Each morning of the summer, before the sun comes up, I take my cup of coffee, my iPad and my Bible and head out to the picnic table in my backyard.
It is a quiet respite, chocked full of the best of nature on Long Island.
This morning once again I watched a routine. It is several toads returning to the large daylily bed in front to the table. It is such a cool sight to watch these interesting creatures, who appear to be bored with life, make their way home after a night of hunting.
We are teeming with toads this year again. The State of New York, in its infinite wisdom, devised a flood control plan that actually fills once dry sumps with water year round. Since there is one on the corner, the toads have found a nesting place and after they are born they make their ay out into the world, which happens to be the yards across the street.
Since my yard has been termed a jungle or a rain forest by some family members, they love it here! And I love them here. The one that just arrived is sitting under the shade of a large plant right now in full view of me. This place is not only for the birds. It is also for the toads!