Bavarian Alps, part I

Samira and I actually had different travel plans, but because of COVID-19 all flights were canceled and borders were closed, so we decided to explore a bit of the southernmost part of Germany: the Bavarian Alps. 

The first days we stayed in a small town called Mittenwald, very close to the Lautersee and Ferchensee. So right after our arrival from the 6 hour drive, we checked these beautiful lakes.

Lautersee

Bufo bufo - Common Toad

Ferchensee

A raised bog is the perfect habitat for Amphibians & Reptiles... So the first full day of our trip we went to the Murnauer Moos. We saw several Grass Snakes and an entire Common Frog Kindergarten rising from a small pond. Also after quite some hiking, we found some Yellow-bellied Toads enjoying their life in a cozy puddle.

Habitat of Grass Snakes

Natrix natrix - Grass Snake

Habitat of tiny froglets and juvenile Grass Snakes hunting them

Rana temporaria - Common Frog, juvenile

Natrix natrix - Grass Snake, juvenile

Habitat of Yellow-bellied Toads

Bombina variegata - Yellow-bellied Toad

Bombina variegata - Yellow-bellied Toad

Postcard for the Yellow-bellied Toad

The district of Darmstadt-Dieburg has used one of my photos for a postcard.

The postcard was used to promote an event for the creation of ponds as a habitat for various animals, especially Yellow-bellied Toads (Bombina variegata). The nature conservation group NABU also informed the participants about the threatened species.

I am glad that I was able to contribute to this important and nice request.

Yellow-bellied beauty

Not every human influence on nature is harmful. Stone walls, quarries, artificial waters and some others can be the habitat for many animals. Just like this abandoned clay pit in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Here you can find something that has unfortunately become much too rare in Germany: flat and fish-free ponds.

Rare amphibians such as the yellow-bellied toad depend on habitats like that.

The open, sunny areas are also the perfect place for reptiles.

When I visited this place for the first time, I was amazed by this view. Really nice landscape.

The big, blue pond is the eyecatcher for sure, but the small and warmer ponds are the right place to search for the Yellow-bellied Toad (Bombina variegata). They messure about 4 cm (1,57 inch) and are well camouflaged.

Fortunately, I found the first toads after a few minutes. It was a warm, sunny day and they were very active.

Some Pool Frogs (Pelophylax lessonae) enjoyed the sunshine as well. They got used to my presence and were not shy at all.

Apart from the coloration of the belly, Bombina variegata scores with additional characteristics. They are very appealing as they always seem to smile...

...and the heart-shaped pupil is a really cool feature too. You just have to love the yellow-bellied toad!

A pretty Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) was hunting in one of the ponds. 

I spent some hours in this habitat, most of the time lying on my belly to get this low angle and to almost drown my camera. 

Some Sand Lizards (Lacerta agilis), basking near the ponds, completed this nice day trip.