BenjaminKabel

Based on geography, the American Toad is the more common species.

But (and isn't there always a but), there are sometimes hybrids of the two species as well!

Jerk toads...

I'd lay some money that this is actually a toad.

There are two species of toads in New Jersey, the American Toad (Bufo americanus) and the Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousii fowleri). Based on this picture, I couldn't differentiate between the two.

Here's a link, see if it helps you:

http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensp/fieldguid...

I think you're probably correct and that this is a Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina) and I got my pictures of baby mantids confused. Thanks for the catch ForestDragon!

I did use a flash, and no, this is the only picture I have.

After consulting a couple guides, I believe this bird to be a blue grosbeak.

The primary indicator, best seen when zooming in (something I have not learned to do with PN, if it's possible) are the brown wings.

Indigo Bunting was what I was leaning towards as well, but I have yet to consult a bird book.

And, of course, close-ups are nice, but my cellphone can only do so much.

Way cool! I've never had the pleasure of seeing a live one.

Are you reasonably near a source of water? I suspect this is a chimney belonging to a crayfish (commonly referred to as devil crayfish).

I agree with you Aaron, R. hamatus it is, though I had to look at quite a few pictures before I found one that made me feel comfortable with that agreement. The fringe along the wings was killing me, but it didn't look anything like either of the other two Rasahus species available.

Yeah, holding him by the jaw isn't ideal, but with a hook as far down as he took this one, there weren't a lot of other options. This picture was taken in between hook removal attempts.