Toad in bird's nest - Ask Extension
On my deck (Near Ottawa), I have an abandoned bird's nest that I found in a forest. Lately, there has been a toad that sits in it. Some days the toad ...
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Toad in bird's nest #593215
Asked August 30, 2019, 7:47 AM EDT
On my deck (Near Ottawa), I have an abandoned bird's nest that I found in a forest. Lately, there has been a toad that sits in it. Some days the toad is there, and some days not. The deck is two steps off the ground so the toad has to hop up to get to the nest, unless it stays on the deck.
Is there a reason the toad likes the nest, and returns to it?
Is there a reason the toad likes the nest, and returns to it?
County Outside United States
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. Toads actively hunt at night and then create a shallow burrow to spend the day. Since they don't live in water like frogs, the burrow allows them to stay cool and prevent dehydration. I suspect your toad is using the abandoned bird nest as a burrow to stay hydrated and, because of the toad's coloration and the colors of the nest material, remain relatively camouflaged during the day.
I hope this answers your question, and thank you for contacting Ask an Expert.
Jim
I hope this answers your question, and thank you for contacting Ask an Expert.
Jim
