nature

Critter time at Hunt Library

Critter time at Hunt Library

From left, Eli Sher, Noah Sher and Samuel Leers examined scat samples and other interesting items from the animal kingdom at the David M. Hunt Library July 26.

Patrick L. Sullivan

FALLS VILLAGE — A toad stole the show at the David M. Hunt Library Saturday morning, July 26.

The occasion was a visit from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Elisa Black.

Black works at the Kellogg Environmental Center and Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby and puts on educational events at schools and libraries around the state.

This one was based on a children’s book, “Around the Pond: Who’s Been Here?” written and illustrated by Lindsay Barrett George.

In the book two children take a walk to a pond in search of blueberries and discover signs of eight different wild creatures that live in and around the pond.

Black had a couple of big canvas pieces covered with large colored circles spread out on the lawn. (It was reminiscent of a game of Twister.)

The children could recreate the pond walk, using props Black brought along, such as scat from different animals (some real, some replica), various hides and pelts, and bones, including skulls and jaws.

Black also had the tools of the wildlife spotter’s trade, such as magnifying glasses and wildlife and plant guidebooks.

The latter came in handy. The children were about to gather in a semicircle around Black, who was set to read the book to them.

But young Samuel Leers spotted something hopping in the grass.

It was a toad.

The toad allowed itself to be gathered by Samuel, and the group clustered together to admire it.

Black asked that the toad be put back down so it could be on its way.

The toad showed no inclination to escape to a quieter place.

Instead it hopped right into the center of the semicircle.

Black alertly put down the children’s book and grabbed a field guide instead.

The next several minutes were devoted to a discussion of toads, their general habits, and hopping ability as compared to frogs.

Eventually the toad declared “mission accomplished” and hopped away, and the regularly scheduled program resumed.

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