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

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Barbara K. Mindell

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Suzette Barbier

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Rachel DeWolfe

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Sarah Abrahamsen

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

One way to bring more birds to your yard is to add a source of water. Even the most elegant birds can’t resist making a huge splash. These five photos from past editions of our Photo Contest perfectly capture the motion, joy, and mess of bathing birds.

Wood duck, 2010 Photo Contest entry © Michael Onyon

Baltimore oriole, 2012 Photo Contest entry © Sandy Slesky

Eastern bluebird, 2010 Photo Contest Entry © Suzanne Niles

American goldfinch, 2013 Photo Contest entry © Kim Nagy

Canada goose, 2013 Photo Contest entry © Susumu Kishihara

If you’re looking to purchase a bird bath, try the Audubon Shop at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln. And please send us your wildlife action shots! Enter our 2015 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest.