The Call of the Frog

The Gray Tree Frog is just one of many amphibious species looking for mates in the Spring months. (Courtesy Bev Wigney)

Spring is such a sound-rich time of year! And it’s not just birds making a joyful noise. Frogs are out there advertising themselves as potential mates as well. So I thought this would be a good time to offer up a primer on whose saying what — amphibian-wise.

OK – let’s start with an easy one.
SFX: Spring Peepers
Of course, everyone knows those are spring peepers. They are among our most common frogs and probably have the longest breeding season.

Next up is a species often found in your garden but for the next few weeks anyway, will be whistling away in water bodies everywhere.
SFX: American Toad.
That’s the trill of an American Toad.

Now this amphibian is often mistaken for a bird, because its musical message often comes from high up instead of low down.
SFX: Grey tree frog.
That’s the gray tree frog, which, as it name implies, hangs out in places more often arboreal than aquatic.

Next up is a frog that one often hears while hanging out by a lake on a summer evening.
SFX: Bullfrog
People used to say the bullfrog, (which this is) was saying, "jug o rum." But now, thanks to a certain beer commercial, everyone claims the frog is citing a more modern brew. Which, I guess, kind of goes along with the hanging out by lake in summer!

The final contestant for today is the green frog, whose call, I think, sounds like a guitar being plucked. Or at least, a guitar when I’m trying to play one.
SFX: Green frog

OK! Quick recap: You’ve heard spring peepers
SFX: Spring Peepers
American Toad,
SFX: American Toad.
Gray Tree Frog,
SFX: Grey tree frog.
Bull Frog,
SFX: Bullfrog
and Green Frog.
SFX: Green frog
I hope your spring is phenomenonally frog-filled and fun!