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What our animals are doing this month

What our animals are doing this month

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February may still feel like the depths of winter, but for one of our most iconic amphibians, the month marks the beginning of a very important journey. As the days slowly lengthen and temperatures begin to rise, common toads (Bufo bufo) start to stir from their winter slumber.

Waking up from winter

Throughout the colder months, common toads spend winter in hibernation, sheltering in frost-free places such as compost heaps, log piles, mammal burrows or beneath leaf litter. Toads usually choose dry land, relying on their slow metabolism to see them through until spring.

In February, milder, damp evenings can act as a wake-up call. A few degrees of warmth and some rainfall are often all it takes for toads to become active once more.

The great toad migration

One of the most remarkable things about common toads is their strong sense of direction. Many adults return to the same breeding pond every year, sometimes travelling up to two kilometres to get there. February is often the start of this annual migration, with males usually arriving first and waiting for females to join them.

This journey is not without danger. Roads frequently cut across traditional migration routes, and February is when toads are most at risk of being killed by traffic. This is why Toad Patrols and temporary road closures are so important at this time of year, they can make a huge difference to local populations.

Credit: Lorna Williamson

Breeding begins

Once at the pond, breeding activity quickly gets underway. Male toads may cling onto females in a behaviour known as amplexus, sometimes even before reaching the water. Females lay long strings of spawn, which are carefully wrapped around pond plants. A single female can lay thousands of eggs, giving the next generation a fighting chance.

Although spawning often peaks in March, mild Februaries can see breeding begin earlier, especially in the south of the UK.

Why February matters

February is a critical month for common toads. Their survival depends on safe migration routes, suitable breeding ponds and connected habitats that allow them to move through the landscape. Small actions, such as leaving leaf litter undisturbed, creating wildlife-friendly gardens, or supporting local Toad Patrols, can have a big impact.

As winter slowly loosens its grip, the appearance of common toads on the move is a powerful reminder that spring is on its way. Keep an eye out on warm, wet evenings, you might just spot one of these hardy amphibians beginning its annual journey.

What our animals are doing this month…

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Written by Jesse Ashman, Green Talent Placement

In December we usually see less of our species as they should be brumating for the winter months. Brumation is similar to the more well-known hibernation, except that they will not become completely dormant and will come out for brief periods of foraging.

With that in mind, what is the common frog doing this month?

Unlike other amphibians, frogs don’t like to travel far and may bury themselves in the mud at the bottom of ponds waiting out the winter for breeding season to arrive again. This strategy keeps them safe from predators, but puts them at risk of lack of oxygen if a pond freezes over completely.

 

A good way to prevent this is to put a ball in your pond before a frost, which will create a small gap in the ice for any amphibians to use to grab some air.

You’re not likely to see many frogs during December, but if you do, it’s because they’ll be making the most of any milder weather to pop up and hunt for bugs.

Being cold-blooded means common frogs are sometimes assumed to prefer cooler weather – this is not true! Frogs need external heat sources like the sun to keep warm and like to come out when it’s warmer.

If you see a common frog in your pond this month don’t forget to record it on the Dragon Finder App so we can monitor their population and behaviours.

What our animals are doing this month…

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Early Frogspawn Sightings: A Sign of the Times?

As autumn deepens and temperatures begin to drop, our amphibians and reptiles are settling into their overwintering routines. In recent weeks, we’ve explored how these species prepare for the colder months, from their varying hibernation habits to the fascinating structures, like hibernaculum, where they take refuge until spring.

But did you know that November can sometimes bring surprising sightings of common frogspawn in the south of England?

Typically, common frogs (Rana temporaria) begin breeding as spring approaches, with spawn sightings most common from January through to March depending on regional climate. However, there have been increasing reports, particularly from Cornwall, of frogspawn appearing as early as November, well before winter has even begun in earnest.

Such changes in breeding behaviour may be one of many signs of how amphibians are adapting, or struggling to adapt, to the effects of climate change.

So, what’s going on?

This unusual behaviour could be a response to the milder autumns and winters that the UK now experiences more frequently. Warmer conditions may confuse frogs into thinking that spring has arrived early. Alternatively, it could represent an evolutionary strategy, an attempt to gain an early start in the breeding season. However, this comes with significant risks: sudden drops in temperature could freeze the spawn, threatening its survival.

Such changes in breeding behaviour may be one of many signs of how amphibians are adapting, or struggling to adapt, to the effects of climate change. Seasonal shifts and unpredictable weather patterns are reshaping their natural cues, and we’re only beginning to understand the consequences.

That’s why monitoring these trends is so vital. At Froglife, we rely on public sightings and citizen science to help us track changes in amphibian and reptile behaviour across the UK.

You can make a real difference by submitting your observations using our free Dragon Finder App, available on both Android and iPhone. Every record helps us protect these remarkable species and understand how they’re responding to a changing world.

What our animals are doing this month

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Common Lizards in October

As the crisp days of October arrive in the UK, our native common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) enters one of the most important stages of its year: preparing for brumation (similar to hibernation, but animals will only come out during warmer periods in winter). These reptiles, often spotted basking in summer sunshine, are now shifting their behaviour to cope with falling temperatures and shorter days.

common lizard

 

Seasonal Behaviour

  • Reduced Activity: Being cold-blooded, lizards depend on external warmth to stay active. By October, the cooler air and weaker sunlight mean they spend far less time basking and feeding.

  • Searching for Shelter: Instead of roaming in search of prey, they begin looking for hibernation sites, known as hibernacula, where they will remain hidden until spring.

 

 

Choosing a Brumation Spot

Common lizards seek out safe places that provide:

  • Frost Protection – deep vegetation, old tree stumps, or burrows that stay above freezing.

  • Moisture – enough dampness to prevent dehydration, but not waterlogged.

  • Cover from Predators – hidden crevices or log piles that conceal them from birds, mammals, or even domestic pets.

These shelters are vital to survival, as a poorly chosen site could leave the lizard vulnerable during the long winter. Find out more about how to build shelters for wildlife at home on our website.  

 

Young Lizards in October

Juveniles, born in late summer, face an especially tough challenge. They have only a few weeks to feed and build strength before cold weather forces them underground. October is a critical month in their development, and only those that find secure hibernation spots are likely to emerge again in spring.

 

Spotting Lizards in Autumn

While sightings are less common, it is still possible to see lizards on mild October days. They may bask briefly in weak sunshine to top up their body heat before returning to cover. By the end of the month, however, most will have vanished from view completely.

If you spot dead (make sure they’re dead and not hibernating during the winter months) or diseased reptiles or amphibians, please report them to our partners at Garden Wildlife Health.

Remember to record any sightings on our free Dragon Finder app. This helps us see how reptiles are fairing in the UK. Reptiles are vastly under-reported! 

 

How You Can Help

If you manage a garden or local green space, you can make conditions friendlier for common lizards by:

  • Leaving log or rock piles undisturbed.

  • Avoiding cutting back dense vegetation in autumn.

  • Creating wild corners where lizards can hunt and later hibernate.

These simple actions can provide vital refuges for reptiles as they prepare for the cold months.

 

In Summary

By October, common lizards are winding down their year, seeking safe winter homes where they will remain in torpor until spring sunshine returns. For wildlife watchers, this is the last chance to spot them before their seasonal disappearance and a reminder of just how carefully adapted they are to Britain’s changing seasons.

What our animals are doing this month…

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September: A Key Month for the Adder

As summer draws to a close, September marks a turning point for one of the UK’s most fascinating native reptiles, the adder (Vipera berus). This month brings a shift in their behaviour, with individuals beginning the journey back to their overwintering sites, where they’ll eventually spend the colder months in hibernation.

Heading Home for Winter

From September onwards, adders start moving towards their overwintering locations, places they often return to year after year. These hibernation spots, known as hibernacula, are usually sunny, south-facing embankments that provide shelter from frosts, rain, and predators. Common examples include old mammal burrows, hollow tree stumps, root systems, tussocks, rockeries, and even piles of dead wood.

Once near these sites, the snakes can still be spotted basking in the sun well into late October, only retreating fully when the weather makes it necessary.

September: Prime Adder-Spotting Season

For wildlife enthusiasts, early autumn can be a fantastic time to see adders in the wild. As the days cool, they tend to spend more time basking in open areas during sunny spells. This behaviour helps them regulate their body temperature before the long winter ahead.

Adders are relatively easy to identify thanks to their distinctive features: a bold dark zig-zag pattern along their back, a red iris with a vertical pupil, and an average length of 60–80cm.

Sun-Lovers with a Safety Plan

Even as temperatures drop, adders will bask in surprisingly cool weather, provided the sun is shining. However, they’re careful about where they choose to do it. Ideal basking spots offer both warmth and safety, with sunny exposure and long vegetation nearby, often about the length of the snake’s own body, providing quick cover if a predator passes by.

A Seasonal Spectacle

September’s combination of cooler temperatures and bursts of autumn sunshine makes it one of the best times to appreciate this often-misunderstood reptile. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife watcher or just enjoy a walk in nature, keeping an eye out for the adder can be a rewarding experience, just remember to observe from a respectful distance, for both your safety and theirs.

And don’t forget, if you spot any reptiles, amphibians, or even their eggs, make sure to record your sightings on our FREE Dragon Finder App.

Your observations help us track populations and protect the habitats of these wonderful wild creatures.

What our animals are doing this month…

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Basking in the Sun: Summer Adventures of the Grass Snake

While many animals retreat to shaded havens during the heat of the August sun, one elusive reptile takes full advantage of the warmth, the grass snake.

These shy yet captivating creatures are often seen basking on sun-drenched rocks, riverbanks, or compost heaps. As cold-blooded reptiles, grass snakes rely entirely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Basking helps them warm up enough to move, hunt, and digest food. But even sun lovers have their limits. When the temperature rises too high, grass snakes will slither off into hedgerows or even plunge into nearby rivers and ponds to cool down. Believe it or not, they are excellent swimmers!

A Summer of Survival and Courtship

Summer is not just about sunbathing for grass snakes, it’s a season of vital importance for reproduction. During the warmer months, males are on the move, searching for females to perform their subtle and fascinating courtship rituals. Once mating is successful, females must then find the perfect spot to lay their eggs.

Between June and July, female grass snakes often choose warm, damp environments such as compost heaps or rotting vegetation to deposit their eggs. These natural incubators provide the steady warmth and humidity needed for the eggs to develop safely. By August, some of these eggs may have already hatched, meaning that lucky observers might spot tiny juveniles navigating their first summer in the wild.

What’s on the Menu?

Grass snakes are skilled hunters with a diet that mainly consists of amphibians: frogs, toads, and newts are particular favourites. They also consume small fish and, from time to time, may snack on small mammals. Their excellent swimming abilities give them an advantage when hunting in aquatic environments, allowing them to glide effortlessly through ponds and streams in search of prey.

A Slithery Fun Fact

Here’s something you might not know: grass snakes are the only snake species in the UK that lays eggs. Other British snakes, like the adder and smooth snake, give birth to live young. This unique trait makes the grass snake a fascinating species to watch, especially during the summer breeding season.

Have You Spotted One?

If you’re out enjoying nature this summer, keep an eye out for grass snakes basking in the sun or gliding through the water. And don’t forget, if you spot any reptiles, amphibians, or even their eggs, make sure to record your sightings on our FREE Dragon Finder App.

Your observations help us track populations and protect the habitats of these wonderful wild creatures.

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