Many thanks to Phil Smith for sending this bizarre pic of a pink Common Toad he found near Taggs Island on June 16th.
What a corker!
Phil explains: "Toads and other amphibians have pigment cells in their skin and it is the balance of the various pigments that gives the overall colour.
"This can change over time (a few hours usually) according to background and temperature, higher temperatures inducing lighter colouration.
"Red pigment is said to be rare in amphibia but is found in the Common Frog. I have seen a rusty-coloured Common Toad on one previous occasion."
Or maybe they're eating too much candy floss?
Phil adds: "While I am on, may I take the opportunity to mention that my book "The Sands of Time Revisited" is now in the local book-shops.
"It deals with the history (from about 10.000 years ago) and natural history of the Sefton Coast sand-dunes, so some of your bloggers might find it interesting.
"There is a sizeable chapter on birds!"
I'll go out and get a copy tomorrow (unless the bloody Royal Tern reappears at Llandudno) - the first "Sands of Time" was a superb way of getting to know the dune system, so this new edition should be even better!
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Many thanks for the excellent "plug"; the toad looks good as well! I should perhaps have mentioned that I am not making anything out of the book - I had to give up royalties to get it published; two other publishers I tried wanted paying!
I found a Martagon Lily in full flower on the coast this afternoon.
It seems to be new to the area, though, of course, not native here.
Lovely to see nevertheless.
All the best,
Phil.
Stonking Hobby flew west over Dempsey Towers in Ainsdale at 1.30pm today.
Went to see Little Terns at Gronant colony Sunday afternoon. 250 birds present!
Marsh Harrier over Crossens marsh yesterday.