{Central Oklahoma}
This evening, I went out to close up the henhouse. It was the early part of the evening and had just gotten fully dark. As I was walking through the backyard, I heard the distinct soft-chirpy trill of Grey Tree Frogs {Hyla Versicolor}. We call them tree toads locally because their blunt, rought features look more toad than pointy and slick like a frog.
You can hear Grey Tree Frog calls on this video, I found on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/...
I checked an old plastic garbage can sitting in the back behind our well-house, and inside were two Grey Tree Frogs.
All last summer during the drought we had anywhere from 4 to 9 tree frogs inside of this old can at any time, because it was dark, and it provided shade inside and some moisture from water collecting in the bottom. It also provided shelter from the chickens who would find tree frogs tasty treats.
Grey Tree frogs are unusual in their behavior. They seem unafraid of humans and even curious. I have had them jump on my head for a ride while doing yard work. It doesn't happen often, but on occasion. When they decide the ride is over, they jump off. I found this video on youtube in which the tree frog exhibited similar behavior.
http://www.youtube.com/...
We also find them clinging to the siding of our outbuildings, singing and hunting.
I went inside and got the kids to come out with our flashlights so we could all have a look. They were very excited to see the tree frogs in their favorite hangout. We didn't hear any toads tonight in the distance, only peepers and maybe some leopard frogs.
Something else worthy of note: The day before--March 18th, I saw the first Bumble Bee of the season. It appeared to be a Bombus Impatiens. I am not absolutely sure, because as luck would have it, I did not have my camera with me. She appeared to be scouting out a nest site in my tomato patch, because I had mulched with straw. Bumble bees love straw. They will make nests in hay bales if given the opportunity. You can see an example of a Bombus Impatiens at this site: http://bugguide.net/...
Also seen on this day, a variety of sweat bees [Halictus] and maybe some Mason Bees. I have noticed that this early in the season, all bees --all bugs are cagey and will rarely land on anything if I am present and close by. More than likely because the birds are hungry as well and will snatch them out of the air if given half a chance.
You can see examples of Halictus here: http://bugguide.net/...
And Mason bees: http://bugguide.net/...
More than likely someone is raising the Mason Bees.
Today's storms should have gotten us out of the drought, perhaps even put us a little ahead rain-wise. We received 4 inches in about an hour, which is not the usual in these parts. There was widespread flooding of local streets--so driving could be inconvenient if not hazardous.
We were expecting hail last night. I am not sure if we got any. But the wind did howl. I took precautions and covered my tomatoes and peppers up with bottomless milk jugs, upside down flower pots. That way the rain could get in, but drain easily, and the wind and hail could not shred the plants.
We are expecting more rain tonight and tomorrow. It's good because it will bring us a bit more back into balance for this area. I am really hoping that this summer will not be so hot and so dry.