Amphibious Amplexus

Love, or should I say 'mating instinct' was in the air at Bollihope Quarry last weekend. There were masses of Common Toads in and around the quarry pools and, unfortunately, masses of people around the vicinity as well.
There were morons chucking stones into the water, teenagers picking up Toads and one idiot even start plodging through the water.
The lack of respect some people have for nature is infuriating!
Now for those unaware the amplexus, in the title, refers to the mating hold which the male Toad uses to clasp the female during the mating process. Its derived from the latin, meaning embrace.

David
Nature North East / The Northern Owl Project

Notonecta glauca, I believe.

Lastly, here's a shot of one of only a small number of 'Alive' Toads I've seen on my local patch this spring. It seems the local Corvid's have been taking the opportunity of easy pickings.