Frogs Getting Fruity

No, that isn't the title of a kinky porno film. One of the pleasures of living in this part of Texas is the rich and varied plant and animal life. At night you often get a chorus of critters; crickets, cicadas, the occasional owl and coyote, and then there's the frogs. Our back porch was frequently visited by a tree frog last summer that of course we named Kermit. As far as I know there were a number of Kermits, but seeing as how frogs don't wear name tags, I preferred the thought that one frog thought my porch was a special place.

Since there are empty lots on either side of the house, plus a flood control ditch outside the sound wall, there is ample space for critter habitats. Whenever it rains, the more aquatic types, such as frogs, make a beeline for any newly formed bodies of water. Well, last Friday we had a whopper of a storm that left at least a couple inches of badly needed rain behind. For the frogs, it was as if they had suddenly ingested massive amounts of espresso. They were so bursting with energy they decided to express their joy in song.

When my wife and I sat on the porch last night, we were deafened by serenading frogs. I could distinguish at least four distinct sounds, which I assumed came from four different species. Considering it is still Spring, (despite heat and humidity the last few days that are more indicative of August), it is probably safe to assume most of the frogs were looking for mates. The exception was one who made the rounds of the porch. It wasn't Kermit, though. I'm not sure what species it was, but apparently it was more interested in finding food than making tadpoles.

But his mates were sowing their wild oats. At times the sounds seemed like they had reached a crescendo, so it was easy imagining a group of frogs enjoying the happy ending. That's ok, since the cycle of nature dictates a species must reproduce to survive.

However, I will be thrilled if they can show as much enthusiasm in controlling the population explosion of bugs also brought out by the rain.