Out on a paddle with David this spring, we made our way up the creek that feeds Raccoon Lake, surrounded by the sounds of hundreds of American Toads trilling.
American Toads are generally solitary and dwell on land, but during the mating season, they gather in wetlands, where the males sing to attract females.
Roughly 50 toads sat within eyesight along the water's edge and swam in the shallows, tumbling over each other, singing their hearts out. They weren't as afraid of us as they would be other times of the year.
We stopped at a little sand bar, where David took photos while I sketched.
When we sat still on the shore, the toads carried on as if we didn't exist. Fearlessly, a male toad surfaced and crawled out of the water two feet from where I sat sketching. What a magical feeling when he started his song! One toad even walked across my foot. I was honored.
Spring is a fantastic time to take your sketchbook out into nature. Even a city park is likely to have birds singing, flowers blooming & trees full of newly unfurled leaves.
What draws your eye in nature right now? Take a few minutes to jot down a list, make a few sketches, and just breathe in the fresh air.
Happy Creating!
Copyright Betsy Bangley 2024. All rights reserved.
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