The songs start sometimes as early as February. First it’s the Western Chorus Frogs that climb out of winter hibernation. Their song is similar to that of rubbing your thumb down a comb. Next the Spring Peepers chime in. At times, their call is so deafening you can hear it in a house with windows and doors closed! As spring temperatures rise the peeps are joined by Leopard frogs, American Toads and Bullfrogs.
By Memorial Day, you could be lucky enough to hear the banging call of Cricket Frogs on a hot sunny day! Male frogs call to attract a mate at which time the female will lay fertilized eggs in water. The water can be permanent like a river, lake or pond or it can be temporary like a spring pool that dries up just in time for metamorphosis to take place!
Venture out with Darke County Park’s naturalists on Thursday evening May 20 at 6pm to visit a couple local known frog habitat sites. If weather cooperates, park naturalists expect to hear toads, bullfrogs and more! Dress for the possibility of getting wet. Registration is required by visiting www.darkecountyparks.org. For more information or questions email info@darkecountyparks.org or call Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center at 937-548-0165.