Frogs are pretty noisy at this time of year. Rosemary helps us to distinguish one call from another.
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!
