American Toad Fract

[Andrew McLachlan]

About a week ago, after warmer than usual temperatures the American Toads (Bufo americanus) emerged from hibernation and began calling. This is the first time in the 15 years I have lived in my home that I have ever heard the toads calling in the month of March. While there was only a small number of toads out I made sure to get out there and grab a few more images. We have had several colder days that seem to have sent the frogs and toads back into the mud for a few days. The only thing different with this capture is that I am using the Wimberley single arm macro flash bracket to hold my flash instead of my home-made bracket. The Wimberley bracket is very user friendly...I love it.

I used my 'Frog Setting' that I have saved as a preset in Fractalius for this image. The only thing more addictive than fractalius seems to be frogs

Look forward to comments.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Andrew, I love your frog fracts! You've really perfected it and I'm always amazed at the effect on the throat

[Jack Breakfast]

That's a fun one. Very well done. I'm not usually partial to this filter, but I really like this.

[Paul Lagasi]

Anothe nice closeup..frac effect really works well....I was wondering how do you sneak up on these guys? I've heard them many times but never seen them. Are you wearing waders? Don't they stop when you shine a light on them?
I really am interested in trying to get some close-ups.

[Indranil Sircar]

Excellent composition and effect, Andrew. Excellent base image and great use of filter!

[denise ippolito]

Nice close-up Andrew and I like the fract effect as always!

[Andrew McLachlan]

Thanks all for the comments. much appreciated.

Paul, I use chest waders even though the water is very shallow as you will need to kneel or sit down to get to the toad's level. These toads are most often very cooperative subjects and seldom spook, especially when they are out in large numbers, but I always wade through the water very slowly. I have often been able to hold these toads in the palm of my hand and they will continue singing, nothing seems to phase them...a word of caution though...these guys have a one track mind at this time of year and they will likely consider your hand or fingers to be a female toad and grab hold with all their might and you will then have to carefully pry them off.

[Mitch Carucci]

Andrew,

You are Mr. Frog! Great.

M.