Some years ago I stayed in a hotel in the Finger Lakes district of New York State. Just outside the window was a pond and all night long I heard a frog call consisting of a single staccato “gunk”.
The first thing I did back in Toronto was head to Sam the Record Man (you may remember that place) and purchase a recording of frog and toad calls.
The “gunk” eminates from the Green Frog.
Green Frog
Back in April I visited Taylor Creek Park.
On that day, I explored the western section. Today I journeyed east.
While walking, I encountered 4 boys who were intent on catching frogs (one of my favourite hobbies at their age). They didn’t catch any as I watched but they did point out the location of several Green Frogs.
Green Frog
Some people interpret that “gunk” sound as being similar to the sound of a banjo and refer to this frog as a “banjo” frog.
Green FrogGreen FrogGreen Frog
Other life:
Mallard Mallard (female)Mallard Carolina GrasshopperNorthern Paper WaspNorthern Paper wasp Northern Paper WaspWhirligig beetlesWhirligig beetlesWater StriderCommon Whitetail
Thanks to Ken Sproule for assistance in insect identification.
“And pray, who are you?” Said the Violet blue To the Bee, with surprise, At his wonderful size, In her eyeglass of dew. “I, madam,” quoth he, “Am a publican Bee, Collecting the tax Of honey and wax. Have you nothing for me?” – John Bannister Tabb (1845ā1909)
Poor frogs!
But I’ll be honest–I wasn’t immune to doing such things myself, when I was a kid.
I love Taylor Creek Park, and really miss it. So much beauty there! Thank you for showing it to us.
And frogs? I love seeing and hearing them. Some of them are so musical, giving people a musical chorus which I love to listen to (I know you must appreciate it too, Miles!) I love to laugh at (and imitate) the sound of the “gunkers”. Thanks, Miles (and Ken)!
Very informative
Poor frogs!
But I’ll be honest–I wasn’t immune to doing such things myself, when I was a kid.
I love Taylor Creek Park, and really miss it. So much beauty there! Thank you for showing it to us.
And frogs? I love seeing and hearing them. Some of them are so musical, giving people a musical chorus which I love to listen to (I know you must appreciate it too, Miles!) I love to laugh at (and imitate) the sound of the “gunkers”. Thanks, Miles (and Ken)!
Lovely inspiring photos and so informative. I go into these valleys often and will now be able to try to identify some of the flora and fauna.