The American toad lays its eggs in April, and its tadpoles transform into terrestrial toadlets in early summer. Our other toad species, the similar-looking Fowler’s toad, has a mostly spotless belly and usually breeds later. These two species sometimes interbreed. Take in the warty charm of toads with these five photos from past editions of our Photo Contest, and read more about frog and toad species in Massachusetts.

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Joseph Warfel

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Joseph Warfel

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Barbara K. Mindell

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Barbara K. Mindell

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Suzette Barbier

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Suzette Barbier

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Rachel DeWolfe

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Rachel DeWolfe

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Sarah Abrahamsen

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Sarah Abrahamsen

Want to send us your best shot? Enter our 2015 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest!

Make Your Summer Count

© Justin Miel

© Justin Miel

The flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and butterflies are fluttering—it’s a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors!

Get reacquainted with a favorite walking trail. Be dazzled by returning ruby-throated hummingbirds. Explore by canoe or kayak to enjoy a new perspective. Savor delicious produce from local farms. You’ll find all of these seasonal opportunities and more at Mass Audubon.

However you plan to enjoy the outdoors, you can make a difference by donating today. With your support we can do even more to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife.

How You Can Help

Land – 35,000 acres of forests, fields, beaches, and meadows from the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands for you to enjoy. Your support will enable us to preserve more important land from development.

Wildlife – 150-plus endangered and threatened native species, such as the eastern box turtle and the bald eagle, call these lands home. You can help to protect them by making a gift today.

People – 225,000 children and adults connect with nature annually through our programs, camps, and special events. Your donation will help us grow our education programs and reach new audiences.

We would not be able to achieve so much without you. Thank you!