Transylvania travels.

We were on the herpetology survey, in the middle of the blazing Romania summer. It's over 30 degrees out in the open, and sweat is already starting to ooze down my back. I am armed with my trusty net and backpack full of jars and snacks. Having rounded a local on horseback towing a cart full of fresh milk, I see the lid of a drain. Many amphibians seek shelter from the fierce heat during the day and so avoid the worst of it, this could be an opportunity! My expert in the field, Simon, helps us lift the lid. Upon inspection the drain contains nothing, we straighten up and begin to move on, but wait! I spot a reflection down below. It is a common toad, squatting on the edge. Between myself and Simon we capture it and record the data. Day well spent.