The Fowler’s Toad must like my yard here in Arkansas because every summer I see several. I read that they like mixed pine and hardwood forests, bottom lands and urban areas (Herps of Arkansas). I have several pines and oaks in my yard.

Fowler's Toad
Fowler’s Toad

I see these toads primarily while mowing, because I watch for them to keep from mowing over them.

When I pick them up, I’m careful because they secrete a noxious compound from the warts on their back. This compound is lethal to small mammals from what I read. I don’t believe this compound is harmful to people. With this stuff being dangerous to small mammals, I don’t like getting this stuff on my hands and will wash afterwards.

How I Got The Shot – Fowler’s Toad

While mowing, I spotted this Fowler’s Toad. My camera was inside my house but I was able to get it while the Toad remained in a small area. After locating the Toad I was able to get a few photos. I didn’t need to pick this one up since it was hopping to an area I already mowed.

I was hand holding a Fujifilm X-T3 Camera with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro.

Camera Settings

  • AV Mode
  • Back-button Focus
  • Auto White Balance
  • Multi Metering
  • Single Point, Continuous Auto Focus
  • Aperture f8
  • ISO 1250
  • Shutter speed 1/240 of a second
  • .03 exposure value
  • Focal Length 400 mm