Backyard Finds (Toad, Snake, Megashroom)

[Th3rty7]

My buddy " Big Jumbo ", I call him / her, hops up three stairs to a buffet of bugs by the patio light everynight. As you can see he's an eating machine, the biggest hop toad I've seen about the size of a softball. Big Jumbo's not scared of me or the dog he hops right to me sometimes. Last night I hooked him up with two big nightcrawlers, they were gone in seconds. While looking for nightcrawlers I spotted this small snake in the grass, any ideas what type? Maybe a juvenile Garter snake?

That's not a deformed volleyball it's a giant puffball mushroom the first one I've ever found. I did some research and they are edible and tasty according to some. I haven't cut it open yet but I suspect it's too mature to eat but If anyone has any good puffball recipes I'm all ears.

 

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[kenley]

That is one pretty snake. Is it green, or is it the lighting?

 

[Th3rty7]

That is one pretty snake. Is it green, or is it the lighting?

Pretty sure it's the lighting from the LED flashlight. It was kind of an off-white almost silver with dark colored banding. Thanks.

 

[savant365]

I think that's a bull snake, hard to tell with the light though. Nice pic's that is one big shroom.

HH Charlie

 

[naturegirl]

Bull snake, or king snake? he's pretty, whatever he is. That is one big mushroom!!! Nice to see you feeding a toad, I'm sure he appreciates it

 

[fossis]

That toad does look 'well fed'. :P

Fossis..............

 

[RGINN]

Why, looks like a banded sea krait. haha! Hard to tell with the light and not knowin the part of the country, but not a bull snake. Nice pics!

 

[dumpdigger68]

The puffball should be just right to eat, just slice it open and as long as the flesh is firm and white it's still good. The puffballs that I tried were just sauteed in butter and to me tasted kind of like french toast. Give it a try if it's still fresh enough.

 

[Th3rty7]

The puffball should be just right to eat, just slice it open and as long as the flesh is firm and white it's still good. The puffballs that I tried were just sauteed in butter and to me tasted kind of like french toast. Give it a try if it's still fresh enough.

Thanks, you're right they do taste like french toast when sauted in butter, pretty delicious I must say. I think I'll coat the next batch in flour and parm. cheese and fry them up. I found three more today and left a few to grow. There are all kinds of mushrooms out right now.


Appreciate the comments and snake I.d. help, I need to research the types listed here.

 

[theviking]

Not sure which is fatter, the toad or the shroom. Nice pics, thanks for the view.