Mating Toads and injured birds

Springtime on our pond is always exciting.

( I did not take this picture of a spring peeper it was pulled from a google search. I have seen them a few times but they are quick and super small)

We have had  spring peepers mating all evening for a few weeks but this week brought a new sound.

It is the American toad: they are land dwellers but come to the pond in masses to mate and lay eggs. We found one section of out pond to be the mating section.

There were 50 or more toads mating in some cases we saw 3 boys on one girl. When Duck went to pick up a mating group of toads the poor mama toad squirted out her long black chain of eggs onto his hands. Robin freaked out and thought it was a snake. I felt bad for poor mama.

Toads lay eggs in long chains frogs lay eggs in clumps. So we did what every homeschooler would do, we scooped up some pond water and brought some eggs in the house to watch them hatch.There are tons all over the pond.

Then off to the library of course to get some corresponding materials.

Later that day the boys found a poor Robin ( Not my 9 year old whose blogosphere name

 is Robin, A real American Robin) all wrapped up in some blue twine. Of course my kids wanted me to save it. After cutting all the twine from the birds wings, neck, and feet it looks as if the wing is broken.

Rehabilitating this bird, I believe was beyond my knowledge so I took him to a nature reserve that helps hurt animals and releases them back into the wild when possible.I really did not feel like going. It was  real inconvenience to my day........

But, I thought for a moment what if someday I am really sick or hurt and the person who could help me did not want to be INCONVENIENCED that day. So, I jumped right in the car with 4 of my little ones and took the bird right away.

I was especially not thrilled about the drive in the rain. I hate the driving on the highway in the rain. The kids and I were excited to receive a case number to call back and check on our bird friend named Jack.

If Robin has flown into your life;

Robin signifies stimulation of new growth and renewal in many areas of life. He teaches that any changes can be made with joy, laughter and a song in your heart. This bird shows you how to ride the winds of passion within your heart and become independent and self reliant through this change. The energy of this bird will teach you how to move forward with grace, tenacity, perseverance and assertion. Are you letting go of personal dramas? Ones that no longer serve your higher purpose? Are you exercising compassion and patience in mental, spiritual and emotional areas? This creature will teach how to incorporate new beginnings with faith and trust in the process. It is time to believe in yourself and use the inspiration that is given. Listen carefully. It is time sing your own song for a new period in your life