2023 Madison Parks Calendar CoverAmerican Toad photo by Scott R. Maurer was chosen from a photo contest featuring scenes from parks in Madison, WI. Purchase one here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/about/calendar.cfm

I don't enter many photo contests but it's always exciting to get a photo chosen to be featured and/or printed.  In this case my toad was picked for the cover and the $10 calendar proceeds go to the Madison Parks Foundation. Hiking local parks and the IAG (Ice Age Trail) provides unlimited opportunities to get wildlife photos IF you have your camera, which is a constant item in my pack. Always be prepared! A slow moving critter like a toad is especially fun to photography because you can really get down on their level and can get a nice low angle. This photo is unremarkable except for the "eye to eye" viewpoint. Whether you have adjustable viewfinder or you need to get down on your belly, it usually pays off to get your pants dirty and capture a more interesting angle. WARNING: unlike the Sonoran Desert Toad this one won't give you hallucinations.