I miss the singing
Written by Dr. Dolittle on February 8, 2010 – 11:53 am -
It’s quiet in East Texas when the tree frogs go silent for the winter. They make an awful racket all summer long and the closer you are, the louder the noise. Since we don’t live right next to a body of water we hear them from a distance, making their song a pleasant backdrop in the evenings. After almost stepping on him one fall day last year, this little guy jumped to the side of an outbuilding. He would become virtually invisible in the grass once he hopped down, being in danger of being stepped on. There was nothing but open space and cats between him and the nearest tree line, and being the sucker I am, I moved him to the trees to make sure he had plenty of places to hide. He didn’t react much. Who knows, he may have enjoyed the ride.
American green tree frog (Hyla cinerea)
Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments »
February 11th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Adorable! I love these little guys. I’m glad you moved it to a better spot.
February 15th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
I love his color so I took my time moving him. He probably didn’t understand a word I said, but I enjoyed the conversation.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:51 am
How kind of you to relocate him. Did he struggle when you picked him up?
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:01 am
You are lucky..here in NY, we only get to hear them for a few weeks in the springHoH-a territorial dispute between two bullfrogs. and then they go quiet…
February 24th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Why is it that I can often hear tree frogs but cannot see them? This one surely stands out on this particular tree!
February 26th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
To Joy K.: No, he didn’t even use his natural defense on me. We had a good one-sided conversation during the trip to the trees. Thanks for visiting!
February 26th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
To Amber Coakley: The little rascals normally fall quiet when we approach. Stand still long enough and their desire to be heard will over-ride caution and they will start their song again. Then they are easier to spot. They will hide on the opposite side of the tree or branch from you, so peek slowly. Thanks for visiting!
March 1st, 2010 at 7:12 am
To ramblingwoods: As an ex-New Yorker I feel your pain! The last few days here in Texas have brought out tree frogs in full force, and boy are they vocal. It’s a pleasant reminder that spring in creeping in on us regardless of what the weatherman predicts. Thanks for visiting.