Frog Fest “Party Line” – Popular call list shines light on springtime courtship behaviors.
Gray Tree Frog males occupy positions in the shrubs around woodland pools to broadcast trilling mating calls to prospective females. These calling posts also serve as guard towers to vigorously defend against rival males vying for better position.
The fun part is honing in on the calls to locate camouflaged cavaliers with the aid of a flashlight, says Naturalist Dan Best.
Don’t delay – get your name on Geauga Park District’s Frog Fest “Party Line” call list to witness the natural phenomenon of spring Gray Tree Frog and Green Frog breeding behavior at The West Woods.
March to May, warm, rainy conditions bring amphibians to wooded wetlands to mate and lay eggs. In this progression, tree frogs are late to the party, followed by Jefferson and Spotted Salamanders, Wood Frogs, Spring Peepers and American Toads.
Once you register for the call list at Geauga Park District or 440-286-9516, expect a call sometime mid-May to mid-June the late afternoon on the day of the program, or possibly the day before, and choose appropriate clothing and flashlights for your visit. Program activities will be held 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. that night.
“People have to take seriously the line about ‘short notice,’” added Naturalist Dan, as his decision is based on the amount and timing of rain, temperature and more.
Wetland areas visited during this program feature boardwalk and paved trails with ADA-OK grades for wheelchairs and strollers. This always-popular, all-ages, Nature’s-Not-to-Be-Missed opportunity WILL fill quickly, so naturalists recommend signing up today.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via Geauga Park District, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
